Barnsdall Art Park

Historic Hilltop Setting

Barnsdall Art Park is an 11.5-acre cultural center and public park located in the East Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Situated atop Olive Hill, the park offers sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Hills, including Griffith Park and the iconic Hollywood sign.

The park was established in 1927 when oil heiress and arts patron Aline Barnsdall donated the land and its structures to the City of Los Angeles for arts and recreational purposes.

Architectural Significance

At the heart of the park stands Hollyhock House, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as Barnsdall's residence. Completed in 1921, Hollyhock House is considered Wright's first Los Angeles project and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

Cultural Offerings

Barnsdall Art Park serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various art exhibitions, classes, and community events throughout the year. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, located within the park, showcases contemporary art exhibitions.

The Barnsdall Art Center and Junior Arts Center offer art classes for adults and children, continuing Aline Barnsdall's vision of an accessible arts center for the community.

Natural Landscape

The park's landscape features a historic olive grove, with some trees dating back to the late 19th century when the hill was an olive orchard. Recent restoration efforts have revitalized the grove, adding new olive trees to complement the existing ones.

The park also includes grassy areas ideal for picnics, relaxation, and enjoying the panoramic views of Los Angeles.

Management

Barnsdall Art Park is owned by the City of Los Angeles and operated by its Department of Cultural Affairs, with support from the Department of Recreation and Parks. The Barnsdall Art Park Foundation, a non-profit organization, assists in managing the park's activities and supporting its cultural initiatives.