Gloria Molina Grand Park

Urban Oasis in Downtown

Found in the heart of LA's civic center, Gloria Molina Grand Park spans 12 acres of refreshing green space between The Music Center and City Hall. This downtown green space provides a contrast to the surrounding urban environment.

Opened in July 2012, the park transformed the former Civic Center Mall as part of the larger Grand Avenue Project redevelopment. The LA-based Rios Clementi Hale Studios designed the space with elements that reflect the city's cultural diversity in its landscape and architecture.

The illuminated fountain creates a rosy glow against the evening sky

Photo: .Martin. (CC0 1.0)

Park Features

The park incorporates a 92-foot elevation change between Grand Avenue and City Hall, using connected terraces with staircases and accessible ramps throughout.

You'll find distinct areas including Fountain Plaza, Performance Lawn, Community Terrace, and Event Lawn - each designed for different activities and gatherings.

At the heart of the park stands the beautifully restored Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. It's been modernized with an interactive water feature - a shallow splash pool with 79 programmable jets and colorful LED lighting that creates changing patterns of light and color. On warm days, you can find kids (and kids at heart) cooling off in this playful space.

Need a caffeine fix? A Starbucks café sits within the park offering coffee with a view of the fountain. The park's distinctive pink movable chairs, tables, and benches scattered throughout provide plenty of spots to relax and people-watch.

Wide promenade leading toward Los Angeles City Hall at dusk

Photo: .Martin. (CC0 1.0)

Unique Landscaping

The landscaping here tells a story all its own. The park features drought-tolerant plants representing each of the world's six floristic kingdoms - a subtle nod to LA's diverse population.

Take a stroll along the pathways and you'll encounter thoughtfully arranged sage plants and native species that engage your senses. The well-maintained gardens create pleasant walkways that invite exploration and moments of tranquility in the midst of urban life.

Visitors stroll through the plaza near the Mark Taper Forum

Photo: Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg (CC BY 2.0)

Community Hub

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the park functions as a gathering place for Los Angeles residents. During the year, Grand Park hosts everything from cultural festivals to community activities. Major events like New Year's Eve celebrations and Fourth of July festivities draw thousands of visitors to the park.

You might catch concerts, outdoor movie screenings, yoga sessions, or cultural events like the beautiful altar displays during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Its central location also makes it a natural gathering spot for downtown workers on lunch breaks and a meaningful venue for public demonstrations.

Peace on Earth sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz stands prominently in the plaza

Photo: Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg (CC BY 2.0)

Amenities

The practical stuff matters too - clean public restrooms are available near the Starbucks and splash pad area. And good news for dog parents: the park is dog-friendly, but your four-legged friends need to stay on leash.

Open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Gloria Molina Grand Park offers a welcoming green retreat whether you're seeking a morning meditation spot, a sunny lunch locale, or an evening respite in downtown LA.