Barnsdall Art Park

Tricia Avenido 4 months ago

This is a relatively small park, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with amazing views of the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and the general palm tree swept landscape of L.A. It's also where you can see Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in person in the Hollyhock House. The house is very angular, but I can see in the almost sand sculpture-like stone carvings the abstract interpretations of the flower. That being said, I wish there were more hollyhocks on the property or maybe they just weren't in bloom. You're free to take all the photos you want outside, but leading into the house I saw a sign saying "No entry without a ticket beyond this point" as well as an image of a camera with a slash across it. Ironically, though, I've seen people post photos of the interior, so I don't know what the deal is with that. Also, it's supposedly closed on Sunday, but I came on a Sunday and the door was open and people were taking a tour. While looking at Google Maps, I saw that there's another Frank Lloyd Wright building they're working on called Residence A, but as of right now I don't think it's open to the public yet. Since looking at the outside of the Hollyhock House and the sweeping views is relatively quick, you can kill more time looking at the art buildings also on the property. I came when the art gallery was closed, but if you go to the Barnsdall Junior Arts Center, you can see murals and sculptures outside. And I don't know if the stone carvings are original or just recreated to match the Frank Lloyd Wright house, but I saw near the restrooms of the Arts Center stone carvings that you can actually get up close to. I looked up who Barnsdall was and she was an oil baron heiress who hired Frank Lloyd Wright to build the house and then she donated it and the land to the city to be an arts center. She also dedicated it to her father. As for parking, there's 3 areas: The bottom level where you'll have to take the stairs to get up to the main area, but if you drive up further onto Upper Road (turn right at the fork) you can park right up front where the views are, or you can turn left at the fork onto Lower Road and try to find parking by the Arts Center, but there will be signs saying certain areas are reserved for students and staff. I came when classes weren't in session, so I was ok, but even then I still tried to keep my distance from those reserved signs just in case, especially since there's security prowling the grounds. If you're a tourist, I can see the appeal of this place since you can check off a bunch of sites in one go. I live in L.A. and even though I've been here already a few times, at the very least the views don't fail to impress.

Lawrence Dotson a month ago

A historical gem in the pit of Hollywood. It looks best on an overcast day early in the morning when the Z Gen dog walkers and geriatric athletes populate the upper terraces.

jkus eats 5 months ago

Great sunset view of Los Angeles. as well as the Hollywood hills with the iconic Hollywood sign and Griffith observatory visible from the distance. Lots of picnics happening on weekends, and the available Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery nearby.

龔振勝 a year ago

Hey! Nice little park where the Hollyhock House designed by infamous Frank Lloyd-Wright is located! That house is only opened for a couple days of the week, so make sure to check the hours & pay the entry fees to get in. If you can't get in though, just walking around this park is still nice! Great high point to see other parts of the city.

YourGirl Peaches a month ago

Great place to have a picnic, watch the sunset, hang out with friends. I was recently there for a friend's birthday party. You don't have to reserve a spot but you do have to have someone get there early to secure a spot. Parking can be tough and is limited. Designated handicap parking spots are available.