Downtown Los Angeles has some of the best graffiti and murals in Los Angeles. Of course, the scene is ever green and ever changing so the murals come and go. Yesterday, we made our way to DTLA to see some of the awesome murals around Traction Avenue, Mateo Street, Alameda Street, 3rd and 4th St.
On this page, you will see the different murals around town in June 2021 as well as information that will help you navigate the district, should you decide to visit. Before you go, you must know that DTLA is not the most family-friendly place and there aren't many things for kids to do. Also, I will suggest that you leave the area before dark.
DIRECTIONS: We put Art District Brewery (828 TRACTION AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90013) in Google Maps and started our journey. Another option is to put KTCHN DTLA (428 S. Hewitt St
Los Angeles, CA 90013). I am suggesting these two spots because you are likely to find parking near these areas.
I personally love street art - It makes me feel alive! Art reflects life so... much of the art you see showcases life excesses, traumas, stark realities, socio-political movements and love. Street art is also a great way for artists to express themselves. Remember that murals are often created without any grids so, given the quality of the depictions, we are talking about some real talent here!
As you walk around the Arts District neighborhood, you will notice that old buildings have been converted in artist residences. Every Thursday, a non-profit organization called Downtown Art Walk organizes Art Walk, a self-guided experience of local galleries, artist studios and cultural events. Visit their website (https://www.downtownartwalk.org) to explore this as things changed during the pandemic.
It is easy to spend half a day in the Arts District. There are a ton of places to eat and drink here. Groundwork Coffee is fantastic (try the Venice option). Across is the Art District Brewery, if you fancy a game arcade with your beer. Angel Brewery has been around for ever. Urth Cafe and Cafe Gratitude are the best vegetarian options. Pizzanista! is good for pizza and casual late night drinks. Paratta and Sixth+Mill Pizzeria and Bar are some other suggestions.
With creativity comes innovation. The La Kretz Innovation Campus is all about clean teach innovation in Los Angeles, and it is an inclusive resource where LA startups get access to better planet initiatives. The Wisdome is LA's first and largest immersive art and music dome park and it is right here in DTLA. The League of Shadows (P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S) is a dramatic and permanent graduation space for SCI-Arc architecture school students (3-cube black structure).
Art Share LA is an affordable housing building in the district that provides equitable access to artists, giving them a creative environment to live, work, develop and perform. They have events and exhibits that you can enjoy post-pandemic.
Finally, a cool thing to note. Twice a year, there is an amazing event that takes place inside the industrial lofts that were once owned by the LA Brewing Company and the Edison Electric Steam Power Plant. Each of the those lofts is actually an artist home! The Artwalk takes place in the Spring and Fall, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, and admission is free. Find their website here: http://art.breweryartwalk.com/about
