You See LA: December 2023
Five things to see and do in L.A., handpicked by the Fowler Museum’s Erica P. Jones
The arts are an essential part of UCLA. They inspire dialogue, encourage creativity, and drive real lasting change, across disciplines, borders, and backgrounds. They also create opportunities for increased engagement with our surrounding communities.
Erica P. Jones, senior curator of African arts and manager of curatorial affairs at the Fowler Museum at UCLA, has curated a diverse selection of things to see and do in Los Angeles.
Forest Lawn Museum and grounds
Exterior of the Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale, which is next to the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection where the enormous painting The Crucifixion, by Polish artist Jan Styka, is on display. (James Fishburne)
When you arrive at the top of Mount Forest Lawn (yes, it really is called that), you will be astonished by the quiet of this place. It is a stillness that is made more remarkable by the vistas of the frenetic city below. The small museum, under the leadership of UCLA alum James Fishburne, consistently showcases exciting and unexpected exhibitions. There is more to explore beyond the museum as the cemetery grounds are peppered with historical stained glass, buildings designed in a charming range of European pastiches, and marble and bronze replica Renaissance sculptures. The fact that the modern reproductions and Renaissance originals are carved from stone originating from the same Italian quarry tickles my brain in the most pleasing way.
One could easily spend hours at this cemetery — a phrase rarely said — because another not-to-be-missed experience is the newly updated program showcasing Jan Styka’s The Crucifixion. The hourly audiovisual program eloquently and dramatically contextualizes the bygone style of Panorama painting and tells a compelling story of the life of this painting. It is one of those experiences that leaves you questioning, “Has this always been here and why didn’t I know about it?”
Destroyer
Destroyer's crispy chicken schnitzel is just one example of the restaurant's carefully arranged, uncoventional dishes. (Erica P. Jones)
This place is so delicious. I’m sure that proper food critics have made much more profound statements about the offerings at Destroyer, but all I know is that I could eat that crispy chicken schnitzel every single day (not that anyone would advise an all-schnitzel diet). Seemingly everything on the menu has a component that is foamed, pearled, puffed, and/or emulsified, adding a little boost of joy to every dish; an excellent example of food science being used for good and not evil. As a bonus, the people watching and eavesdropping is top notch.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City includes strange scientific discoveries and intricate artwork. (Maryrose Kulick / Daily Bruin)
Describing the experience of visiting the Museum of Jurassic Technology always feels like something of a fool’s errand. I’ve lost count of the number of friends and relatives I’ve implored to “just trust me” when I take them there. Surreal, overstuffed, cerebral, confusing, a modern day Wunderkammer — all would be apt descriptions. All of those monikers make it an interesting place to visit, but what makes me come back time and again is that, with each return, I know something different, something that I’ve overlooked or not considered, will capture my fancy. The last time I visited it was Dogs of the Soviet Space Program, an installation of appropriately majestic and refined portraits of the first living animals to leave our planet.
I’ll always love this museum as that first place that made me think about how museums present knowledge and what a museum can be. I love it even more for my memories of visiting as a student with the beloved Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance Professor Polly Nooter Roberts. And I know I’ll keep having new reasons to love this place because every time I bring someone there for the first time, they say something or see something that makes me look and think anew as well. Also, don’t miss the aviary with tea and cookies on the roof because who doesn’t like tea and cookies.
The Proud Bird – Food Bazaar and Events Center
Planes on display at The Proud Bird – Food Bazaar and Events Center near LAX. (Erica P. Jones)
As a mom of two small children, this place is an L.A. gem. Multiple friends told me not to include it on the list for fear of word getting out, but I think that ship (or plane?) has probably sailed. For those of you whose lives are not ruled by tiny dictators who love airplanes, Proud Bird might not be for you (or it might!), but I know of no better spot in L.A. where you can find a play structure, pretty good BBQ, and a prime viewing spot for all the planes landing at LAX. Who knew that dinner with a side of jet fuel could be one of the finest toddler dining spots in town?
Aduke Nigerian Cuisine and Lounge
A plate of food from Aduke, a Nigerian restaurant in Inglewood, California. (Aduke)
L.A. is already known for its Ethiopian food, but the Nigerian fare is similarly not to be missed. Aduke has had a couple locations, but they are now situated in Inglewood and their menu continues to be my favorite of any West African cuisine in town. I’m partial to their Egusi stew, and I would recommend getting a range of swallows to see which is your favorite. Seriously, just give in and over order, you won’t be disappointed. If over ordering isn’t your thing, I at least implore you to get a side of chin-chin. I firmly believe that everyone needs to try chin-chin because, step aside pretzels, chin-chin really is the best snack when traveling, having a beer, or looking for something to nosh on between meals…ok, at any time, it is the best snack at any time.
Header image: The exterior of the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City. (Erica P. Jones)
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