You See LA: November 2022
Five things to see and do in Los Angeles handpicked by Alex Anderson '18
Alex Anderson is a Los Angeles-based artist working primarily in clay. A Fulbright Scholar and M.F.A. in ceramics from the school’s Department of Art, Alex actively exhibits his work in galleries and museums locally, nationally, and internationally. In addition to his artistic practice, Alex is a ceramics educator at the UCLA Geffen Academy, where he teaches students in grades 7-9.
If you ask people on the westside how often they visit downtown Los Angeles, many would probably share ideas of danger and unappealing smells. But to me, this often-overlooked, yet vibrant area is the most exciting and alive part of the city. It presents fabulous art deco architecture, a feeling of adventure, three of the city’s most prominent museums, and excellent urban planning. Here are a few places that make DTLA one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.
Grand Park
This 12-acre, multi-tiered green space holds community events, offers views of City Hall’s firework displays on New Year’s Eve, and even has a small botanical garden. Being there gives me a sense of place because of the iconic City Hall building and because it exists at the intersection of many of the region’s defining industries–art, culture, law, and politics. What makes Grand Park most special for me, however, is the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain: a massive, concrete, Saarinen-esque form that is especially striking at night when it is illuminated with lights that change color every few minutes. I love to go there on weekends and watch the fountain flow with a snack from Grand Central Market.
Grand Central Market
Tacos, sushi, ice cream, produce, baked goods, and cultural products are among the many appealing options Grand Central gives us. It is a DTLA landmark that draws people from all over the city for its variety and accessibility. Being from Seattle and having lived briefly in Philadelphia, it brings to mind places like Pike Place Market and Reading Terminal Market, respectively.
Top of City Hall
This free observation deck offers some of the best views of the city, and ones we do not often see in media representations of LA. We often see the classic vistas from Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, but from the top level of City Hall you can see East LA, Century City, Hollywood and the South Bay, depending on where you stand.
The Broad
The Broad is my favorite contemporary art museum. The rotating shows and permanent collection bring our recent art history textbooks and gallery-oriented Instagram feeds to life. The museum houses the collection of the namesake benefactor of the School of the Arts and Architecture and gives us insight into what this extremely prominent patron of the arts was drawn to thematically and aesthetically. Beyond the collection, the architecture of the space alone is worth the visit.
Los Angeles State Historic Park
Rolling green hills and gorgeous views of the downtown skyline define Los Angeles State Historic Park. It feels like Pan Pacific Park...but better. The metro runs parallel to the park, so it is very accessible and has an open, yet urban feel. This green space is a great place to run, picnic, or frolic with a pet. It also is technically in Chinatown, so it presents a separate array of fun activities and restaurants specific to the neighborhood.
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