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Central Docents, Central Library

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Rotunda Globe

Lee Lawrie

January 07, 2015

Anyone who's taken our free daily docent tour of the L.A. Central Library has seen the many contributions that architectural sculptor Lee Lawrie made to the library's 1926 Goodhue Building.


Sculptures in front of the library

Hartley Burr Alexander: Not Your Typical 20th Century Philosopher

December 04, 2014

If you’ve ever taken a tour of the Central Library, you’ve probably heard mention of Hartley Burr Alexander, the man who worked with architect Bertram Goodhue on the theme and symbolism of the historic 1926 building.


front steps of the library with festive balloons

History of the Printed Word, Step-by-Step

November 04, 2014

The magnificent stairs at the Flower Street entrance of the Central Library have had several lives. Originally designed by the library’s architect, Bertram Goodhue in 1926, they were plain steps between three pools of plants and cool water.


The Seven Centers Ceiling in the Main Lobby

Renee Petropoulos & The Seven Centers Ceiling

September 29, 2014

When you meet your docent in the main lobby of the Central Library, the first art piece you'll see is the vibrant mural overhead that spans the vaulted ceiling. Our daily, free, hour-long art and architecture tour starts right there.


Mural Image

The Man Behind the Rotunda Murals

August 25, 2014

One of the most breathtaking stops on our daily Docent-led Art and Architecture Tours is the majestic Grand Rotunda, encircled by the pastel-toned murals by Dean Cornwell. Eighty years after their unveiling, the 12 panels of scenes from California history still feel modern.


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