central library architecture

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El puente de la Biblioteca Central
Nicholas Clayton, February 22, 2023

Los libros son puentes a otros mundos y experiencias, nos unen a una rica tradición de la palabra escrita por todos los siglos. Hay un rincón en la biblioteca que forma parte de esta historia, no solamente de papel, sino también de hierro.


 The Cheltenham Alphabet Spout, designed by Jud Fine, which graces LUCID, the middle of three ponds in Spine.
Central Docents, February 17, 2018

After nearly a century, the Los Angeles Central Library still reflects architect Bertram G. Goodhue's vision that buildings should be “literate,” using symbolic expressions to make them distinctive and eternal.


 Photo of Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue
Central Docents, January 19, 2018

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a bookmaking revival in the greater Boston/New York area, and Bertram Goodhue was thoroughly involved, influential, and supportive.


Richard J. Riordan Central Library
Central Docents, December 09, 2017

Architect Bertram G. Goodhue (1869-1924) was a gifted and multi-faceted artist. He began drawing as a young child, first with pen and pencil and later with watercolors.


Central Library Atrium. Detail of the chevron design motif at the base of a column.
Central Docents, May 05, 2017

For 50 years, nationally recognized architect Norman Pfeiffer has applied creativity, innovation, and technical proficiency to an impressive portfolio of outstanding renovations and additions to library and arts buildings throughout the country.


Illuminations, a series of lanterns by Ann Preston in the Bradley Wing. Photo courtesy of Karina Buck
Central Docents, March 15, 2017

A highlight of our docent tours is Ann Preston's Illuminations, a series of lanterns that descend the southern escalator landings of the Tom Bradley Wing.


Tower Reconstruction, 1991.
Central Docents, February 10, 2017

The shortest answer to the question of importance is that without the funds which the city received for the sale of the air rights above the Central Library site, we might not have the Goodhue Building today. Instead of being renovated, it easily might have been demolished.


1926 Mural
Central Docents, December 14, 2016

I love taking tours through the old children’s room in the Central Library because it’s the only place in the building where one can stand close enough to the ceiling to see how artist Julian Garnsey’s painting skill created the illusion of wooden beams. The secret behind the illusion?


Flower Street facade of Los Angeles Central Library
Central Docents, October 21, 2016

Since I began leading docent tours eight years ago at the Los Angeles Central Library, some tour goers ask—is hidden Masonic symbolism contained in the art that decorates the library? Unwilling to get into a debate about conspiracy theories or mind control, I always chose to deflect the question.


Los Angeles Sunday Times article about the library
Central Docents, June 15, 2016

In July of 1926, Angelenos eagerly awaited the opening of the Los Angeles Central Library's new building, the first permanent home for the fifty-year-old library.


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