Sphinxes, movie stars and 3m books: inside Los Angeles’s beloved art deco library
The Los Angeles Central Library celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century as a cultural landmark and film location. The library houses nearly 3 million books and remains a significant public institution despite past challenges like a major arson incident.
Why it matters
The library serves as a vital cultural hub and historical site, reflecting the intersection of architecture, literature, and urban history.
The library opened in 1926 and has been described as ‘a remarkable fusion of Spanish, Egyptian, Byzantine and Islamic influences’. The library opened in 1926 and has been described as ‘a remarkable fusion of Spanish, Egyptian, Byzantine and Islamic influences’. Los Angeles Sphinxes, movie stars and 3m books: inside Los Angeles’s beloved art deco library The showcase library’s centenary was celebrated by thousands who filled the still-relevant public institution
Prefer the Guardian on Google The central library in downtown Los Angeles has seen its fair share of colorful moments.
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