#pasadena art museum

[victoriapedroza]

Norton Simon Museum. 2023

purgatorie on IG

[formeryelpers]

Pasadena ArtNight, Pasadena, CA 91101

Love ArtNight in Pasadena. It happens twice a year, once in March and again in October. ArtNight is a free evening of art, music, and entertainment at multiple venues across Pasadena. It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit the smaller art venues that tend to be overlooked. The participating organizations vary every time and the programming changes as well. It’s amazing how many arts and cultural institutions there are in Pasadena, probably more than any city its size. I still haven’t made it to every venue, even though I’ve been attending ArtNight for years.

Free shuttles are available to take you to different parts of Pasadena. The event starts at 6 PM and lasts till 10 PM. Some food trucks also participate.

In March 2024, the following organizations participated:

Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center (hip hop dance performances, capoeira demonstrations)

Armory Center for the Arts

Artcenter

Artworks Teen Center

City Hall

Jackie Robinson Community Center (live music, art exhibits)

Lineage Performing Arts Center

Muse-ique at the Pasadena Senior Center

Norton Simon Museum

Parson's Nose Theater

Pasadena City College

Pasadena Museum of History

Pasadena Public Library Jefferson Branch

Pasadena Unified School District (student artwork)

Red Hen Press

Remainders Creative Reuse (gallery show, live music, free art activities)

Shumei Arts Council

The Gamble House with California Art Club

USC Pacific Asia Museum

5 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.

[valenv7]

🎨

Tom Killy. Children at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, USA, viewing Edgar Degas' 'Little Dancer', 1988.

[spicyx1]

Photo of a Japanese rainbow 🌈 bridge... taken during my day in college.

[camisoledadparis]

Richmond "Jimmie" Barthe (1909-1989) was an African-American sculptor and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. That he was also a gay man who expressed his orientation in his work is most likely why he fell into obscurity by the 1940s.

Much of his art depicted African-American men in sensual poses, often nude. Today, his work seems not that confrontational, but in a basically racist, sexually nervous America of the middle of the last century, it is remarkable that his work received the acclaim that it did.

Barthe was born to Creole parents in Bay St. Louis, Miss., and his art brought him out of poverty. A beautiful, bright boy, he was already winning awards for his drawings by the age of 12. Inspired by the neoclassical art he saw in the homes of the wealthy folks he worked for as a houseboy in New Orleans, he developed a lifelong interest in Greek and Roman mythology.

Funded by his local church, he attended school at the Art Institute of Chicago and began to have adult affairs with men who sometimes became patrons. He also had a brief affair with author and actor Richard Bruce Nugent, who was a cast member in Dubose Heyward's play Porgy.

In 1930 he relocated to New York and attended A'Leila Walker's "Dark Tower" gatherings, known as a venue where black and white men and women, often gay, mingled. The photographer and writer Carl Van Vechten was deeply involved with the black community of New York in the '30s and was an ardent supporter of Barthe's work. His reputation grew and his work was included in a 1935 exhibit of African-American art at the Museum of Modern Art.

He had success and fame. He even had a female patron who set up a trust for him that gave him the freedom to work without financial worries. But he was still an outsider in many ways. He was not a part of the white art world, and his uncompromising homosexuality kept him distanced somewhat from other artists of the Harlem Renaissance. His love life was a series of short affairs that never developed further.

Constantly searching for community, he moved to Jamaica only to find himself even more estranged from others. He fell into deep depression and mental illness. Commissions came sporadically, and he met them with varied results, teetering on the edge financially and emotionally.

In 1975 he moved to Pasadena, Calif., and a year later curators at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art included his work in "Two Centuries of Black American Art." The attention to his work, the growing respect of a younger audience to artists of the Harlem Renaissance, and the support of his friends brought Barthe stability once again. He lived out his later years as a treasured part of the art community, dying in Pasadena March 6, 1989.

(The Advocate)

[lionofchaeronea]

Title: Happy Lovers Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732-1806) Date: ca. 1760-65 Genre: genre art Movement: Rococo Period: ancien régime Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: 90.2 cm (35.5 in) high x 121.3 cm (47.7 in) wide Location: Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA, USA

[aarchval]

Eve Babitz and Marcel Duchamp photographed by Julian Wasser at the Pasadena Art Museum, October 18, 1963.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1935 Duesenberg

Clark Gable and his 1935 Duesenberg

His wife, Carole Lombard, had one too, which is now in a museum in NZ.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.

Its 420-cubic-inch straight-8 pulled like a train; it was reputed to have a 115-m.p.h. top speed – “right off the showroom floor,” It could exceed 100 m.p.h. in the second of its three gears, boasted E. L. Cord, the company’s president at the time. Its wheelbase of nearly 12 feet gives the car a poised, unflappable ride. And its massive steering wheel guides the wheels straight and true – although its vacuum assisted drum brakes provide the car somewhat uncertain stopping power

Today, the car’s odometer shows 13,416 miles.

It was January 25, 1936 and Clark Gable had a new car to show off – to a new object of his affections. She was actress Carole Lombard, and the hostess of the lavish White Mayfair Ball, a formal Hollywood soiree, to which Gable drove his 1935 Duesenberg Model JN convertible that night.

The suave actor eventually convinced Miss Lombard to “take a spin around town” with him; when he invited her to his suite a few miles away at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, she famously replied, “Who do you think you are? Clark Gable?”

They weren’t exactly strangers; they had already co-starred together in “No Man of Her Own”. After filming wrapped Miss Lombard presented Mr. Gable with a ham – with his picture on it! But their professional relationship went no further at that point; Miss Lombard was then married to William Powell (she divorced him a couple of years later).

Nevertheless, after they re-connected at the White Mayfair Ball, a scandalous affair ensued; Mr. Gable, still married, was often spotted traveling in the Duesenberg with Miss Lombard from her bungalow on Hollywood Blvd. to night spots, restaurants and hotels all over town. One of those places, The Georgian Hotel in nearby Santa Monica, now advertises the couple had trysts there often.

“This is nothing discreet about this car,” Mr. Gooding said as he pulled up in the glowing Duesenberg, in front of The Georgian. Not exactly the type of car for two famous stars to be seen in – when they are trying to downplay their affair!

. The car fairly screams “notice me!”. Even now the Duesenberg, which appeared in a couple of actual movies of its own, is a show-stopper.

“The record for an American car sold at public auction is $10.34 million, for a Duesenberg – the 1931 Whittell Coupe – which we sold last year,” Mr. Gooding said. “In many ways, however Gable’s 1935 JN is an even finer example.” It is undeniably rare; fewer than a dozen JNs were built – only four of which were convertibles. But no other Duesenberg is like this one. (I will update this post Aug. 19 with the sales price!)

And, then there is the consideration of its celebrity provenance. “I’ve never seen a car with a history behind it like this one,” Mr. Gooding said.

Its 420-cubic-inch straight-8 pulled like a train; it was reputed to have a 115-m.p.h. top speed – “right off the showroom floor,” Mr. Gooding said. It could exceed 100 m.p.h. in the second of its three gears, boasted E. L. Cord, the company’s president at the time. Its wheelbase of nearly 12 feet gives the car a poised, unflappable ride. And its massive steering wheel guides the wheels straight and true – although its vacuum assisted drum brakes provide the car somewhat uncertain stopping power.

A work of automotive art!

Of course, that has often been said about many great works of art – sculptures, paintings, and the like – but seldom about automobiles. Many collectors, however, consider the 18-foot-long Duesenberg, with its flamboyant, following lines, the epitome of automotive art.

The Model JN that Mr. Gable bought originally had a body by Rollston. Mr. Gooding noted, “It was a work of art already.” But Mr. Gable decided it wasn’t audacious enough for his tastes.

So he took it to master coachbuilders Bohman & Schwartz, in Pasadena, Calif., for a complete re-working. And besides, the convertible top leaked – which Miss Lombard reportedly thought amusing; Mr. Gable, however, was mortified.

Clark Gable shows off his beloved Duesenberg!

“Not only did Gable sketch out many of the changes he wanted himself,” Mr. Gooding said. “He also got hands-on with it, and worked on it himself. I don’t recall an example where a celebrity got so involved, and essentially helped craft the car.”

The modifications included body-colored radiator cowl and headlamp pods, raked windshield, extended hood with custom air scoops, re-location of the side-mounted spares to a double-deck “continental kit” at the rear, rear fender skirts, chrome side pipe exhausts (with a driver-controlled bypass lever), functional rumble seat, and a stowable convertible top – that no longer leaked!

It was also re-painted from a pale green to a luminous cream color that seems to glow – apropos of any star of stage, screen or even outer space.

Despite the fact Mr. Gable owned a large, discerning collection of other Duesenbergs, Packards, and Mercedes-Benzes, the JN remained the preferred ride of the inseparable lovers.

So public was their romance that Photoplay magazine ran a feature in December 1938 out-ing them as one of “Hollywood’s Unmarried Husbands and Wives.” Mr. Gable had also been linked in recent years with Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow and Loretta Young (with whom he fathered a love child) – among others. Producer David O. Selznick was ready to cast Gary Cooper as Rhett Butler in “Gone With The Wind” unless Mr. Gable cleaned up his personal life. So the studio reportedly helped pay for Mr. Gable’s costly divorce from heiress Ria Langham; he got the part. The rest, as they say, is history.

Gable got the part!

Mr. Gable and Miss Lombard (who lost out in casting for Scarlett O’Hara) eloped in March 1939. In 1941 the happy couple set off in the Duesenberg on an epic vacation – sort of a belated honeymoon – from their ranch in Encino, Calif., up the Pacific Coast to Vancouver, British Columbia. The trip was nearly 1,500 miles, on primitive roads.

It must have been quite a sight: two of Hollywood’s biggest stars pumping their own gas, fixing their own flats, even changing their own oil – the Gables didn’t want anyone else touching this car! – in a car easily worth $35,000 then (Mr. Gable made more than that in one month, in salary, in those years – and Miss Lombard made nearly as much).

“This was at a time you could buy a Ford for a few hundred dollars,” Mr. Gooding noted.

In Vancouver, the couple would see the Duesenberg for the final time. They stored it there, planning to return the next summer to drive it back to California. They took the train home.

Some months later, however, Miss Lombard was killed in a plane crash near Las Vegas, Nev. Gable, devastated, instructed an agent to sell the beloved Duesenberg – with the proviso that he never would see it again. He never did; he died in 1960.

The Duesenberg became a four-wheeled vagabond, crisscrossing the country, changing hands more than a dozen times. It was re-painted at least four different colors. Its engine was replaced in the 1950s. Parts went missing.

But the current owner, Mr. Gooding said, acquired it in 2006 and ordered a no-expense-spared restoration to its Gable-era glory.

Text via John Piazza

Credit: Respective Owner ( DM for credit or removals )

[davidhudson]

Eve Babitz, May 13, 1943 – December 17, 2021.

Playing chess with Marcel Duchamp at the Pasadena Art Museum in 1963.

[bcacstuff]

Timeline 13 July 2024 - September 2024

For completeness and to consult when there’s discussion about his whereabouts. In addition to the previous timelines.

Timeline 13 covers 7 July 2024 - 28 September 2024

For previous dates see timeline 12

On 7 July a fan spotted him in Glasgow at the Brewdog Bar Kelvingrove

On 11 July he makes a surprise appearance at the TCA24 at The Langham Huntington Pasadena, CA

On 13 July he attends Cinespia’s screening of ‘Midsommar’ at Hollywood Forever Presented by Amazon MGM Studios

On 14 July Deuxmoi posts a spotting with a 'girlie' at Shutters on the Beach Santa Monica. Followed by a fragment on their podcast and even an article with a third pic.

Later on a video was posted of him wearing the same clothes as on the alleged 'date' answering fan questions for MoM

Meanwhile OL is still filming and Sam seems to be back in Scotland the next Thursday, he's posting a video mixing a cocktail from Gleneagles hotel on 19 July though it's not totally clear when this was recorded.

On Friday 19 July the Highlander 7 con in Birmingham starts, see the reports of the second and third day

In other news BoB wraps and has their wrap party at the Platform in Glasgow on Saturday 20 July and a press day on Monday 22 July where some of the OL cast are present as well.

On 27 July Sam has a live IG with another Sam, for MoM mixing some cocktails.

On 29 July he posts some pics and a video from what looks like a hike in Scotland, but started as a night camping after the live IG on Saturday 27 July

On 1 August he's spotted at the Witchery in Edinburgh (secret garden) by a fan.

On 3 August another spotting in front of the M&S store in Bishopsbriggs and later on in Edinburgh in front of the Gleneagles Townhouse hotel.

On Wednesday 7 August he's at the launch of the pop-up shop at the Kimpton Charlottesquare in Edinburgh.

Filming OL is approaching it's final block in the same week, the last gallery photoshoot takes place on 8 August while the next day a first pic of S7B is released and a (prerecorded) video with Josh H and some of the cast premieres. It's the ten year anniversary for OL since it premiered, and the cast is celebrating

On Monday 12 August several post their pics and videos from the final readthrough in Barnbougle Castle

On 14 August a pic is posted showing him with a driver at the parking of the trailers

In the weekend of 17 and 18 August he's in Edinburgh doing a photoshoot at The Kitchin and having dinner at the Scran & Scallie of Tom K as well, and is spotted by a fan

On 18 August he visits the Traverse Theatre to watch a play

On Monday 19 August filming at the Eglinton Park in Kilwinning starts for 2 days on a set they've been building for weeks. Many pics and videos are shared as well an article by JJ with many pics. (see more in archive)

On 26 August he's spotted by a fan at a restaurant in Glasgow, she asked him for a fan pic outside the restaurant when he left.

On 5 September a fanpic is posted showing him with his mom at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow

On 15 September he posts pics from the Cairndale Hotel & Spa in Dumfries and Galloway, who thanked him for his stay during the weekend, and a post about another guest with a similar name who he met, exploring his Scottish ancestry.

On 16 September he posts some pics from the Thermal Glasgow he visited with Valbo, who opened the Thermal together with other EDA owners

While filming seems to be in the last week, pics and an article are posted about celebrating the 100th episode on the show

On 27 September a new song by Callum Beattie is released, in the video SH and RR make an appearance

Little by little we see people posting about wrapping, and then on 27 September at the end of the day the news is out, It's a wrap. Several post a photodumb and BTS pics from the time they worked on OL. (see more in archive)

The next day on Saturday 28 September the last wrap party takes place, again at the Platform in Glasgow.

Other timelines:

Pre Hawaii timeline

Timeline 1 August 2020 Timeline 2 September 2021 Timeline 3 February 2022 Timeline 4 August 2022 Timeline 5 October 2022 Timeline 6 January 2023 Timeline 7 April 2023 Timeline 8 June 2023 Timeline 9 August 2023 Timeline 10 October 2023 Timeline 11 December 2023 Timeline 12 March 2024

[eddy25960]

RUTH MILLER KEMPSTER (1904–1978)

"Working Stiff" (c. 1934)

Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento.

Ruth Blanchard Miller Kempster, según la evidencia de muchas de sus pinturas, se puede ver que sentía empatía por las preocupaciones sociales de su época. En "Working Stiff", la tragedia es el desempleo. Las manos de su sujeto llevan gran parte del mensaje: fuerza desperdiciada, vacío y desesperanza.

La calidad de la imagen recuerda algo que Ruth escribió en una carta a su casa durante un viaje a Perú: “A menudo me he preguntado por qué lo humilde siempre atrae al artista. . . No hay una nota superflua por ninguna parte. . . El efecto es hermoso”. Una vez le aconsejó a un joven pariente que, para ver un nuevo país, “debía mirar a los ojos a las personas que vivían allí, no como un turista, sino como un participante”; dijo que eso era lo que hacía cuando pintaba.

Poco después de la guerra, Ruth y Henry hicieron un extraordinario viaje en automóvil, conduciendo una camioneta Ford a través de México, Centro y Sudamérica, hasta partes remotas de Perú y finalmente hasta Chile. Desde el comienzo de su carrera, disfrutó trabajando en grabado y litografía, y produjo algunas imágenes maravillosas, particularmente sobre temas encontrados en el desierto o en sus frecuentes viajes a México.

Durante veinticinco años, Ruth pintó de manera constante, presentando trabajos regularmente a exposiciones con y sin jurado en el sur de California y anualmente en la Feria Estatal de California en Sacramento. Ganó muchos otros premios y fue mencionada en las columnas de arte de numerosos periódicos. Fue miembro del California Art Club y de la Sociedad de Artistas y Pintoras del Oeste de Pasadena.

Fuente:

Emerging from the Shadows: A Survey of Women Artists Working in California, 1860-1960, Maurine St. Gaudens, Editora, 2016

https://www.askart.com/artist/Ruth_Blanchard_Miller/120780/Ruth_Blanchard_Miller.aspx

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Jean-Baptiste Deshays de Colleville (French, 1729-1765) Jupiter and Semele, ca.1760 Norton Simon Museum of Art, Pasadena CA

The painting appears to depict the penultimate moment in the affair between the god Jupiter and the mortal Sémélé, as described in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Having discovered her husband Jupiter’s infidelity, a jealous Juno disguises herself as Sémélé’s nurse and persuades her to ask her lover to show himself in his godly form on their next rendezvous. On Jupiter’s next visit, Sémélé is consumed by the brilliant lightning and thunder of his true presence.

[formeryelpers]

USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

I visited the Pacific Asia Art Museum a few years ago, during ArtNight, and returned again during another ArtNight. I don’t think anything in the permanent collection changed between the two visits. But there is a gallery with rotating exhibits. During my recent visit, they had an exhibit of current Chinese American artists called Another Beautiful Country. It was a multimedia exhibit with quite a few video art installations, b/w family photos taken in China, a display of objects and menus from the artist’s mom’s Chinese restaurant, etc.

The permanent collection has pottery, a Samurai outfit, Indian illustrated manuscripts, wood objects from Papua New Guinea, Chinese furniture and clothing, Korean masks, etc. There’s a room with interactive exhibits for kids, and a small gift shop.

It's a small museum but the building (resembling a Chinese imperial palace) is stunning. It’s a historic landmark that was built in 1926. The Chinese garden/inner courtyard features a small pool and decorative carvings. Unfortunately, the public isn’t allowed upstairs.

General admission is $15, $12 for students and senior, and free on the second Sunday of the month. Every Thursday is a pay what you wish day.

Norton Simon is a much bigger museum with much more Asian art. But Pacific Asia Art Museum has a wider variety of Asian art objects and has contemporary Asian art. Norton Simon does not.

4 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.

[sidrashakti]

Eve Babitz’s Natal Chart: Ketu and Jupiter = a free spirit on steroids 

♈ Possibly Aswini Pada 3 as her ASC: 

Aswini is associated with wealth and luxury, and Aswini natives can often be born into wealth. Babitz was born in Hollywood, California, the daughter of Mae, an artist, and Sol Babitz, a classical violinist on contract with 20th Century Fox. Her godfather was famous composer Igor Stravinsky. 

Aswini is ruled by Ketu and the first nakshatra, the void from which creations emerge. Ketuvians are heavily magnetic, often having cult followings or being actual cult leaders. Ketuvians are highly spiritual, intense, and prone to extremism, especially without a channel for their intense energy. Babitz became incredibly conservative and alt-right towards the end of her life

Pada 3 of Aswini is ruled by Gemini, and this rising would be fitting for Babitz because she was called "a hedonist with a notebook” by the New York Times. Her writing combined Ketu’s hedonism with the analytical and mercurial nature of Gemini. She also was always deemed too shallow by the more serious scholarly establishment, reflecting Ketu’s headless nature. Ketu rules over roots and origins and Babitz’s writing chronicles the culture of Los Angeles from the 1960s to 1980s. 

♈ Krittika Sun in 1st House (AK) 

Krittika makes natives passionate, fiery, and bold. Babitz is known for her memoirs, focusing on her self and her life rather than fictional characters, which makes sense with her Sun as her AK. Krittika is often associated with relationship scandals and affairs. Babitz’s personal life was very messy, she had affairs with married men and celebrities, often overshadowing her talent as an artist. Krittika is known as the knife, but I find this manifests as having a precise eye for art or talent. Before writing her memoirs, Babitz made album covers at Atlantic Records and “scouted” many famous actors and musicians in her personal life before they became famous. 

♒ Chart ruler (lagnesha) Mars in Purvabhadrapada in 11 House 

Babitz was best known for her relationships and associations (11th house) with the LA party scene. Purva bhadrapada is the “younger blessed one” and Eve first became known at age 20 for a nude photograph she posed for. PB is another nakshatra related to cults/cult followings, and symbolizes two faces/duality. Eve’s reputation (especially in the misogynistic culture of the rock and roll scenes and literary world) as a groupie/party girl was at odds with her intellectual work. PB natives (like Kanye West) can veer towards delusions of grandeur and extremist beliefs.

♌ Magha Moon in 5th 

Claire Nakti says Magha natives are often pictured with cigarettes and Babitz was a frequent smoker. In 1997, Babitz was trying to light a cigar when her skirt caught on fire, leaving her with third-degree burns over half her body. Magha rules ancestry and the 5th house is a house of artistic expression, and Babitz was born to an artist mother and composer father.

♉ MercuryR conjunct Saturn in Taurus 2nd House 

Rohini is a moon ruled nak symbolizing power, beauty, and fame. Marilyn Monroe had Rohini Mercury, and seduction is a big draw of this nakshatra. Babitz made much of her livelihood off her beauty and proximity to famous people, rather than a traditional job. Saturn here gave her intellectual work delays but longevity, Babitz didn’t really achieve much fame for her literary work until it was reissued in 2010 (retrograde = a second time) when she was in her late 60s. 

♊ Gemini 3rd house with Jupiter in Punarvasu and Venus in Ardra 

The third house can rule adolescence, and In 1963, her first brush with notoriety came through Julian Wasser's iconic photograph of a nude, 20-year-old Babitz playing chess with the artist Marcel Duchamp on the occasion of his landmark retrospective at the Pasadena Art Museum. 

A gemini third house is a good indicator for a writer, and Venus and Jupiter give her talent and expansion here. The symbol of Ardra Nakshatra is a teardrop, signifying emotional depth and sensitivity. Punarvasu nak symbolizes a boundlessness and freedom that I really see in Eve’s work: her memoirs are about being young, wild, and free. Much of her writing deals with venusian and jupiterian themes: art, love, sex, and freedom. 

♋ Rahu-Ketu on the 4th house/10th house axis 

Rahu rules fame and Babitz first became famous for her nude photograph showing her large bust (Rahu in Ashlesha).

Rahu rules blindspots and illusions, and in Ashlesha, Eve’s sexuality and physical attractiveness overshadowed her writing talents (Ketu in Dhanista) during her lifetime. Dhanista is the nakshatra of fame and in her 10th house, and she has it in pada 2 which is ruled by Mercury, hence her legacy would be her writing.

Ironically with Rahu in 4th, Babitz became her most famous and her work began to be taken seriously when she stepped away completely from her previous very public life (as Ketu is the remedy for Rahu). Furthermore, Eve was often inconsistent with her writing and caught up in her feelings and her party lifestyle (Cancer) and her agent had to call her at 7am every morning to make sure she was up writing until she developed discipline (Capricorn).

This axis is especially interesting because her gender (cancer is the feminine) and her career worked at odds and in tandem for much of her life, her sensuality granted her access to the world of Hollywood that she would write about, but also caused her to not be taken seriously. With Rahu in Ashlesha, Babitz was first written off as just a victim of patriarchy but later came to symbolize a sexually empowered feminine in literature.

I’d love to look into her D9 chart at a later date!! 🌺

[the-cricket-chirps]

Vincent van Gogh

Portrait of Artist's Mother

October 1888

(Norton Simon Museum of Art, Pasadena, California)

[terrakan]

20 Most Popular Neighborhoods to Live in Los Angeles in 2025

Los Angeles, a city where diverse culture, rich history, and constant innovation converge, continues to captivate new residents with its ever-evolving neighborhoods. As we move toward 2025, the top LA neighborhoods reflect a blend of artistic hubs, luxurious enclaves, and family-friendly communities, each embodying the city's dynamic energy. Whether you’re drawn to trendy urban areas, serene residential zones, or vibrant arts districts, LA offers something for everyone.

Here’s a snapshot of the 20 most popular LA neighborhoods in 2025:

20. Baldwin Hills With panoramic city views and classic mid-century homes, Baldwin Hills balances a rich cultural history with modern community amenities. Outdoor lovers enjoy access to Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, which offers scenic hiking trails and family-friendly picnic spots.

19. Hollywood Beyond its iconic status, Hollywood offers diverse living, from historic bungalows to modern apartments. The neighborhood seamlessly combines world-renowned entertainment landmarks with quieter residential streets, ideal for those seeking a blend of excitement and relaxation.

18. Eagle Rock Known for its craftsman homes and creative energy, Eagle Rock appeals to families, artists, and students alike. Indie boutiques and artisan cafes reflect its bohemian spirit, while Occidental College adds an academic touch.

17. Mar Vista Mar Vista combines a coastal feel with a suburban vibe. Known for its farmers’ markets, local cafes, and community parks, it’s perfect for families and those wanting easy access to both city life and the beach without the crowds.

16. Hancock Park Famed for its historic charm, Hancock Park attracts families and professionals who appreciate its stately homes and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood offers classic LA luxury with community-centered living.

15. Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) DTLA has transformed into a cultural and residential hub, offering high-rise apartments, historic lofts, and landmarks like The Broad Museum. It’s a thriving urban center where professionals and retirees can experience city life with cultural depth.

14. Koreatown (K-Town) Known for its lively food scene and vibrant nightlife, Koreatown offers urban living at an affordable price. High-rise apartments and cultural hotspots make it popular with young professionals and families seeking city life with character.

13. Sherman Oaks Sherman Oaks strikes a balance between suburban living and city amenities. Spacious homes, reputable schools, and Ventura Boulevard’s dining and shopping make it ideal for families who appreciate a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

12. Echo Park Echo Park’s bohemian energy and diverse community appeal to artists and creatives. Home to indie music venues, unique shops, and the popular Echo Park Lake, this neighborhood blends urban excitement with laid-back charm.

11. Playa Vista Nicknamed "Silicon Beach," Playa Vista is a tech hub where modern residences and shared green spaces draw professionals and families alike. The neighborhood’s parks, shops, and events foster a balanced, community-oriented lifestyle.

10. Culver City A former film studio hub, Culver City has transformed into a tech and arts district. With theaters, art galleries, and vibrant restaurants, it’s perfect for professionals and creatives seeking a neighborhood with history and innovation.

9. Pasadena Historic Pasadena offers a vibrant mix of culture and community, from the annual Rose Parade to attractions like the Norton Simon Museum. Old Town Pasadena adds a modern touch, attracting both families and professionals.

8. Westwood Home to UCLA, Westwood is a blend of academic energy and residential charm. Historic theaters and local eateries, along with proximity to major business hubs, make it appealing to students, professionals, and families.

7. Silver Lake Eclectic and progressive, Silver Lake draws artists and young professionals with its indie venues, murals, and the scenic reservoir. The neighborhood’s blend of modern and historic homes fosters a trendsetting yet grounded community.

6. Arts District Once an industrial zone, the Arts District is now a vibrant urban neighborhood where repurposed warehouses house chic lofts, art galleries, and indie boutiques. Artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals flock here for its creative energy and unique blend of work and play.

5. Beverly Grove Anchored by The Grove and the Original Farmers Market, Beverly Grove is a hotspot for shopping, dining, and culture. Its proximity to LACMA and chic eateries makes it a lively, urban destination for families and professionals.

4. Hollywood Hills Offering a luxurious retreat with stunning city views, Hollywood Hills is ideal for high-profile residents seeking privacy. With access to nearby hiking trails and nightlife, it’s a favorite among those who value both serenity and proximity to action.

3. Brentwood With tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and a relaxed, upscale vibe, Brentwood is ideal for families. Its boutique shops, farmers’ market, and proximity to the coast combine to offer a refined and active lifestyle.

2. Venice Venice’s mix of artistic flair and beach vibes makes it popular with creatives and entrepreneurs. Known for its iconic boardwalk, Venice Canals, and innovative Abbot Kinney Boulevard, it combines relaxed beach living with a lively cultural atmosphere.

1. Bel Air Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Bel Air is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Known for its grand estates and gated properties, it’s ideal for those seeking privacy with easy access to Beverly Hills’ amenities.

Los Angeles in 2025

As LA continues to grow and diversify, its neighborhoods reflect a city that embraces both tradition and modernity. From artsy, progressive communities to tranquil luxury enclaves, there’s a place for every lifestyle. Discover your ideal LA neighborhood and experience a city that celebrates heritage, innovation, and inclusivity.