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Monuments/ Statues in Los Angeles

Top Monuments & Statues in Los Angeles, CA

Monuments & Statues in Los Angeles

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

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  • Perkadventures
    Banning, CA15,292 contributions
    Review of: Korean Bell of Friendship
    2 Guy's see the Bell
    Second attempt to see, first closed because of Covid. the bell was sent from Korea and is a wonderful thing to see.

    The location is on top of old coast gun emplacements from WW2. Nice parking area and a couple were taking their wedding pictures and flying kytes.
    Written 14 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4,514 contributions
    Review of: Watts Towers
    Unique And Offbeat
    First of all park along E 107 St versus Santa Ana Blvd. Its closer versus having to cut through the park (avoiding some sketchy people just hanging out) and walls were decorated versus the unfinished side facing the park. Street parking was limited so we only stayed for about 20 minutes. The structure was fenced in and still locked but at least the netting mentioned in earlier reviews were down so the towers were in full view. Due to COVID the completion date of Spring 2020 was long overdue but nowhere was there an updated sign when restoration would be completed. The towers was made by hand and was the singular focus by its creator Simon Rodia over 34 years. It looked like only concrete, rocks, seashells and tiles were used. He never finished it and deeded his property to his neighbor before moving to Northern California. While it would have been nice to go inside we settled for the outside views and read many of the posted signs which gave a lot of good information on the towers and Simon. It was truly amazing. Also a short walk away was the Watts Tower Art Center. It was closed but out in front was a statue of Simon and more art.
    Written 29 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • permia
    Ireland37,625 contributions
    Review of: Astronomers Monument
    Fascinating to learn that Albert Einstein was considered for inclusion
    Honouring six of the most famous and influential astronomers in history, it is a fine introduction and welcome to the fabulous observatory.

    The figures include Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler and Newton. The greatest scientist of the century (if not of all time), Albert Einstein, was considered for inclusion but it was decided against as he was still living.
    Written 15 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Ronan K
    1 contribution
    Review of: Ennis House
    My awful trip
    I got pooped on. This drunk worker was wobbling around and i was pushed into a mud puddle. Honestly other than that the experience was pretty good but I would not like to repeat that.
    Written 2 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Thangam M
    Chennai1,466 contributions
    Review of: Equestrian statue of Antonio Aguilar
    Inspiration for legions of immigrants
    When one enters El Pueblo Historic District from the Union Station side, the first thing one sees climbing up the park steps to Placita de Dolores is the statue of Antonio Aguilar. It is an impressive 10-foot bronze of the 6’1” tall Antonio Aguilar Barazza attired in horseman regalia, atop a prancing steed.

    Aguilar was a Mexican singer and actor who died in 2007 after making some 120 movies and 160 music albums that sold 25 million copies. Folklore has it that when he arrived in LA from Mexico with dreams of making it big, Aguilar slept on the benches at La Placita Olvera.

    One can be sure that to this day, Aguilar’s story must be inspiration for legions of immigrants hoping to make the bigtime spotlight.

    Popularly known as “El charro de Mexico” (or Mexican horseman), Aguilar popularized Mexican ranchera music in the US and even has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame! This statue at Placita de Dolores was unveiled in 2012.

    Placita de Dolores dedicated by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, is a small plaza that commemorates Mexico achieving independence from Spain. The plaza is very tastefully done and has masses of brightly coloured blooms adding to its charm.

    The plaza has a replica of the Bell of Dolores gifted to LA by Mexico. The bell gets its name from the fact that the first ripples of Mexican freedom were felt in the village of Dolores – the bell was rung in 1810 calling patriots to the Mexican fight for independence. This call to arms eventually began the Mexican War of Independence.

    The plaza also has a mural by Eduardo Carillo called Father Hidalgo in Front of the Church of Dolores.
    Written 23 January 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • CTO-Alex
    Oahu, HI7 contributions
    Review of: Olvera street Cross
    Creator Jackie Hadnot
    One of the great contributions at Olvera Street in Los Angeles is seeing the cross at the entrance. It reminds us of the past, present and future struggles of our city and how religion shaped both our culture and the continued blessings bestowed upon us.

    I’ve been coming here for years and was privileged to spend time with the creator Jackie Hadnot. Mr. Hadnot has a workshop right next to restaurants in Olvera Street (across from the city public restroom near the churro store). Not only has he crafted this beautiful cross he crafted so many other amazing items.
    I asked him to pose for a picture so everyone could see the man behind the creation. A selfless, caring, talented artist who donates nearly all his work. Next time you’re in the area stop in and ask him to tell you a few stories and the history behind his creations. Tell him Alexander Bordbar’s review pointed you to his cross. He will he happy to tell you a few stories.
    Written 23 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • joaniemaria
    Eldridge, IA2,162 contributions
    Review of: Rebel Without a Cause Monument
    James Dean “Rebel Without a Cause” fans will find meaning
    If you like James Dean or “Rebel Without a Cause”, you will want to see this monument while visiting Griffith Observatory. Part of the movie was filmed here, so it is meaningful for fans. I was pleased to see it.
    Written 4 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • permia
    Ireland37,625 contributions
    Review of: Declaration Sculpture
    See it soon as it may be moving
    A landmark on Venice Beach since 2001, it is a fine work by Mark di Suvero. Over 18 metres high it comprises two large intertwined V shapes, one inclined towards the city and the other pointing seawards.

    Installed to mark the Venice Art Walk it was intended to be in place for six months. However 18 years later it continues to attract the attention of passers-by.

    But that may be about to change. There are reports that by year’s end it may be disassembled and relocated to the artist's studio. So see it soon.
    Written 31 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • permia
    Ireland37,625 contributions
    Review of: Mulholland Memorial Fountain
    He brought water to a city that was drying up
    This is an apt monument to a man who had a remarkable life. William Mulholland was born in Belfast, Ireland in1855 and after some schooling in Dublin he began a peripatetic period, eventually arriving in Los Angeles in 1877.

    Over the next decades he effectively self-taught and rose to positions of Superintendent and Chief Engineer with the Water Authority, the latter in 1911.

    Around this time the city’s population was expanding phenomenally but they were running out of water. To solve the problem Mulholland and associates conceived of an aqueduct to bring water from the Owens Valley that received large amounts of runoff from the Sierra Nevada.

    Controversially, large amounts of farmland with water rights were bought up in the Owens Valley. It was this water that was brought to LA by via the astonishing 233 mile long aqueduct, powered purely by gravity.

    Incidentally the so-called water wars inspired the 1974 classic movie Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunnaway.

    Water arrived in the San Fernando Valley in 1913, after a 6 year aqueduct construction period. The aqueduct, considered an engineering marvel, continues to supply about one-third of LA’s water.

    Mulholland’s reputation and profession effectively came to an end in 1928 when the St. Francis Dam, overseen by Mulholland, collapsed. This resulted in a disastrous flood that drowned hundreds of people in the path of the torrents.

    He took full responsibility for the catastrophe and retired that year. Living thereafter in semi-reclusion, he died in 1935.

    The fountain and monument dedicated to him were unveiled in 1940.
    Written 7 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Sara S
    Visalia, CA1 contribution
    Review of: Luminaries of Pantheism Mural
    Stunning
    The first time I saw this I was absolutely amazed and stunned. Seeing the faces of people I deeply admire--rather than celebrities or religious figures--made me feel as though I was on a pilgrimage I didn't know I was on when I walked upon this for the first time, not know of its existence.
    It is a truly wonderful mural, a magnificent tribute to some truly monumental figures of philosophy, literature and science who have shaped our modern world.
    If you appreciate books and learning and shun celebrity pop-culture stuff, this mural offers far more than all of Hollywood and alone makes the trip very much worth it.
    Written 25 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • permia
    Ireland37,625 contributions
    Review of: Statue of King Carlos III
    Dedicated in 1987 by Spanish King and Queen
    A regal depiction in a great sculpture is a centrepiece of the lovely Plaza. Carlos III reigned from 1759 to 1788 and he ordered the founding of the Pueblo in 1781.

    The monument honoured the bicentenary of American Independence in 1976. In 1987 it was dedicated by the then Spanish King and Queen.
    Written 4 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Cavydad
    Camarillo, CA2,202 contributions
    Review of: Earvin "Magic" Johnson Statue
    Awesome statue, one of several at the Staples Center!
    Awesome statue, one of several at the Staples Center! Walk among the masters of Staples Center history. Even Chick Hearn is honored!
    Written 14 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Perkadventures
    Banning, CA15,292 contributions
    Review of: Fishing Industry Memorial
    2 Guy's see the Fishing Industry Memorial near the USS Los Angeles Memorial
    This is a large park with various memorials and interesting information. We parked near the Museum and walked the park.

    Good information about various people and things to support the fishing industry in this area. Old California history and very interesting
    Written 12 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • 845beatriz
    Arcadia, CA104 contributions
    Review of: Molecule Man Sculpture
    DTLA Art Installation
    It's always a nice surprise when your driving around in Downtown Los Angeles and an unexpected piece of Art pops up in a public place. I literally pulled over to take photos of this art installation because of it's shear size and the location was void of any people.
    Written 1 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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