Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles: Art in a Historic Mill

Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is more than just an art gallery; it's a dynamic cultural destination housed within a meticulously restored historic landmark. Located in the heart of the Arts District, the gallery occupies the former Globe Mills complex, a sprawling industrial site dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This adaptive reuse project has transformed the 100,000-square-foot complex into a vibrant space for contemporary art, community engagement, and historical preservation. The Globe Mills complex, originally built in 1898, served as a major flour mill for nearly four decades, processing wheat from California's Central Valley and shipping it worldwide through the Port of Los Angeles. The architectural details of the original mill, including motifs of wheat sheaves and a steamship steering wheel, have been carefully preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the site's industrial past. After the Pillsbury Four Mills Company operated the site from 1941 to the mid-1960s, the area transitioned into the Arts District in the 1970s, attracting artists and musicians who transformed abandoned factories and warehouses into creative spaces. In 2014, Hauser & Wirth acquired the Globe Mills site and embarked on a two-year restoration project, transforming it into a multi-disciplinary arts center. The project team preserved the buildings' architectural character while upgrading them to meet the needs of a contemporary art gallery. Street art historians identified and restored graffiti murals throughout the complex, adding another layer to the site's rich history. A massive mural, “Pacific Ocean” by Mary Heilmann, graces the east wall of the breezeway, and Los Angeles painter Kim West repainted and extended her existing mural on the east exterior. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles opened in 2016 and quickly became a cultural hub in the Arts District. The gallery is free and open to the public, offering museum-caliber exhibitions of contemporary and modern art. The exhibitions span diverse artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, video installations, and immersive environments. In addition to its exhibitions, Hauser & Wirth hosts a dynamic schedule of public programs and educational activities, contextualizing the art on view for diverse audiences. These programs include guided tours, artist talks, workshops, and community events. The complex also features a range of amenities that enhance the visitor experience. Manuela, a restaurant located within the courtyard, serves seasonal fare and locally sourced produce with a menu focused on foods of the American South. ARTBOOK, a bookstore located at the entrance of the gallery, offers a curated selection of art books, monographs, and exhibition catalogs. The complex also includes a gallery space for Hauser & Wirth Publishers' Book & Printed Matter Lab, showcasing publications and printed works by artists. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is committed to community engagement and building partnerships with local and international cultural organizations, museums, nonprofits, and universities. The gallery collaborates with institutions such as Artbook, The Broad, the California Institute of the Arts, the Hammer Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Hauser & Wirth also supports local initiatives such as the Downtown Women's Center, the Garden School Foundation, and Piece by Piece. The gallery's commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations and programming. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles has implemented a range of sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste reduction programs. The gallery also hosts exhibitions and programs that address environmental issues and promote sustainability. Visiting Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is an immersive experience that combines art, history, and community engagement. The gallery's unique architectural spaces, diverse exhibitions, and dynamic programming offer something for everyone. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a cultural experience, Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is a must-see destination in the Arts District.