Urban Light: A Beacon of Art and History

Experience the magic of Urban Light at LACMA, where 202 vintage street lamps create a captivating urban landscape, blending art, history, and the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles.

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Public Art Urban Light

Urban Light, an iconic public art installation at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is a captivating display of 202 restored vintage street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s. Created by artist Chris Burden, the lamps, primarily sourced from Southern California streets, stand as a testament to the region's architectural heritage. Arranged in a grid-like formation, the installation transforms the museum's entrance into a mesmerizing spectacle, especially when illuminated at night. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the 'forest' of lamps, experiencing a unique blend of art, history, and urban landscape. Open 24 hours a day and free to access, Urban Light has become a beloved symbol of Los Angeles, drawing tourists and locals alike to its enchanting glow and offering a safe and beautiful space after dark.

A brief summary to Public Art Urban Light

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, Miracle Mile, California, 90036, US
+1323-857-6000
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit Urban Light at dusk or night for the most enchanting experience, as the illuminated lamps create a magical atmosphere.
Take advantage of the 24-hour access to see the installation in different lighting conditions, from the bright California sun to the night sky.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to explore a wide range of art and cultural exhibits.
Bring your camera! Urban Light provides a stunning backdrop for memorable photos, especially during the evening hours.
Check LACMA's website for any special events or exhibitions that may coincide with your visit to enhance your experience.

Getting There

Public Transport

For those arriving via public transportation, several bus lines serve the LACMA area. Metro Local lines 20 and 720 on Wilshire Blvd, and lines 217 and 218 on Fairfax Ave, stop within a short walk of the museum. The closest bus stops are Wilshire Blvd & Ogden (Westbound) and Wilshire & Spaulding. A single Metro fare is $1.75, which includes up to two hours of transfers. You can pay using a TAP card, which can be purchased at Metro stations or online, or via the TAP app. Exact change is required if paying with cash on the bus.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) provide a convenient way to reach Urban Light. Simply input 'LACMA' or '5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles' as your destination. From the general vicinity (Mid-Wilshire), a ride typically costs between $10-$20, depending on traffic and distance.
Driving

If driving, approach LACMA via Wilshire Boulevard or Fairfax Avenue. Parking is available in the Pritzker Parking Garage on 6th Street, just east of Fairfax Ave. The cost is $21 per day, with a reduced rate of $13 for entry after 8 PM. Metered street parking is also available on Wilshire Blvd and 6th Street, typically costing around $1 per hour. Be sure to read all parking signs for restrictions. Alternative parking options include the Petersen Museum and Museum Square, though these may involve a slightly longer walk.

Discover more about Public Art Urban Light

Urban Light, a mesmerizing public art installation gracing the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), stands as a testament to the city's rich history and artistic innovation. Conceived by artist Chris Burden and installed in 2008, this assemblage features 202 restored cast iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, primarily sourced from the streets of Southern California. More than just an art piece, Urban Light has become an unofficial symbol of Los Angeles, a beacon that draws visitors from around the globe and a source of pride for Angelenos. Burden, born in Boston, Massachusetts, moved to California in 1965. During the early 1970s, his first mature works were characterized by the idea that the truly important, viable art of the future would not be objects, but that art would be ephemeral and address political, social, environmental, and technological change. By the end of the decade he had turned to academia and sculpture, as a UCLA professor and more traditional piece-oriented artist. Starting in the 1980s, Burden began collecting antique street lamps, creating a smaller version of Urban Light at his Topanga Canyon home. It caught the attention of museum director Michael Govan, and the entire piece, plus another four dozen or so additional lamps, was moved over to LACMA in 2008. The lamps, arranged in a near grid, create a captivating visual effect, transforming LACMA's Wilshire Boulevard entrance into an open-air temple of light. Each lamp is unique, reflecting the diverse styles that adorned Los Angeles' streets in the early 20th century. The uniform gray paint unifies the collection, emphasizing the collective beauty of the individual pieces. Among the lamps are 16 different streetlight models represented, many of which were commissioned for particular neighborhoods and streets. The Broadway Rose, the largest and most ornate of the models, is represented by six lamps. The style was found in downtown Los Angeles; a few can still be seen on Sixth Street between Olive and Flower Streets. The sculpture's glass globes are of three general shapes: round, acorn, and cone. Urban Light's transformation from day to night provides a dynamic visual experience. During the day, the lamps' ornate details are highlighted by natural light. At night, they illuminate the area, creating a mesmerizing glow. This interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the installation, making it a must-see attraction in Los Angeles. In honor of the sculpture's 10th anniversary, all 309 incandescent light bulbs were replaced with LED bulbs, resulting in approximately 90% in power savings for LACMA while also reducing emissions of greenhouse gas and other harmful pollutants. Visitors are encouraged to walk among the lamps, experiencing the artwork from various perspectives. This immersive quality allows individuals to connect personally with the piece, fostering a deeper appreciation for its artistic and historical significance. The open-air nature of Urban Light allows for 24-hour access, enabling visitors to experience the installation at any time. Whether viewed under the bright California sun or illuminated against the night sky, the artwork offers a different experience with each visit. This flexibility makes it an ideal destination for spontaneous outings or planned cultural excursions. Urban Light has become a popular backdrop for films, television shows, and countless photographs shared on social media. Its prominence in popular culture has further cemented its status as an iconic landmark. The sculpture dominates one of them, a forecourt located between Wilshire Boulevard and LACMA's entry pavilion. Burden viewed his sculpture as a formal entry way to the museum on Wilshire Boulevard: "I've been driving by these buildings for 40 years, and it's always bugged me how this institution turned its back on the city." More than just a visually stunning art piece, Urban Light serves as a reminder of Los Angeles' past, a symbol of its present, and a beacon for its future. It encapsulates what a modern, sophisticated society should look like: “safe after dark and beautiful to behold.”

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Public Art Urban Light with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Urban Light: A Beacon of Art and History

A brief summary to Public Art Urban Light

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Public Art Urban Light

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Public Art Urban Light

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Fame Yard

MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House

historic preservation in west hollywood

Old West Hollywood Sign Location

Sterling Plaza

Beverly Cañon Gardens

Sunset Spectacular

The Golden Triangle

Historical MARILYN MONROE Apartment

Schwabs Pharmacy

Weber House

Beverly Hills City Hall

Halloween House

Beverly Hills Memorial

Beverly Hills Sign, Beverly Hills, California

Unmissable attractions to see

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Petersen Automotive Museum

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

The Original Farmers Market

Beverly Hills Sign

Holocaust Museum LA

Television City

Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours

A+D Museum

Essential places to dine

The Little Door

République Café Bakery & République Restaurant

Son of a Gun

Tagine

Prospect Gourmand

A Food Affair

Ysabel

Il Cielo

Meteora

Osteria Mozza

Cecconi's West Hollywood

The Cat & Fiddle Pub & Restaurant

Laurel Hardware

Barton G. The Restaurant Los Angeles

Tu Madre- West Hollywood

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Grove

Gift & Gadget Nooks

Pygmy Hippo Shoppe

The Way We Wore

GOLDEN AGE Hollywood

Beverly Connection

Bloomingdale's

Bonchic Contemporary Vintage Designer & Couture

Object

Just One Eye

West Hollywood Gateway

Brick & Mortar

Epiphany Boutique LLC

Zadig & Voltaire - LA

Goodthings

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Roger Room

Bar Lubitsch

Employees Only Restaurant and Bar

Surly Goat

Or Bar

Schmitty's West Hollywood

Above Sixty

Bar 1200