Hauser & Wirth: 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 artistic appeal. The gallery also includes a public garden, a bookstore, and the Manuela restaurant, which sources produce from its own garden. Entry to the gallery and garden is free.