Best LA Mid-Century Modern Architecture

This self-guided design tour covers landmarks of mid-century modern architecture in Los Angeles, for architecture fans and anyone visiting. Sites spread from the Hollywood Hills and Silver Lake to Pacific Palisades, LAX, Chavez Ravine, downtown's Music Center and Burbank. Pierre Koenig's Stahl House, cantilevered over Hollywood, is the glass corner in Julius Shulman's famous night photo. The Neutra VDL Studio faces Silver Lake Reservoir and has rooftop reflecting pools. Welton Becket's Capitol Records Building is shaped like a stack of records, and its rooftop light blinks 'Hollywood' in Morse code. Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, the oldest surviving Big Boy, hosts a classic car show on Friday nights.

Several houses open only for ticketed tours. Book the Stahl House ahead, choose a sunset slot, and never visit uninvited, since the street is residential.