Is Los Angeles the Museum Capital of the United States?

Los Angeles County Planner Clement Lau continues his case for proclaiming the City of Angels as the museum capital of the United States.

1 minute read

June 23, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By melaniecj


While Los Angeles might not be known in art circles as the museum capital of America, Los Angeles County Planner Clement Lau thinks the city should be in the running.

In his latest installment of a three-part series on local museums, Lau reviews the MOCA Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, and the Los Angeles River and Gardens Center near downtown.

“This MOCA is located on the Pacific Design Center or PDC campus which is a 1.2 million-square foot multi-use facility which houses the West Coast’s top decorating and furniture market, with showrooms, public and private spaces, and two restaurants.  Designed by architect Cesar Pelli, the 14-acre campus opened in1975, and is home to three iconic buildings: the 750,000-square foot Center Blue, 450,000-square foot Center Green, and 400,000-square foot Center Red.”

Lau goes on to describe the Pacific Asia Museum, a National Register of Historic Places listed structure which was built in 1926 and designed in the style of a Chinese imperial palace. He also reviews the Los Angeles River and Gardens Center, which while not a museum officially, is a must-see for those wanting to see the city’s historic attractions.

To read more, visit Urbdezine.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 in UrbDeZine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog