Los Angeles Public Library

One of the most interesting places to visit in downtown Los Angeles, this library, built in Art-Deco style, stores a collection of more than six million books.

It consists of two main buildings. The first, larger one was built according to the plans of Bertram Goodhue, one of the most important personalities of the 20th-century American architecture, in the 1920s. Although his plans were used, the man himself had died before the construction of the library started. The second wing, designed in a more modern style by architect Tom Bradley, was added during the library's reconstruction in the 1990s.

Inside, the library is beautifully decorated with murals, especially the ones in the Children's Room and the History Room. When visiting, also take note of the painted ceilings, especially the one in the dome of Rotunda. The artworks were done by several commissioned artists. The ornate Maguire Gardens are also part of the library complex.

The library is free for anyone to visit, however, if you want to borrow any books, you will need to acquire a library card first. Residents of California are entitled to library cards free of charge.