Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States California Los Angeles 'Four Great Eras of California History'
AO Edited

'Four Great Eras of California History'

Inside this library, the history of Los Angeles is retold through a mural.

Los Angeles, California

Added By
Fred Cherrygarden
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
The rotunda.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
circa 2013   Avoiding Regret
Library entrance from Maguire Gardens   Avoiding Regret
Detail.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘Four Great Eras of California History.’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘Four Great Eras of California History’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘Four Great Eras of California History’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
‘Four Great Eras of California History’   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The pyramid seen from outside.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Hallway into the Mural Room  
The ceiling.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

The Los Angeles Central Library is an awe-inspiring structure on its own, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. With its tower topped with a gorgeous mosaic pyramid, it stands out above the hubbub of downtown, glistening against the clear blue sky.

LA Public Library’s main branch is truly a marvel: shelf after shelf of books standing in high-ceiling, museumlike chambers, guarded by Art Deco sphinxes like a bibliophile’s fever dream. But its crown jewel is the palatial Lodwrick M. Cook Rotunda, built right under the pyramid with a globe chandelier and a colossal tetraptych mural retelling the history of the Golden State. 

Created by popular American illustrator Dean Cornwell, the mural was created in 1932 and was given the title of Four Great Eras of California History. It took him five years to complete the work, which consists of twelve panels that represent scenes from the "four great eras" in the history of Los Angeles: Discovery, Mission Building, Americanization, and Founding of Los Angeles. Each part is done in the artist's distinctive style utilizing bold lines and colors, offering an unforgettable art viewing experience in Los Angeles' sanctuary of books.

Related Tags

Murals Art Libraries

Community Contributors

Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Edited By

Avoiding Regret, saenglish

  • Avoiding Regret
  • saenglish

Published

July 22, 2022

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
'Four Great Eras of California History'
630 W 5th St
Los Angeles, California, 90071
United States
34.050332, -118.254946
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Los Angeles, California

miles away

Richfield Tower's Art Deco Doors

Los Angeles, California

miles away

The Bonaventure Hotel

Los Angeles, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

California

Places 237
Stories 62

Nearby Places

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Los Angeles, California

miles away

Richfield Tower's Art Deco Doors

Los Angeles, California

miles away

The Bonaventure Hotel

Los Angeles, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Los Angeles

Los Angeles

California

Places 237
Stories 62

Related Places

  • Emmaus Mosaic Mural

    Emmaus, Pennsylvania

    Emmaus Mosaic Mural

    A fascinating community art piece created by students, teachers, and noted Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar.

  • “Other Arts Follow” (Agricultural panel)

    Ames, Iowa

    Grant Wood Murals

    The “American Gothic" artist's largest works hang in an Iowa State University library.

  • San Bartolo Coyotepec, Mexico

    ‘El Mural de la Conquista’ (‘Mural of the Conquest’)

    In this state repository of folk art, perhaps no piece is more representative than this brutal work featuring the town’s distinctive black clay pottery.

  • Phoenix, Arizona

    David Bowie Mural

    This mural of the late David Bowie features eight colorful panels showcasing Bowie’s various alter egos.

  • May you rest in peace.

    Birmingham, England

    'A Life in the Year of the Chinchillas'

    The ceiling of this shopping arcade is adorned with six trompe-l’œil artworks, including a grim funeral scene.

  • Jeanne Dielman Mural

    Brussels, Belgium

    Jeanne Dielman Mural

    A mural recalls a fictional woman who once lived at 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Brussels.

  • Washington, D.C.

    Murals at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library

    In an alcove of this historic library, you can find murals painted in the 1930s by an artist who went on to create some of Disney's most iconic animated films.

  • Tangier, Morocco

    Leila Alaoui Mural

    Local authorities nearly destroyed this mural before a viral video rallied international support to save it.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.