29 Apr 2004
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Downtown) � The $274-million Walt Disney Concert Hall is an exciting fourth venue added to the Music Center. The Frank O. Gehry-designed 239,000-square-foot hall premiered as the new home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale to worldwide renown. It is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world, providing both visual and aural intimacy for an unparalleled musical experience. www.laphil.com
REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) (Downtown) � Housed in the same complex as Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater has its own unique mandate: to provide a Los Angeles home for new, cutting-edge performance and art�a laboratory where artists can push boundaries, experiment with forms, and blend disciplines, cultures and ideas. As a bonus, all performance tickets are priced below $40. www.redcatweb.org
The Chinese American Museum (Downtown) � The historic 1890 Garnier Building is the site of this new community-based history museum. The two-story Chinese American Museum occupies approximately 7,200 square feet and provides visitors with a visual, learning environment. Thousands of artifacts, photographs and oral histories portraying life in early Chinatown are featured, along with past and present day contributions of Chinese Americans. www.camla.org
�On-Air with Ryan Seacrest� (Hollywood) � National TV and L.A.-based radio host Ryan Seacrest hosts his own live, daily one-hour show featuring a unique blend of entertainment news, celebrity guests, live musical performances and fan interaction. Broadcast from Hollywood & Highland in the center of Hollywood, �On-Air� looks at all things pop culture. In addition, Seacrest is a featured celebrity in the See My LA tourism campaign. www.ryanonair.com
Point Fermin Lighthouse (Coastal) � The only remaining wooden lighthouse in the world has been restored and is now open to the public. Built in 1874, Point Fermin Lighthouse guided ships into the San Pedro Harbor, now known as the Los Angeles Harbor. The lighthouse tower provides a scenic view of Angel�s Gate, Catalina Island, Point Fermin Park and the coastline. It is open Sundays from 1:00 to 3:30 pm for guided tours, which depart each half hour. Entrance to the lighthouse is free. For more information contact the Historic Site Curator at 310/548-7618. www.sanpedrochamber.com
�Shrek 4-D,� Universal Studios Hollywood (Hollywood) � DreamWorks Pictures joined with Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando to simultaneously open the all-new multi-sensory 4-D �Shrek�� attraction based on the award-winning animated feature entitled the same name. A continuation of the �greatest fairy-tale never told,� Shrek 4-D reveals the tale of Shrek�s honeymoon.
New Stadium for Major League Soccer�s Galaxy (Beyond L.A.) � The new Home Depot National Training Center, home of Los Angeles Galaxy soccer, is part of a $112-million sports complex on the Cal State Dominguez Hills campus in Carson. It includes a tennis stadium and facilities for soccer, tennis, track and field and cycling. The complex is the nation�s most complete training facility for Olympic, amateur and professional athletes. www.lagalaxy.com or www.homedepotcenter.com
MTA Metro Gold Line (Pasadena & Downtown) � The new Metro Rail Gold Line links Pasadena to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. The 13.7 mile-long train ride starts in Sierra Madre and features stops in historic Old Pasadena, the Mission West District where all the antique shops and dealers congregate, the Southwest Museum and Chinatown. It takes approximately 33 minutes to ride the light rail line from end-to-end. www.la-pasblueline.org or www.metro.net
�Bugs! In 3-D� (Downtown) � The California Science Center IMAX Theatre recently premiered this new 40-minute rainforest adventure. Highlighting the extraordinary world of insects, Bugs! focuses on the life cycles of a praying mantis and a butterfly in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Bugs! is the largest effort ever undertaken to film a variety of tropical insects in minute detail and magnified up to 250,000 times their normal size. www.casciencectr.org
Greek Theatre (Griffith Park) � The 6,162-seat outdoor theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation. The construction restored the front of the theater to its 1930s fa�ade, improved plaza areas with upgraded concession stands, relocated and upgraded the box office, established a new picnic lawn plaza in front of the theater and improved the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. This award-winning theater is one of L.A.�s most historic entertainment venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. www.greektheatrela.com
LAX to Marina del Rey Shuttle Service (Coastal) � A new luxury shuttle takes LAX-area hotel guests to points of interest and fine dining restaurants in Marina del Rey and Venice. Stops include Fisherman Village, Venice Beach, Cheesecake Factory, Chart House, Casa Escobar, Tony P�s, Caf� del Rey and The Warehouse Restaurant. The hours of operation are 11 am to 10 pm daily. The adult rate is $10 one-way and $18 for an All Day pass. For more information, call A List Limousine Services at 310/277-3705. www.alistlimo.com
LAX Printmaking Exhibit (Coastal) � Mirror Images: Reflections of Southern California Printmaking is a new exhibition displayed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)�s Terminal 1. Installed by the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, the exhibit features prints created by L.A. artists working in a variety of printmaking techniques, ranging from lithography to monotype to digital imagery. Mirror Images will be on display through June 1. www.lawa.org or www.culturela.org
Amelia Earhart Bronze Statue (San Fernando Valley) � An 8-foot, 630-pound bronze statue of Amelia Earhart stands in Earhart�s hometown of North Hollywood. North Hollywood Park, next to the Amelia Earhart Branch Library, is home to the new statue of Earhart holding an airplane propeller. The $130,000 memorial honors the world�s most famous female pilot. www.ameliaearhart.com
Ancient Chinese Art Collection (San Fernando Valley) � A $38-million collection of Chinese antiquities was donated to the California State University, Northridge by entrepreneur and onetime CSUN student Ronald Tseng. The exhibition features about 100 pieces in total, spanning over 6,000 years. The highlight of the initial gift is an ornate, 3,000-year-old gold and bronze ritual vessel valued at $5.5 million and believed to be unique in the world. Tseng�s donated antiquities will become part of the Special Collections and Archives area of the Oviatt Library. www.csun.edu
Ahmanson Ranch (San Fernando Valley) � Ahmanson Ranch�s 15 miles of trails recently opened to the public for the first time. Hikers, bikers, equestrians, dog-walkers and nature enthusiasts can now enjoy Los Angeles� newest park, open from sunrise to sunset and located just north of Calabasas. The unspoiled landscapes are home to several rare and endangered species. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy purchased the 2,983-acre park for $150 million, saving it from housing development. For more information contact the SMMC director at 310/589-3200 x112. www.smmc.ca.gov
Plane Spotting (Coastal) � For those wishing to take advantage of the diversity of airplanes coming to and from Los Angeles International Airport, the city of El Segundo invested $150,000 into an overlook above Imperial Avenue for plane spotting. The formal overlook plaza features telescopes, decorative sidewalks, benches, tables with built-in checkerboards and, most importantly, unobstructed views of planes�all in a comfortable setting. www.planespotting.com
Habitat for Mandrills (Griffith Park) � After more than 20 years without mandrills in its collection, the Los Angeles Zoo brings back the brightly colored baboons, considered the world�s largest and most colorful monkeys. The three new mandrills were introduced November 6 as part of a 2,250-square foot exhibit. The threatened species face possible extinction, as they are losing their habitat to deforestation and declining in numbers due to illegal hunting. The Los Angeles Zoo is only one of two-dozen zoos in the U.S. that exhibits mandrills. www.lazoo.org
Inkie�s Lil� Scrambler, Pacific Park (Coastal) � Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier recently opened a new adventure ride for kids. Inkie�s Lil� Scrambler spins and turns riders (48� or smaller) under the park�s octopus mascot. Pacific Park is an admission-free amusement park overlooking the ocean, featuring rides, games, food and shopping. www.pacpark.com
Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Cars (Coastal) � Visitors to San Pedro can now enjoy the thrill of riding on a 1920s style trolley. The line uses three authentic replicas of the famous Pacific Electric �Red Cars� (electric trolleys) that served Los Angeles until 1961, running on part of an historic Red Car route. The $10-million project connects San Pedro�s World Cruise Center with other waterfront attractions. The $1 fare includes unlimited daily rides and transfers to the rubber-tired San Pedro Electric Trolleys and the Cruise Center shuttle. The line operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Monday and select days when cruise ships are in port. www.railwaypreservation.com/page8.html
Patina Restaurant (Downtown) � Chef Joachim Splichal moved his famed Patina from L.A.�s Westside into the Walt Disney Concert Hall as its flagship restaurant. Elevating Patina�s award-winning cuisine to new heights, the menu continues to feature many of the same delicacies that originally earned Patina its world-class reputation. Splichal�s other Downtown Patina Group restaurants include Caf� Pinot, Zucca�s and Nick & Stef�s Steakhouse. www.patinagroup.com
Studio City Walk of Fame (San Fernando Valley) � Taking a cue from the starry sidewalk of Hollywood Blvd., Studio City�s contributions to popular culture will be acknowledged by the installation of 300 granite tiles on the sidewalk of Ventura Blvd. The installation of tiles began in August on both sides of the boulevard between Rhodes Avenue and Carpenter Avenue, across from the CBS Studio Center. Among the shows to be immortalized in concrete are �Leave it to Beaver,� �Gilligan�s Island,� �Hill Street Blues,� �Seinfeld,� and �Will and Grace,� all of which were Studio City productions. www.studiocitywalkoffame.com
Doheny Mansion Public Tours (Downtown) - The doors are now open to visit the mysterious 1898 mansion of Edward Doheny. Doheny drilled the city�s first oil well, became one of America�s richest men through petroleum deals and later got ensnared in the Teapot Dome, one of America's largest political scandals. The opulent, but private, 22-room mansion, filled with artwork, stained glass, marble mosaic floors, carved gold walls, a glass dome and ballroom has become a historical city landmark. Located just north of USC at Mt. Saint Mary�s College. For tours and information, call 213/477-2768. www.msmc.la.edu
Royal Caribbean Cruises (Coastal) � Royal Caribbean�s newly renovated ship, Monarch of the Seas, now offers three- and four-night Baja Mexico cruises departing from the Port of Los Angeles year-round. Renovations to the 2,386-passenger Monarch of the Seas extend to every area of the ship. New additions include a rock-climbing wall, trendy nightclubs, teen-only hangouts and a sushi bar. www.royalcaribbean.com
Freeway Murals Makeover (Citywide) � Murals seen along Los Angeles freeways are undergoing restoration in an ambitious city project. The large-scale restoration revitalizes murals that celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Los Angeles. The murals can be seen from traffic lanes, bridges, underpasses and junctions along the 405, 110, 10 and 2 freeways. www.culturela.org
See My LA (Citywide) � LA INC. recently launched the See My LA tourism campaign, a marketing program produced in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Mayor James K. Hahn. The See My LA campaign uses the images of, to date, 30 celebrities and their quotes on what they like about Los Angeles. Famed L.A. chefs Wolfgang Puck and Joachim Splichal are featured in the campaign, as well as movie stars like Diane Keaton and Jamie Lee Curtis. See My LA will be seen in advertising, collateral and web marketing through Sept. 2005.
Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral (Downtown) � The uniquely contemporary $163-million cathedral serves as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as a spiritual haven for all Angelenos. Designed by Spanish architect Jos� Rafael Moneo, the Cathedral Square occupies 5.5 acres and features a 20,000-square-foot plaza, Mission-style colonnades, Biblically inspired gardens, a rectory and a conference center. It is touted as one of L.A.�s newest architectural treasures. www.olacathedral.org
Kodak Theatre, Home of the Academy Awards � (Hollywood) � The Kodak Theatre operates guided tours that provide an insider�s view of behind-the-scenes production and showcases the theatre�s glamour and sophistication. Tours operate daily from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. www.kodaktheatre.com
Los Angeles Center Studios (Downtown) � Downtown takes the spotlight with the creation of Los Angeles Center Studios, the largest, full-service independent film studio developed since the 1920s. This state-of-the-art studio features six 18,000-square-foot sound stages with 72 attached dressing rooms. Flix Caf�, a full-service commissary, and Set the Seen, a full-service spa and salon, complete the studio. Additional sound stages are planned for the near future.www.lacenterstudios.com
Experience L.A. (Citywide) � Metro, Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and other partners have joined to familiarize visitors to L.A. and to transit friendly destinations via a comprehensive website. Getting around L.A., adventures using Metro, destinations and cultural event calendars are all featured on the user-friendly site, making it even easier to experience all the great things L.A. has to offer. www.experienceLA.com
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia State Historic Park (Downtown) � Visitors can once again see the fully restored Watts Towers. Located on a triangular, one-tenth acre lot at 1765 East 107th Street in Los Angeles, the world-famous Watts Towers were built by Simon Rodia. From 1921 to 1955, Rodia pieced together discarded bottles, broken dishes, tile, pottery, glass, mirrors, rocks, seashells, cooking utensils, wrought iron, scrap steel and linoleum to create the three towers, two of which are nearly 100 feet tall. www.trywatts.com/towers.htm
World Cruise Center, Port of Los Angeles (Coastal) � The Port of Los Angeles is the Cruise Center of the West. Amid a nonstop, highly efficient cargo and maritime complex is the Port�s World Cruise Center. A $17-million remodeling has upgraded port facilities to handle any cruise ship current in the worldwide fleet. www.portoflosangeles.org
Orpheum Theatre (Downtown) �The 2,000-seat theater, built in the 1926 vaudeville era, is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, one of three original theater organs still existing in Southern California theaters. The Orpheum can be visited during the L.A. Conservancy�s Broadway Historic Theatre District Walking Tour and is available for special events. www.laorpheum.com
Hollywood & Highland (Hollywood)� Designed to mirror a 1916 classic movie set, the open-air, five-story, 1.3 million square foot entertainment complex is strategically located above the Hollywood/Highland Metro Red Line subway station. This complex includes the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, over 60 specialty shops (including the duty-free shop DFS Galleria), public art exhibitions, six movie screens, restaurants, nightclubs and the Kodak Theatre. www.hollywoodandhighland.com or www.renaissancehollywood.com
Hollywood Museum (Hollywood) � The Max Factor Building has been restored to its original 1935 splendor as the home of the Hollywood Museum. The Museum features costumes and props used in Hollywood films, photographs, posters, scripts, awards and more. Displays begin with the Silent Era, work their way through Hollywood�s Golden Era up to a glimpse into the future of the industry and state-of-the-art technology. www.hollywoodhistorymuseum.org
The Grove (Westside) � This 575,000-square-foot retail complex, just east of and adjacent to the famous Farmer�s Market, features various architectural styles ranging from Italian Renaissance to Art Deco. The new buildings line miniature streets serviced by a double deck, electro-magnetic, historic-looking trolley that connects the Grove complex to the existing Farmer�s Market. www.TheGroveLA.com
Venice Boardwalk (Coastal) � A $6.5-million renovation of the world-famous Venice Boardwalk features a children�s play area, a repaved bicycle path, new lighting and restored historic pagodas. The project incorporates artwork into the architecture. The Boardwalk�s recreational facilities have been updated and include new restrooms, benches, a skate dancing venue, two graffiti walls and a basketball court. www.westland.net/venice
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Media Contact: Carol Martinez 213/236-2357 cmartinez@LAinc.us www.visitLAnow.com