Three LA Landmarks Tour

This tour visits three famous and diverse landmarks of downtown LA. We will start with a self-guided visit to Frank Gehry's masterpiece - Disney Concert Hall. Opened in 2003 at a cost of $274 million, the Hall's exterior "deconstructivist" form of curved stainless steel has become an LA icon. The stunning interior uses an "acoustics-first" approach with "vineyard seating" around the central stage. Panels of Douglas fir and oak provide a highly reflective surface for sound.

After lunch, our second stop will be at the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral on Temple St. Completed in 2002 and designed in a unique contemporary style by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, Our Lady is the only Catholic cathedral to be completed in the US in the last thirty years. The Cathedral is bathed in natural light, filtered by the world's largest use of alabaster. Among the many works of art are the stunning, fresco-like tapestries by John Nava depicting 135 saints and the faithful of all ages.

Our final landmark is the beloved LA Central Library - a 1926 design featuring early Art Deco, Egyptian and Mediterranean influences. Our tour will include the sculptures, murals and art which survived a devastating 1986 fire. The Library was later restored when a local developer bought the developable air space above the building which later financed a stunning new wing.

Lunch will be at the venerable Grand Central Market - a downtown LA favorite since 1917. You'll have 90 minutes to savor over 20 food vendors. For those interested, Hoffy will lead a brief visit to the famous Bradbury Building - a National Historic Landmark for its innovative and beautiful interior design.

Tour departs from Laguna Beach Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, and Laguna Hills Mall parking lot, 24001 Avenida de la Carlota.