PST ART - Downtown LA Part 2

Art & Science Collide Sep. 15, 2024 - Feb. 16, 2025

"Olafur Eliasson: OPEN" at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
"Olafur Eliasson: OPEN" | Photo: MOCA

This fall, PST ART: Art & Science Collide is uniting cultural institutions across Southern California under one theme. Among the groups participating are museums and galleries in Little Tokyo, the Arts District and Chinatown. Plus, in between Little Tokyo and Chinatown, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is one of the PST ART community hubs and will be hosting events through April of next year.

These three neighborhoods are close enough to each other where you could see shows in each over the course of one day. However, if you want to see all the exhibitions on this list, you will need to make multiple trips, as their timelines don’t all overlap. To help you plan your itinerary, this list is broken down by neighborhood.

Shohei Ohtani Mural at the Miyako Hotel
Shohei Ohtani mural by Robert Vargas | Photo: Miyako Hotel

Little Tokyo

Stay: Miyako Hotel
Located on 1st Street adjacent to Japanese Village Plaza, the Miyako Hotel has been attracting locals and visitors alike since Robert Vargas created a massive mural of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani on the side of the building.

Getting There
If you’re driving, there are multiple paid parking lots in Little Tokyo. Note that the neighborhood gets very busy on the weekends, so give yourself time to find a parking spot if that’s when you plan to go.

For Metro riders, both the A and E lines stop at the Little Tokyo/Arts District station, which is located across the street from the Japanese American National Museum.

"Olafur Eliasson: OPEN" at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
"Olafur Eliasson: OPEN" at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA | Photo: MOCA
"Emergence: Art From Life" at JACCC in Little Tokyo
"Emergence: Art From Life" | Photo: JACCC

The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
Olafur Eliasson: OPEN
(Through Jul. 6, 2025)
In Olafur Eliasson: OPEN, a new site-specific installation, the Icelandic-Danish artist uses large-scale optical devices made for The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA to highlight the architecture of the former police garage-turned-art museum. The installation also responds to the city’s atmosphere, giving viewers a unique view of the space. Free admission.

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
Emergence: Art From Life
(Oct. 8 - Dec. 15, 2024)
LA-based arts group Fathomers considers the questions that arise with the onset of synthetic biology in their PST ART show, Emergence: Art From Life, now on view at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) through December 15. Free admission.

Tenshin Chahan Ankake at Kouraku in Little Tokyo
Tenshin Chahan Ankake at Kouraku | Instagram: @thirstyinla
12-Piece Wagashi Mix at Fugetsu-Do in Little Tokyo
12-Piece Wagashi Mix | Photo: Fugetsu-Do

Dining
Little Tokyo practically overflows with good eats. For ramen and curry served in a diner setting, head to Kouraku (314 E. 2nd St.), which has been feeding the neighborhood since 1976. If you have a hankering for coffee and a donut, stop by Cafe Dulce (134 Japanese Village Plaza). Don’t forget to pop into Fugetsu-Do, the family-owned confectioner that’s more than a century old, for mochi. Take time to walk around the neighborhood too. A lot of the restaurants here also have happy hour specials and the deals are usually posted on signs outside.

Felicia Chiao, "Giant Robot Cover" at JANM
Felicia Chiao, "Giant Robot Cover" at JANM | Photo: Giant Robot
Manga at Kinokuniya in Little Tokyo
Manga at Kinokuniya in Little Tokyo | Instagram by @nataliewinterz

While You're There
Stop by the Japanese American National Museum (100 N. Central Ave.), located adjacent to The Geffen Contemporary. The Giant Robot Biennale, featuring artists like Luke Chueh, James Jean and more, is on view until Jan. 5, 2025.

For shopping, stop by Kinokuniya (123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka St. #205) for books, manga and Japanese magazines. Pick up some new music and Going Underground (356 1/2 E. 2nd St.). Browse the shops on 2nd Street and inside Japanese Village Plaza for anime collectables and cute gifts.

Kodo Hotel Deluxe King Room
Deluxe King Room | Photo: Kodo Hotel

Arts District

Stay: Kodo Hotel
Located in the 100 year-old Engine Co. 17 firehouse, Kodo Hotel (710 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles 90021) is a stunning nine-room boutique hotel that's inspired by a Japanese ryokan with a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

Getting There
The Arts District is across Alameda from Little Tokyo. If you don’t mind walking, and you parked in one of the Little Tokyo lots near Alameda, you can get to Hauser & Wirth and SCI-Arc on foot. ICA LA is over a mile away from the Metro Little Tokyo/Arts District station, so you might not want to walk it. If you choose to drive there, refer to ICA LA’s parking map.

Much of the Arts District is fairly close to the Little Tokyo/Arts District Metro station, which is served by both the A and E Lines. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, navigating the streets in the Arts District can be tricky. Keep your phone on hand in case you have to refer to your GPS.

Gustav Metzger: And Then Came the Environment at Hauser & Wirth
Gustav Metzger: And Then Came the Environment | Photo: Hauser & Wirth
Views of Planet City at SCI-Arc
Views of Planet City | Photo: SCI-Arc

Hauser & Wirth
Gustav Metzger: And Then Came the Environment 
(Through Jan. 5, 2025)
For PST ART, Hauser & Wirth is highlighting the work of Gustav Metzger, whose art frequently explored the impact of war, as well as environmental and political issues. The title of this exhibition, And Then Came the Environment, is derived from his 1992 essay, “Nature Demised.” This is the late artist’s first solo exhibition in Los Angeles and will include works like “Dancing Tubes” (1968) and “Liquid Crystal Environment” (1965). The gallery has also commissioned animator Justin Richburg to create a short inspired by Metzger’s essay, “Damaged Nature.”

SCI-Arc
Views of Planet City
(Through Feb. 16, 2025)
Imagine a future where everyone on Earth lived in a single city. Artists are doing just that in Views of Planet City, a PST Art exhibition curated by Liam Young that will be on view at both the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and Pacific Design Center. While visiting the Arts District, you can check out the SCI-Arc portion of the exhibition, which is located inside the school’s gallery.

Scientia Sexualis at ICA LA
Scientia Sexualis | Photo: ICA LA
Lia Halloran: Night Watch at Luis de Jesus Gallery
Lia Halloran: Night Watch | Photo: Luis de Jesus Gallery

ICA LA
Scientia Sexualis
(Oct. 5, 2024 - Mar. 2, 2025)
The Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (ICA LA) presents Scientia Sexualis, a large group exhibition that brings together Black, feminist, trans and decolonial perspectives in its exploration of sex, gender and science. There will be multiple events taking place during the course of the exhibition, including workshops on subjects like “body image and disability” and “gender identity and inclusivity.” ICA LA is located on the outskirts of the Arts District, about a mile walk from SCI-Arc. Consult the museum’s website for the best information on how to get there. There’s no entry fee, but you should make an appointment before visiting.

Luis de Jesus Gallery
Lia Halloran: Night Watch
(Nov. 9 - Dec. 21, 2024)
Lia Halloran, the LA-based artist whose works often incorporate themes of science and nature, explores time in her solo show Night Watch, which will be on view at Luis de Jesus Gallery from November through December as part of PST ART. Located just outside the Arts District on Mateo Street between 7th and 8th, the gallery is closest to ICA LA.

Patio at Manuela in the Arts District
Photo: Manuela, Facebook
Sweet potato tacos at Guerrilla Tacos
Sweet potato tacos at Guerrilla Tacos  |  Photo: Jakob Layman

Dining
Acclaimed restaurant Manuela (907 E. 3rd St) is located inside Hauser & Wirth. Zinc Cafe (580 Mateo St.) is a good choice if you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch. If you’re over at ICA LA, you’re close to Guerrilla Tacos (2000 E. 7th St.).

Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth in the Arts District
Photo: Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth
Hennessey + Ingalls bookstore in the Arts District
Photo: Hennessey + Ingalls, Facebook

While You’re There
Stock up on books at Artbook (917 E. 3rd St.), located inside Hauser & Wirth; and Hennessey + Ingalls (300 S. Santa Fe Ave, Suite M), located across Santa Fe from SCI-Arc. If your PST ART tour is leaving you inspired, head to Artist & Craftsman Supply (1917-1921 E. 7th St.), which is near ICA LA, to pick up some new tools. If you want to unwind after exploring the neighborhood, stop by EightyTwo for a few rounds of pinball or a classic video game. The 21+ arcade opens at 2pm on the weekends.

Olvera Street
Olvera Street  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street
Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street | Photo: DCA

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument

Getting There
El Pueblo de Los Angeles has four parking lots surrounding the site. However, if you have already parked in Little Tokyo, you might just want to hop on the Metro A Line, which will take you to Union Station, located across the street from the hub. If you’ve parked in Chinatown, El Pueblo will likely be within walking distance. Given its close proximity to Union Station, El Pueblo is served by multiple bus and rail lines. It’s also easy to access if you have taken a Metrolink or Amtrak train to Union Station. La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is located right across Main Street from El Pueblo.

"L.A. Starts Here!" at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
"L.A. Starts Here!" at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes | Photo: Valerie Faithorn
"Recetario para la memoria" at  LA Plaza Cocina de Gloria Molina
"Recetario para la memoria" | Photo: LA Plaza Cocina de Gloria Molina

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Community Hub
(Through Apr. 27, 2025)
Located next to El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the historic center of the city, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is one of three PST ART community hubs. Now through April 2025, the cultural center will be partnering with multiple, local arts groups to offer programming, such as Fiestas Patrias Family Day. Check the calendar for events that coincide with your visit, which can include everything from art markets and dance parties to cooking classes at LA Plaza Cocina de Gloria Molina. Inside LA Plaza’s museum, check out Conexiones: Cultivating Community Action, a meeting space that includes interactive installations; and Louis Verdad: Tonāntaźin, a multimedia installation of Mama Tierra by the LA-based fashion designer.

Taquitos and champurrado at Cielito Lindo on Olvera Street
Breakfast of champions at Cielito Lindo: #1 combo (three beef taquitos) and champurrado | Photo: Seabrook M, Yelp
French Dip with pickled eggs at Philippe the Original in Downtown LA
French Dip with pickled eggs at Philippe the Original  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Dining
Indulge in LA classics while you’re near El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Located on Olvera Street, you’ll find Cielito Lindo (E. 23 Olvera St.), which dates to 1934 and is famed for their taquitos smothered in avocado sauce. Venture down Alameda to Ord Sreet for Philippe the Original (1001 N. Alameda St.), home of French Dip sandwiches, spicy mustard, tasty desserts and a really inexpensive cup of coffee.

Interior of Avila Adobe on Olvera Street
Interior of Avila Adobe  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
"Collective Resilience" exhibit at the Chinese American Museum
"Collective Resilience" at the Chinese American Museum | Photo: @camlaorg, Instagram

While You're There
Certainly make time to shop on Olvera Street while you’re there, but also be sure to carve out an hour or two to explore the cultural monuments and museums inside El Pueblo de Los Angeles. From the Chinese American Museum to the Italian American Museum, each one specializes in uncovering the city’s rich history.

Chinatown Gateway Monument
Chinatown Gateway Monument | Photo: Chains of Pace, Discover Los Angeles Flickr Pool
Lobby at Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn in Chinatown
Lobby at Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn | Photo: Best Western

Chinatown

Stay: Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn
Conveniently located a five-minute walk from the Metro A Line Chinatown station, the Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn is also a block from Central Plaza and a half-mile from Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Getting There
If you’re driving to Chinatown, know that there is both lot and street parking in the neighborhood. However, the streets can get congested when there are major events, like Dodger games or concerts, happening nearby. Check your calendar and plan your visit accordingly.

Chinatown has very good access to public transportation. Metro’s A Line has a designated Chinatown stop that’s centrally located in the neighborhood. Additionally, there are multiple buses that run along Broadway and Hill and have stops in various corners of the neighborhood.

Gusmano Cesaretti: My Journey with Maria Sabina at Eastern Projects
Gusmano Cesaretti: My Journey with Maria Sabina | Photo: Eastern Projects, Facebook
Conscious Tether: Art and the Internet in Los Angeles at Human Resources
Conscious Tether: Art and the Internet in Los Angeles | Photo: Human Resources

Eastern Projects
Gusmano Cesaretti: My Journey with Maria Sabina
(Through October 26)
In 1982, LA-based photographer Gusmano Cesaretti photographed Maria Sabina, a healer in Oaxaca who lived for nearly a century and, late in life, became a counterculture figure. At Eastern Projects, 30 of Cesaretti’s photos will be on view for PST ART. The gallery is conveniently located right by Metro’s A Line station in Chinatown. It’s on the bottom level of Blossom Plaza, facing Broadway.

Human Resources
Conscious Tether: Art and the Internet in Los Angeles
(Oct. 5-20)
UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts heads to Chinatown in October with their PST ART exhibition, Conscious Tether: Art and the Internet in Los Angeles. On view at Human Resources from through October 20, the group exhibition brings together LA-based artists to create works that speak about the 50-year history of online art. Human Resources is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 6pm.

Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown
Hop Woo BBQ & Seafood | Instagram: @hopwoola
Howlin' Ray's
Photo: Howlin' Ray's

Dining
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Chinatown. If you’re at Human Resources, stop by Pho 87 (1019 Broadway) at the corner of Broadway and Cottage Homes for a piping hot bowl of pho. On Broadway, roughly between Human Resources and Eastern Projects, you’ll find Phoenix Bakery, the vintage, family-owned LA bakery whose strawberry and whipped cream cakes are beloved around town. Further down Broadway, you’ll find mainstays like Hop Woo (845 N. Broadway) and Yang Chow (819 N. Broadway). You’ll find trendier spots like Howlin’ Ray's at Far East Plaza (727 N. Broadway). If you’re looking for a quick snack or something to drink, check out the vendors set up on Broadway between Alpine and College, who bring an assortment of fruits and juices.

Bridge at Los Angeles State Historic Park
Photo: Mojave Morning Photography, Los Angeles State Historic Park, Facebook

While You’re There
Take a stroll through Los Angeles State Historic Park (1245 N. Spring St.). The large, lively park is located right outside of Chinatown’s Metro station and includes a monarch butterfly habitat, a bridge with a fantastic few of downtown and a good amount of art.

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