BOOK LIST:

L.A. Stories: Gardens and Museums

Updated: May 31, 2024

Los Angeles has many public and private places to visit and enjoy.


Book cover for 111 Places in Los Angeles That You Must Not Miss
111 Places in Los Angeles That You Must Not Miss
Moglen, Laurel
Call Number: 979.41T L881Mog 2016

Not the usual guidebook to interesting places in Los Angeles—many of them you might not know about.


Book cover for Another world lies beyond : creating Liu Fang Yuan, the Huntington's Chinese garden
Another world lies beyond : creating Liu Fang Yuan, the Huntington's Chinese garden
Call Number: 711.9794 H953An

The Huntington Library has several gardens. The Chinese Garden, or Garden of Flowing Fragrance, was opened to the public in 2008. Filled with lovely full-page color photographs, the authors discuss the special symbolism of the plants and layout of the garden space.


Book cover for Descanso : an urban oasis revealed
Descanso : an urban oasis revealed
Marr, Warren.
Call Number: 770.914 M358 folio

The Descanso Gardens was originally a Spanish rancho that eventually was granted to Los Angeles. It is a very old botanical garden noted for its fine collection of camellias and oaks. The garden has a full calendar of events for all ages.

 

Book cover for Down by the Los Angeles River : Friends of the Los Angeles River's official guide
Down by the Los Angeles River : Friends of the Los Angeles River's official guide
Linton, Joe.
Call Number: 979.41T L88Li 2005

The Los Angeles River meanders through 51 miles of the city and more than 100 communities. This is a guidebook, with maps and illustrations highlights interesting old and new sites.

 

Book cover for The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden at UCLA
Burlingham, Cynthia, 1955-
Call Number: 730.8 F8315Bu

The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is located on the UCLA campus. There are  seventy-two modern and contemporary works displayed in a park-like setting.

 

Book cover for Gardens and plants of the Getty Villa
Gardens and plants of the Getty Villa
Bowe, Patrick.
Call Number: 708.1 G394Bo

The plants and gardens of the Getty Villa replicate those in the ancient city of Herculaneum. In ancient times the plants were used in medicine, cooking and for rituals. 


Book cover for Guide to the Getty Villa.
Guide to the Getty Villa.
J. Paul Getty Museum
Call Number: 708.1 G394-10 2018

The Getty Villa Museum along PCH is a replica of the ancient Roman villa at Herculaneum in Italy. It houses also displays J. Paul Getty’s collections of European art, artifacts and furniture.  There are scheduled tours and theatrical presentations in the outdoor theatre

 

Book cover for LACMA so far : portrait of a museum in the making
LACMA so far : portrait of a museum in the making
Muchnic, Suzanne,
Call Number: 708.1 L8817Mu

A meticulously researched book which covers the history of LACMA up to the date of the book's publication. It is very well-written, readable, and therefore will appeal to a wide variety of readers: the general public, scholars and others.  In its coverage of how the museum came into existence, Muchnic provides a good deal of Los Angeles history from that time period and the present. The book has a table of contents, index, and reference notes; there are color, black and white photographs throughout the book.

Bruckman Rare Book Friends Award, 2017.


Book cover for One hundred years in the Huntington's Japanese garden : harmony with nature
One hundred years in the Huntington's Japanese garden : harmony with nature
Call Number: 711.9794 H951On folio

A history of the Huntington's Japanese Garden, which is over 100 years old. Beauty, tradition and culture are exemplified in the unique features of this very popular California landmark. 


Book cover for Quiet Los Angeles
Quiet Los Angeles
Razo, Rebecca
Call Number: 979.41T L881Raz

In this great big metropolis there are many places that offer an escape from all of the noise and activity.


Book cover for Robert Irwin Getty garden
Robert Irwin Getty garden
Weschler, Lawrence.
Call Number: 711.9794 G394We

Robert Irwin created a garden to complement Richard Meier's architecture for the J. Paul Getty Museum


Book cover for Secret gardens of Hollywood and private oases in Los Angeles
Secret Gardens of Hollywood and Private Oases in Los Angeles
Lennard, Erica
Call Number: 711.9794 L567

Take an armchair tour through private gardens that range from the serious to the fanciful.


Book cover for Self help graphics & art : art in the heart of East Los Angeles
Self Help Graphics & Art: Art in the Heart of East Los Angeles
Call Number: 741.409794 S4655 2014

Self Help Graphics & Art is a community-based art making and exhibiting institution located in East L.A. It has been a leader in printmaking and has brought attention to Chicano and Latino art. Throughout the year they have scheduled exhibits.


Book cover for Spine: An account of the Jud Fine art plan at the Maguire Gardens, Central Library, Los Angeles
Spine: An Account of the Jud Fine Art Plan at the Maguire Gardens, Central Library, Los Angeles
Fine, Jud
Call Number: 730.914 F495-1

An overview of the art works in the Maguire Gardens at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library.


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