The Library will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Central 100 Exhibitions

January 29, 2026 to January 03, 2027
Central Library

Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning (Getty Gallery)

graphic that reads, 'Los Angeles! You need a library'
This graphic ran in the Los Angeles Record in June of 1921, encouraging voters to approve a bond measure that would fund the construction of Central Library. It passed, along with two subsequent bonds (Los Angeles Record, June 4, 1921)

This exhibition, curated by the staff of Central Library Services, highlights the history and current offerings of Central Library's unique subject departments, what goes on behind the scenes, along with touching on the 100-year history of this cultural landmark.

The Centrals That Never Were (First Floor Galleries)

drawing of Central Library interior with cascading escalators
One of many bizarre plans for renovating Central Library in the 1970s was this one by Charles Luckman, which proposed ripping out the floor of the Rotunda to install cascading escalators. (Herald Examiner Collection)

The Los Angeles Public Library system existed for over fifty years before it got a dedicated Central Library. Along the way, there were many Angelenos with many ideas of where their library should be located, and what it should look like. This exhibition explores these turn-of-the-century ideas, along with a host of 1970s design recommendations when Central Library was threatened with demolition.

The Artwork That Never Was (First Floor Galleries)

Stephen Prina’s Atrium Clock design
Stephen Prina’s Atrium Clock is an intriguing proposal. Designed to be the focal point on the Atrium’s east wall, the clock would have announced the time using synthesized carillon chimes incorporating songs popular on the day that Central Library reopened after renovations. (Institutional Archive, Special Collections)

When Central Library was renovated and expanded in the early 1990s, twelve pieces of public art were approved, but only six were implemented, due to budget restraints. Come learn about the other six and explore what could have been.

The Art & Architecture of a Los Angeles Icon (Annenberg Gallery)

disassembled statue of Civilization
The statue of Civilization is shown under assembly, prior to being moved to Central Library for installation in 1930
(Institutional Collection)

Central Library became an instant architectural treasure when it opened in 1926, and it's reputation grew when it reopened in 1993 after a major renovation. Come meet the architects, artists, and the philosopher who worked together to create Central Library as we know it today.

Constructing a Los Angeles Icon (History & Genealogy Department)

photo of Central Library exterior building under construction
View of Central Library under construction in July 1925, a year before completion (Institutional Collection)

Central Library broke ground on January 14, 1924, and was officially dedicated on July 15, 1926. Journey to the past and view the construction progress with images from the Los Angeles Public Library's historic Photo Collection.

Top