If we’re being honest, no matter which direction you look in California, you’re destined to see a view that looks much like a work of art. The oceanside, historic buildings, state and national parks are all evidence of the beauty that surrounds this unique landscape but did you know that you can find it in architecture. Let’s check out one fantastic example: the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Located in Los Angeles, just off the 101 and North Grand Avenue, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a modern vision of cathedral architecture.
Here, you’ll find all the classic elements you’ll find in any cathedral: high ceilings reaching to the heavens, serious statues and murals, plus the glimmering colors from stained glass windows that tower overhead.
You're probably noticing the cathedral is quite new. It was built in the mid-1990s in honor of the area’s previous cathedral and the clean lines of a modern architectural style show just how easily it blends in with commercial and other modern buildings in the heart of Los Angeles.
The previous cathedral--the Cathedral of Saint Vibiniana--dates back to the 1860s and shows off the colonial architecture of the day.
The cathedral was severely damaged during the 1994 earthquakes, leading the diocese to determine it would cost an extraordinary amount to replace. It won historical status shortly thereafter and you can visit the cathedral, bookstore, or the other gift shop to gain a full experience of the building. These days, the cathedral still stands but as an event venue and public library branch.
The cathedral was designed by award-winning Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, who somehow combined the serene nature of modernist design with the airy yet comforting feeling from a traditional cathedral.
As with most modern architecture, you’ll find small moments that speak directly to a space on the floor, wall, or ceiling, relaying the difference in texture and lighting.
I absolutely love the warm color palette and the way the sunlight naturally hits parts of the walls and ceiling. It creates a warm atmosphere that allows visitors to feel welcome and comforted.
Much like this. Isn’t it gorgeous?
The clean, geometric lines combined with warm colors and an abundance of natural lighting makes this area seem not only accessible to the general public but also deliberately elegant in its design.
The building and its combination of deconstructivist and neo-modernist design show off a particular period of elegance in California architecture.
Just look at those clean lines and textures highlighted even in black and white photos
The modernist appeal combined with more traditional features of cathedrals--such as stained glass windows and statues--make this a spiritual area anyone can revel in.
One of the most interesting aspects of the cathedral? It has a mausoleum for nearly 1,300 bodies and more than 4,700 urns.
We suggest visiting the mausoleum during guided tours!
If you've had a chance to visit the cathedral, what was your favorite part of visiting?
That was one beautiful cathedral, don't you think? If you've had a chance to visit, what did you enjoy most about this cathedral?
Address: 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Morning mass starts at 7 a.m. on weekdays and at 8 a.m. on Sundays. Guided tours are available weekdays at 1 p.m. You may also embark on a self-guided tour any day of the week until 6 p.m. with the purchase of a small guide book. Visit their website or Facebook page for details.
Want to take a look at another stunning modern church in Southern California? Read about one truly spectacular site in The Glass Church in There’s No Chapel In The World Like This One In Southern California.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
