5 Reasons You Need to Visit LA’s Hollyhock House

One of my favorite parts about traveling is witnessing all the history that’s still around today. Admiring old architecture, and more specifically, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a wonderful way to learn more about the place you’re visiting, its culture, its art and its values. Recently, I had a chance to visit Hollyhock House, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site in Los Angeles. To just say it was wonderful would be a gross understatement, so instead, I’m sharing all the Reasons You Too Need To Visit LA’s Hollyhock House:

UNESCO World Heritage Status

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking inside a doorway from the backyard of Hollyhock House in Los Angeles
An open doorway leading from the backyard into one of the rooms inside the UNESCO World Heritage site, Hollyhock House
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing with hand on hip outside a doorway in the backyard of Hollyhock House in Los Angeles

Hollyhock House is one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2019. Each were collectively recognized as UNESCO’s first modern architecture designation in the United States.

The inscription recognizes the universal value of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works and his influence on contemporary design. Specifically, Hollyhock House is recognized for seamlessly blending a multitude of architectural styles including Mayan Revival, Modern, Art Deco and more.

While exploring the house, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my past travels to far-off archaeological sites around the globe. If you’re yearning for Mayan or Egyptian Temple vibes close to home, Hollyhock House is definitely a spot to add to your list.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner clasping her hands while standing outside a doorway in the backyard of Hollyhock House in Los Angeles

Badass Female Benefactor

While Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock House, the UNESCO site would not be around today if it weren’t originally for Aline Barnsdall, an American oil heiress, philanthropist and art patron.

She originally commissioned Wright to design this site as a home for her, which she named Hollyhock House and which features a distinct hollyhock motif after her favorite flower.

Outside of her role in the creation of Hollyhock House, Barnsdall also contributed to politics and to the arts. She supported women’s suffrage, fought against the development of oil fields in California, founded the Los Angeles Community Playhouse, donated funds to New York’s MoMA.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in the backyard of the famous Hollyhock House, commissioned by American oil heiress, philanthropist and art patron, Aline Barnsdall

My favorite anecdote about her, however, was how much of a rebel she was for her time! She even intentionally had a child out of wedlock, which was wildly scandalous at the time, since she considered marriage archaic.

Barnsdall Park Location

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner scanning LA's Barnsdall Park from a rock just in front of Hollyhock House
The exterior of the Hollyhock House as seen from Barnsdall Park in Los Angeles, California, USA
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner shielding her eyes from the sun while standing in front of a view of LA's Griffith Observatory from Barnsdall Park

Sweater Photography Shot In Collaboration With: Oliver aus der Mühlen

Still in its original location on top of the hill that Aline Barnsdall commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build upon, Hollyhock House is now part of LA’s public Barnsdall Park.

This is an amazing place to relax, have a picnic, take your dog or spend time with friends no matter the time of year.

Sitting on top of a hill in Hollywood, the park has fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and the surrounding area. But perhaps my favorite part of the park, and definitely a reason to make a late afternoon visit, is the epic sunset viewpoint.

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling while sitting on a rock in LA's Barnsdall Park just in front of Hollyhock House

Art Integrations and Exhibits

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking at a sculpture with three figures inside Hollyhock House, the first Los Angeles UNESCO World Heritage Site

As a groundbreaking architectural site, Hollyhock House features numerous artistic elements in its design.

Some remarkable mentions include the hollyhock flower motif that can be found throughout the house, an “owl fountain” in the central courtyard and “Mayan tiles” adorning the large fireplace.

But the art doesn’t just end there. Hollyhock House also hosts several art exhibits over the years. A few notable ones include Henri Matisse‘s collection of works, “The Inner Eye: Vision and Transcendence in African Arts”, and “Glowing Animals | Radiant Forest”.

The hollyhock flower motif reflected in Hollyhock House's walls and stained glass
The "Mayan Tile" inspired fireplace in the Hollyhock House living room
A piece of wall art showing a crane near a stream decorating the walls of Hollyhock House's living room

Small Entrance Fee & Free Parking

A bookcase inside Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing inside the library doorway at Hollyhock House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
A bookcase and matching tapestry inside Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California

I’ve been to my fair share of UNESCO World Heritage Sites while traveling the world, but rarely have I ever found one so accessible to the public.

The cost to enter Hollyhock House is currently 7 USD per adult*. And if you’re a senior or a student, you can expect to pay only 3 USD for entry*. As far as parking, there are plenty of free parking spots* both at the top and at the bottom of the hill that the park and House sit on.

*At time of writing

A pink velvet chair and vintage lamp inside the library of Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California

Hollyhock House

Los Angeles, California, USA

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Price: $

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