Aerin’s Guide to Los Angeles

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I’ve just returned from an art-focused trip to Los Angeles. The thriving art scene is always inspiring, but it seems more active than ever with new openings and expansions, including Marian Goodman Gallery’s 13,000-square-foot complex in Hollywood this spring. It was a busy and exciting weekend—here are some of my recommendations.

There are two hotels I love in Los Angeles that have retained an air of Hollywood’s golden era.

Hotel Bel-Air, located in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains, sits in 12-acres of tranquil wooded grounds that include palm trees, fragrant orange blossom, Italianate fountains, and meandering paths. Designer Alexandra Champalimaud renovated the luxurious interiors and hi-tech features have been added without losing any of the glamour of the original, when Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace of Monaco and Marilyn Monroe were guests. Other highlights include the signature oval-shaped pool, Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and a grand spa.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, known as the “pink palace,” on Sunset Boulevard is an iconic presence in LA. The refurbished classic interiors include bold banana leaf wallpaper in the public areas and candy stripe cabanas around the pool. The inviting rooms, suites, and 23 bungalows dotted around the property’s extensive tropical gardens offer a luxe comfort. Eating options include the counter-style Fountain Coffee Room and the Polo Lounge with a bougainvillea covered courtyard—a classic serving the best hamburger and chocolate soufflé.

There’s so much in LA to appeal to the art lover. The Getty Center’s world-class collection, including works by Manet, Rembrandt, Poussin, Titian, Turner, and Van Gogh, is housed in a modernist complex by architect Richard Meier in lush grounds overlooking West LA.

The Broad houses a collection of 2,000 post-war and contemporary works including Jeff Koons, Robert Therrien, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, and more in a purpose-built building by Diller Scofidio + Renfro featuring an eye-catching honeycomb-like façade.

Hauser Wirth Los Angeles transformed a former industrial flour mill in the Arts District into a gallery, garden, bookstore, and restaurant. Current exhibitions include the first LA solo exhibition of Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi, and an exhibition of recent paintings by Hungarian-born artist Rita Ackermann. Both run through April 30.

Located in the Arts District, Bavel serves Middle Eastern dishes in a sunny warehouse space filled with plants. Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis create tasty classics, such as lamb neck shawarma and Wagyu oxtail tagine, with generous helpings of pita and flatbread. An old favorite, Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica is as good for people watching as it is for authentic Italian dishes, such as Langoustine sul Farro and Risotto Nonna.

From the whimsical to the gallery worthy, Blackman Cruz sells intriguing antiques and collectables. Adam Blackman and David Cruz opened their eponymous business in 1993, moving to a larger showroom on Highland Avenue in 2021. It’s definitely worth a look, even if just to appreciate their wonderful aesthetic. Sheila Bouttier founded Galerie Provenance to source furniture and antiques for designers and private collectors. The by-appointment design gallery specializes in European artifacts and mid-century design.

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