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Spring in Los Angeles will see The Firehouse Hotel in the south Arts District open along with chef Eric Bost’s tasting restaurant Auburn on Melrose. The Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary in June and the always popular 2019 Summer dineL.A. returns.http://www.stevecafeandcuisine.com/

Key Spring Dates In & Around L.A.

  • May 5: Cinco de Mayo
  • June 1-5: IPW (Anaheim)
  • June 8: L.A. Pride

HOTELS

Trends

  • Luxury, boutique-style hotel boom from Downtown Los Angeles to Hollywood with 13 new hotels set to open in the next 18 months
  • Chef-led dining programs that encompass the culinary experience at the accommodation, e.g. chef Ashley Abodeely of Firehouse Hotel

UPCOMING HOTELS

Firehouse Hotel (Arts District, Downtown)

April 2019

The nine-room boutique property, Firehouse Hotel, will open in Downtown’s south Arts District this spring. At the intersection of 7th and Santa Fe, the hotel is located within a 1928 structure known as The Engine Co. No 17 Building, which functioned as a fire station until 1980. The 8,800-square-foot, two-story hotel will offer visitors both retail and a restaurant space led by chef Ashley Abodeely.

www.firehousela.com

The Hoxton, LA (Fashion District, Downtown)

June 2019

Chic British brand Hoxton will debut The Hoxton, LA in a transformed 1925 building that was once the headquarters of the LA Railway Authority. Located in Downtown L.A.’s booming Fashion District at 11th and Broadway, the 10-story hotel will feature 174 guest rooms, three restaurants including one on the roof, multiple bars and a rooftop pool when it debuts in June 2019.

www.thehoxton.com/california/downtown-la/hotels  

Silver Lake Pool and Inn (Silver Lake)

June 2019

This June Silver Lake Pool and Inn will open at Sunset Junction just south of the lively intersection of Santa Monica and Sunset. The 54-room boutique property run by Palisociety Hotels is set to feature an elevated pool deck and Marco Polo, a coastal Italian-inspired outdoor restaurant and bar.

www.palisociety.com/hotels/silverlake/

Soho Warehouse (Arts District, Downtown)

July 2019

The London-based Soho Warehouse is the third in L.A. and set to open in the south Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Soho Warehouse will span more than 110,000 square feet, making it one of the biggest standalone Houses and the first with guestrooms on the West Coast. The property will include bedrooms, a gym, club spaces and a rooftop with a pool.

www.sohohouse.com

The Wayfarer DTLA (Historic Core, Downtown)

July 2019

The Wayfarer DTLA is a community-focused hotel coming to Downtown L.A.’s historic Broadway Corridor in the former Ritz Milner building. The property will feature 156 rooms, four food and beverage spots and a stairwell gym. Rockefeller Kempel Architects, who spearheaded the beautiful renovation of Hotel Figueroa, is leading this project as the second hotel under the Wayfarer name with the first located in Santa Barbara.

www.wayfarersb.com

Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel (Fashion District, Downtown)

Mid-2019

Proper Hospitality, the new brand headed by former Viceroy Hotels Chief Brad Korzen, is slated to debut their first Los Angeles hotel in Downtown L.A.’s Fashion District located at the site of the former Case Hotel. The 13-story property, which was originally built in 1924, will have 148 stunning rooms.

www.properhotel.com/hotels/downtown-la

The Godfrey Hotel (Hollywood)

October 2019

The 150,000-square-foot Godfrey hotel is a high-end boutique property fit for the lifestyle of the contemporary jet-setting professional. The project features amenities that will allow travellers to conduct business both locally and remotely, while enjoying the unique room and food experiences that the Godfrey brand is known for in Chicago and Boston. The property is slated to open with 220 rooms, a rooftop pool and a casual steakhouse called About Last Knife.

www.godfreyhotelhollywood.com

Fairmont Century Plaza (Century City)

Late 2019

AccorHotels’ Fairmont badge will take over the landmark Century Plaza hotel in Century City when the property reopens as Fairmont Century Plaza later this year. The redeveloped 5-star property will boast 400 guestrooms and 63 luxury residences. Expected amenities include a swanky rooftop pool, a world-class 14,000-sqaure-foot spa, and 24-hour fitness center.

www.fairmontcenturyplaza.com

Park Hyatt at Oceanwide Plaza (South Park, Downtown)

Early 2020

Oceanwide Plaza, the mixed-use project being built adjacent to STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE, will include L.A.’s first hotel under the Park Hyatt luxury badge. The Park Hyatt Los Angeles will have 184 rooms, including 34 suites, meeting and events space, a swimming pool, and access to the retail and amenity podium known as The Collection at Oceanwide Plaza.

www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/park-hyatt-los-angeles-at-oceanwide-plaza/lacph 

Grupo Habita Project (Arts District, Downtown)

Summer 2020

The first L.A. project for Grupo Habita, a hotel group that develops some of the hippest hotels in Mexico City, Chicago, and New York will take over a 109-year-old brick warehouse in the Arts District transforming it with modern accommodations, a rooftop lounge, garden and pool. Construction on the property is ongoing with a projected opening date of summer 2020.

www.grupohabita.mx

W Los Angeles Downtown (South Park, Downtown)

Mid-2020

The 250-room W Los Angeles Downtown will be located across the street from L.A. LIVE and STAPLES Center and will be the W brand’s third location in Los Angeles. The hotel will feature a spa, outdoor pool deck and destination restaurants along. It will boast approximately 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space perfect for the modern business traveller.

www.w-hotels.marriott.com

Thompson Hollywood (Hollywood)

2020

Two Roads Hospitality’s Thompson lifestyle brand, which previously operated The Hollywood Roosevelt, will return to the buzzing Hollywood neighbourhood with a new property on Wilcox Avenue between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards. The 190-room hotel is being built by Dream Hollywood developer Relevant Group and will house meeting and events space, a fitness centre and a rooftop deck with a pool.

www.thompsonhotels.com

Tommie Hotel (Hollywood)

2020

With lush greenspace and an array of communal amenities, the Tommie Hotel is designed for young professionals, artists and entrepreneurs. The Tommie Hotel Los Angeles will sit at the intersection of Wilcox and Selma Avenues in Hollywood, adjacent to the existing Mama Shelter hotel. The 212-room, lifestyle-focused hotel also comes from the Two Roads Hospitality brand and Relevant Group developers.

www.relevantgroup.com/projects/tommie-hotel

Strand & Pier (Hermosa Beach)

2023

Strand & Pier will be a full-service boutique hotel with 111 rooms across three stories just feet from the sand of Hermosa Beach. The property will offer 180-degree panoramic ocean views that stretch from Rancho Palos Verdes to Santa Monica. As part of Provenance Hotel Group, the highly-anticipated hotel will have a rooftop pool and public terrace, five restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre.

www.ilovehermosa.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Trends

  • This spring marks a rise in exhibitions covering the works by African American, Korean and Chinese artists
  • According to the LA Times, 2018 saw more female than male solo art exhibitions in Los Angeles

UPCOMING INSTITUTIONS

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (Mid-City)

Late 2019

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is bringing the world’s leading film sciences museum to L.A.’s Miracle Mile. This exciting project is designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, and will encompass six stories of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, movie theatres, educational areas, and special event spaces. Inaugural exhibitions will include a retrospective of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Making of: The Wizard of Oz.

www.academymuseum.com

LA Plaza Cocina (Olvera Street, Downtown)

Late 2019

LA Plaza Cocina will be the first museum and teaching kitchen dedicated to Mexican food when it opens in Downtown L.A.’s Olvera Street at LA Plaza Village. The multi-disciplinary venue will aim to celebrate and educate visitors on Mexico’s culinary heritage, from its indigenous roots to its contemporary interpretations through an array of exhibitions, cooking classes, lectures, workshops, and culinary festivals.

lapca.org/content/la-plaza-cocina-la-plaza-village

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (Exposition Park, Downtown)

2021

Los Angeles will welcome the 275,000-square-foot, USD $1-billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to Downtown L.A.’s Exposition park in 2021. Works on display will come from George Lucas’ personal collection of art, which consists of approximately 10,000 paintings and illustrations along with Hollywood memorabilia from films such as “Star Wars” and “The Ten Commandments.”

www.lucasmuseum.org

NEW EXHIBITIONS

California Science Center (Exposition Park, Downtown)

“Dogs! A Science Tail”

Open through January 5, 2020

Dogs! A Science Tail is the latest immersive exhibition at the California Science Center. This family friendly draw looks at the special bond between humans and dogs through live demonstrations, role-play activities, VR technology and more. This adorable display dedicated to four-legged friends and wet noses is perfect for all ages of animal lovers.

californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/dogs-a-science-tail

The Broad (Bunker Hill, Downtown)

“Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983”

Open through September 1, 2019

Debuted at London’s Tate Modern in 2017 and after its most recent run at Brooklyn Museum, Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983 is proudly on display at The Broad. This shines a bright light on the vital contributions black artists made over two revolutionary decades in American history, beginning in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement. It includes the works of arts like Romare Bearden, Alma Thomas and William T. Williams. Special to this presentation are three galleries dedicated to black L.A. artists and the history of the city’s impact on the civil rights movement.

www.thebroad.org/soul-of-a-nation

California African American Museum (Exposition Park, Downtown)

“The Liberator: Chronicling Black Los Angeles 1900-1914”

Open through September 8, 2019

On display through September 8, 2019 at California African American Museum, The Liberator: Chronicling Black Los Angeles 1900-1914 illuminates the history of the early 20th-century African American newspaper The Liberator. This in-depth exhibit explores how L.A. was a city of hope and racial upliftment for the black community leaving the South after post-Civil War reconstruction. Jefferson Lewis Edmonds, a former slave, founded the progressive cultural newspaper in 1900.

caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2019/the-liberator

LA Phil (Downtown and Hollywood)

100-Year Centennial Season

Open through October 24, 2019

In the midst of the 2018/2019 season, LA Phil’s Centennial Birthday Celebration will take place on its 100th birthday, October 24, 2019, where three LA Phil Music Directors from past and present will share the stage. The celebration will double as the Opening Night Concert & Gala for the upcoming 2019-2020 season, which takes LA Phil into a new century.

www.laphil.com/about/la-phil/la-phil-100/

Skirball Cultural Center (Westside)

“Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite”

April 11 – September 1, 2019

The Skirball Cultural Center will display Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite through fall – the first largescale exhibition dedicated to Kwame Brathwaite, one of the key figures of the second Harlem Renaissance. More than 40 photographs from the 1960s will be on display highlighting the beauty of black women and men through natural hair and clothing that reclaimed their African roots disregarded in the mainstream beauty standards of the time.

www.skirball.org/exhibitions/black-beautiful-photography-kwame-brathwaite

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) (Downtown)

40-Year-Anniversary

April 14 – September 16, 2019

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) will dedicate its two Downtown L.A. locations to celebrating the museum’s 40th anniversary. MOCA Grand Avenue will celebrate the Ruby Anniversary milestone with the display 40 for LA. The multimedia exhibition features rare photographs and lithographs, limited-edition objects, a detailed exhibition and programming timeline, excerpts from the museum’s YouTube video project MOCAtv and an homage to all of the artists to whom the museum is indebted.

www.moca.org

Annenberg Space for Photography (Century City)

“CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop

April 26 – August 18, 2019

Annenberg Space for Photography proudly presents CONTACT HIGH: A Visual History of Hip-Hop celebrating the photographers of hip-hop’s visual culture with an inside look told through their unedited contact sheets. Curated by Vikki Tobak, the photographic exhibition includes over 120 works from more than 60 photographers who have snagged photos of artist like Notorious B.I.G., Kendrick Lamar and Salt-N-Pepa.

www.annenbergphotospace.org/exhibits/contact-high/

Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art (LACMA) (Mid-City)

“The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China”

“Beyond Line: The Art of Korean Writing”

June 2, 2019 – January 5, 2020

June 16, 2019 – September 29, 2019

Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art (LACMA) adds two Asian art exhibitions in late spring. The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China will bring 34 works from 40 years in which material choice has become a symbol of artistic expression. The installation includes 20 of the most influential Chinese artists working today including Ai Weiwei, Cai Guo-Qiang and Lin Tianmiao. Beyond Line: The Art of Korean Writing will be the first exhibition held outside of Asia to focus on the history and art of writing and calligraphy in Korea.

www.lacma.org/art/exhibitions/coming-soon

Petersen Automotive Museum (Mid-City)

25-Year-Anniversary

June 2019

Founded on June 11, 1994, the Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates 25 years on the Miracle Mile this spring. The museum was curated as a space to appreciate the automobile and its surrounding impact on the community. Some of the special exhibits for the Silver Anniversary spring include Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy featuring items from visitors’ favourite sci-fi and fantasy films and Electric Revolution, the world’s first only-electric motorcycle exhibit.

www.petersen.org/exhibitions

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

Trends

  • Los Angeles Tourism launches its own Exclusives program
  • Both Warner Bros. and Universal Studios Hollywood launch family-friendly attractions for the summer

Discover L.A. Exclusives (Citywide)

Discover L.A. Exclusives is a new L.A. Tourism program created to bring a uniquely curated collection of only-in-L.A. experiences to visitors from 16 businesses across the city. These range from LA Cycle Tours, offering 20% off their all-you-can-eat Dim Sum and Taco Bike Tour, to Exotics Racing, which is offering adrenaline junkies 50% off two laps drifting ride and Cartwheel Art Tours offering 10% off a fully-customised private tour. These offers are available now through June 30, with a new set beginning July 1.

www.discoverlosangeles.com/exclusives

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (Burbank)

Aquaman Display

Open now

Guests of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will find Aquaman, the King of the Seven Seas, at DC Universe: The Exhibit. This special installation takes visitors to the underwater world of Atlantis through real costume and prop displays from the 2018 hit film starring Jason Momoa and Amber Heard.

www.wbstudiotour.com/news/aquaman-at-dc-universe-the-exhibit

Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)

Jurassic World – The Ride

Summer 2019

This summer at Universal Studios Hollywood the all-new attraction Jurassic World – The Ride will debut. With the specific opening date still to be announced, this eagerly awaited reimagining of the Jurrassic Park attraction will send guests down a thrilling, 84-foot waterfall all set around an original storyline that takes place within the theme park as depicted in Jurassic World. It will feature additional new dinosaurs from the film, lush scenic design, and ground-breaking technology that has yet to be experienced within a theme park.

www.universalstudioshollywood.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/jurassic-world/

2019 Summer dineL.A. (Citywide)

July 12 – 26, 2019

The dineL.A. program is a biannual, 15-day dining event showcasing the city as a premier dining destination. It offers diners value-driven lunch and dinner menus from over 400 restaurants across L.A. Lunch menus range from USD $15, USD $20, USD $25 to USD $35, with dinner menus priced at USD $29, USD $39, USD $49 and USD $59. For visitors who want to try exclusive tasting menus from some of L.A.’s most celebrated restaurants like Providence and Spago, prices start at USD $99 per person.

www.discoverlosangeles.com/eat-drink/about-dinela

Bob Baker Marionette Theatre (Highland Park)

Summer 2019

Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a hidden gem in L.A. and a historic-cultural monument that produces 300 performances per year. After a heartbreaking closure of their longtime Westlake location, shows will begin again at their new home in the effortlessly cool and ever evolving neighbourhood of Highland Park this summer. The theatre trip is set to bring its 3,000 puppets, endless ice cream, boundless imagination, and love for its Los Angeles community to its new location at 4949 York Boulevard.

www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com

SPORTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Dodgers Baseball Season (Elysian Park)

Now through September 22, 2019

Visitors will have a chance to experience the Los Angeles Dodgers at their home stadium through late summer. After two consecutive appearances in the World Series, the Major League Dodgers remain a hot ticket viewing as they hope to hit a third championship run and their first title since 1988. Fans must be sure to grab a legendary Dodger Dog at the game.

www.mlb.com/dodgers/ballpark

STAPLES Center (South Park, Downtown)

20-Year-Anniversary

Fall 2019

After opening in October 1999 and helping to usher in Downtown L.A.’s renaissance, the STAPLES Center has proven an ideal home for sports games, concerts and events for 20 years. The arena is the home of four professional sports teams including the Los Angeles Kings, the Los Angeles Sparks, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers.

www.staplescenter.com

LA Stadium at Hollywood Park (South Bay)

2020

When the LA Stadium at Hollywood Park opens in 2020, it will house L.A.’s two NFL teams: the Los Angeles Chargers and 2019 NFC Conference Champion Los Angeles Rams. The state of the art, open-air stadium will host Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

www.lased.com

DINING

Trends

  • Current popular restaurants are a mix of laid-back fine dining establishments and fast casual eateries
  • Female chefs like Mei Lin and Jessica Koslow are making their mark on the dining scene

UPCOMING

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Financial District, Downtown)

Summer 2019

After years of anticipation, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is scheduled to open this summer at The Bloc in Downtown L.A., a mixed-use dining, shopping and office complex. The theatre will include 12 dine-in screening rooms and a full-service lobby bar. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s L.A. location will include vegan and gluten-free options.

www.drafthouse.com/los-angeles  

Sqirl Away (East Hollywood)

Fall 2019

After years of anticipation, highly-acclaimed chef Jessica Koslow will open the takeaway version of Sqirl, aptly named Sqirl Away, on Vermont Avenue in East Hollywood later this year. Sqirl Away is expected to serve the menu favourite fresh jams, breakfast toasts and lunch bowls.

www.sqirlla.com

Antico (Larchmont Village)

Summer 2019

Chef Chad Colby, formerly of Chi Spacca, is opening his first solo venture along Beverly Boulevard in the chic neighbourhood of Larchmont Village. Antico will be a rustic Italian spot focused on wood-fired cuisine along. The menu will heavily feature grilled meats, prepared vegetables and handmade pasta classics.

www.instagram.com/antico___la/

Death & Co. (Arts District, Downtown)

Late 2019

Notable New York City-born cocktail bar Death & Co., considered one of America’s greatest, will come to the popular 3rd Street stretch of the Arts District later this year. The 3,000-square-foot bar and kitchen will have a menu like NYC’s East Village location as well as a secondary bar in the back of the venue for private events.

www.deathandcompany.com

The Barish (Hollywood)

January 2020

James Beard Award winner Nancy Silverton will bring The Barish, a large-scale Italian steakhouse, to The Hollywood Roosevelt as part of a revamp of the hotel’s dining program. The restaurant will specialise in meat focused dishes and baked pastas.

www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/about/food-drink/

RECENTLY OPENED

The Manufactory (Arts District, Downtown)

March 2019

The Manufactory at ROW DTLA is a restaurant, bakery and marketplace marking a collaboration between James Beard Award-winning chefs Chad Robertson, Elisabeth Prueitt and Chris Bianco. The space includes highlights such as the all-day restaurant Tartine Bianco, an ice cream and coffee window and the final addition, the fine-dining room Alameda Supper Club.

www.tartinebakery.com/los-angeles/the-row

Auburn (Melrose)

March 2019

Auburn is L.A.’s newest fine dining establishment on Melrose by former Republique executive chef Eric Bost. Diners can order dishes of their choice from four-, six-, or nine-course menus within the light and airy, beautiful space.  Delicious a la carte options are also available.

www.auburnla.com

Sorra (Hollywood)

March 2019

Sorra is the newest rooftop bar in Hollywood located on the roof level of The Residences at Columbia Square. Serving delicious drinks and Japanese-Mexican fusion small bites now by chef Chris Ono, once fully opened, Sorra will include a brunch and lunch menu. A future downstairs restaurant is planned for the building.

www.instagram.com/sorrahollywood/

Yours Truly (Venice)

March 2019

Chef Vartan Abgaryan, the former head chef of 71Above fame and native Angeleno, has opened the casual eatery Yours Truly on Abbot Kinney. The 85-seat restaurant serves modern California fare with a soulful flare including the menu’s starring item: Nashville hot shrimp.

www.ytvenice.com

Burgerlords (Highland Park)

March 2019

Burgerlords is a new American fast food concept known for their mouthwatering vegan patties and tahini milkshakes. The restaurant took over the former Good Girl Dinette space in Highland Park after a move from York Avenue. New additions to the menu at this location include the smoked and brined pastrami-style tofu sandwich and a vegan Caesar salad. Burgerlords is also open in Chinatown.

www.burgerlords.com

Jon & Vinny’s (Brentwood)

February 2019

Jon & Vinny’s, the casual Italian spot on Fairfax, added its second location to the Westside neighbourhood of Brentwood this past winter. Guests can enjoy the same big plates of meatballs, handmade pastas and fresh pizzas along with a glass of wine from the modern eatery’s expansive wine list.

www.jonandvinnys.com

Nightshade (Arts District, Downtown)

January 2019

After years of anticipation, “Top Chef” season 12 winner Mei Lin, opened her first solo project on January 2, 2019: Nightshade, an expansive space in the Arts District that features a pan-Asian menu infused with modern touches and California sensibilities. Chef Lin’s take on the blooming onion is a must-try for all diners.

www.nightshadela.com

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)

Trends

  • Art Program at LAX aims to enhance the airport experience for global travellers with pop-up performances and temporary art installations

PASSENGER OFFERINGS

LAX Presents Performance Series

Now through December 10, 2019

Now in its third year, LAX Presents brings 38 performances in eclectic styles such as vintage West Coast rock, jazz piano and classical ensembles. The 2019 season will more than double the number of performances from 2018 and will feature 14 diverse acts, compared to nine in 2018.

www.flylax.com

PUP Program

Ongoing

Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) is a therapy dog program at LAX providing stress relief and comfort to passengers through warm and furry interactions with pets. Certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, therapy dogs and handlers roam the departures levels in the gate areas of each terminal, visiting travellers awaiting flights and providing comfort, as well as vital airport information.

www.lawa.org/en/volunteer-opportunities/pup-program

LAX Modernisation Program

Through 2023

In operation since 1928, LAX is amid a multibillion-dollar modernisation program which is the largest public works project in Los Angeles history. It includes a new, 12-gate Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) which will serve as an addition to Tom Bradley International Terminal set to open in 2020 and the Landside Access Modernisation Program (LAMP) which includes a 2.25-mile Automated People Mover (APM) that will connect three on-airport stations to Metro Rail and transit services set to open by 2023.

www.lawa.org/connectingLAX