Westwood offers cultural perspectives from architecture to the stage: distinctive architectural details shape the UCLA campus, while theater and live events offer a variety of performance formats. When planning your trip, consider whether you’re more interested in architectural history, performances, or a mix of both.
Architecture on the UCLA Campus
Powell Library was completed in 1929 and was one of the first four buildings on UCLA’s Westwood campus. It features a 63-foot-high interior dome with interlaced beams and intricately painted ceiling panels. The dome brings structure and decoration together; architecture enthusiasts can focus on the interplay between the supporting framework and the painted surfaces.
Kerckhoff Hall, also on the Westwood campus, presents a different architectural language. The castle-like building is designed in the Gothic style; pointed arches, stained-glass windows, and towers bring this design to life. In contrast to the dome at Powell Library, the Gothic forms take center stage here. This makes it possible to appreciate two different architectural impressions without reducing them to a single shared style.
Theater and Live Events
The building now used by the Geffen Playhouse was originally constructed in 1929 and was one of the first twelve structures in Westwood, Los Angeles. Powell Library also dates to 1929, but the historical reference groups differ: the library is among the early buildings on the UCLA campus, while the Playhouse building is among the structures in Westwood. The Geffen Playhouse presents theater productions in both the Gil Cates Theater and the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater. As the program changes with the seasons, check which productions are scheduled before your visit.
Royce Hall on the Westwood campus offers a different range of events: live events include jazz and bossa nova as well as ballet and flamenco; conversations with award-winning writers are also held there. The venues therefore differ in format: the Geffen Playhouse focuses on theater productions in two theaters, while Royce Hall combines music and dance events with conversations.
Art, Open Spaces, and Westwood Village
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden features informal seating areas and open lawns. They are intended to invite passersby to linger and reflect, and to make the interplay of art and nature tangible. This offers a different way to engage with culture than attending a performance: here, the focus is on artworks and open spaces.
Westwood Village is a pedestrian-friendly historic commercial district with student-friendly restaurants and shops. Westwood has more than 100 restaurants; the number may change. Restaurants can be considered a separate part of your itinerary alongside architecture and live performances, without needing to choose any particular restaurant.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When looking for a hotel in Westwood, you can first consider which cultural focus you want for your stay: architecture on the UCLA campus, theater productions and other live events, or a visit to the commercial district with its restaurants and shops. This way, you can begin planning with the experiences that interest you. If you’re interested in Geffen Playhouse productions, it’s also worth checking the seasonal program.
Discover more destinations: Brentwood, North Hills, Granada Hills, Studio City, Sylmar, Tarzana, Venice, North Hollywood.
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