L.A. architecture tours--know of a great one?
 

Anyone know of any fabulous Los Angeles architecture tours? We're mainly looking to see mid-century houses, including as many Case Study houses as we can!

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and recommendations,

CuatroSpruce

I've seen some of the Case Study homes but not on a tour of several homes in one day. Since most are occupied, you're likely to find the commercial tours only drive past homes. And the houses are all over the place, so you're more apt to find commercial tours that concentrate on a geographic area and not a genre. Sadly, you missed a few architect-specific tours conducted earlier this month by foundations or conservancy groups.

Here are a few websites that may help you.

http://www.stahlhouse.com/viewings

http://eamesfoundation.org/how-to-visit

http://www.dwell.com/articles/julius...an-101010.html

http://www.artslant.com/la/events/sh...ture-tour-2010

http://www.architecturetoursla.com/

http://www.lamag.com/featuredarticle.aspx?id=27449

http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.php4

If you like the Arts and Crafts period (early 20th C) don't miss the Gamble House in Pasadena. Built for the Gamble family of Proctor and Gamble by Greene and Greene. It's wonderful and shows what can be achieved when money's no object.

If you are interested in architecture and have the time, check out the Getty Museum architectural tour. It lasts 45 minutes and is free of charge along with free museum admission.

As mentioned in previous posts, I've enjoyed:

Walking tours by the LA Conservancy (they offer many different tours). There are tons of Art Deco buildings in downtown LA; and the old movie theatres from the 1910s-20s are all gorgeous.

Gamble House in Pasadena

Hollyhock House (FLW)

R.M. Schindler House in W Hollywood

Although you said you're interested mostly in mid-century architecture, I must say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the free guided tour of Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall. In addition, the music center often offers the 4-venue free guided tour, which includes not only WDCH, but also Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum, and Ahmanson Theatre. The latter 3 are all built in the 1960s.

Thank you all! I so appreciate your insight. I'm also considering a Silver Lake tour by Architecture Tours L.A. Your thoughts about the company?

Here's the link: http://www.architecturetoursla.com/

Would love to hear your thoughts. The website is kind of janky, which raises a cautionary flag for me. But if you've heard or experienced good things first hand through this company, let me know!

Four positive and generally recent reviews:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html

According to their website, "over 50 sites" in a 2-3 hour tour. I would describe that as a 'glimpse' of 50 houses.

Two houses that should not be missed:

Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House

and

the Schindler house

But both a pre mid-century houses.