The History, Architecture and Attractions of Wilshire Boulevard

In July 2020, during COVID lockdown, the Los Angeles Times published an article by Sharon Boorstin about an architectural driving tour of Wilshire Boulevard from MacArthur Park to Fairfax Boulevard. Her research uncovered more fascinating information than she could squeeze into a thousand words and compelled her to explore Wilshire from downtown all the way west to the ocean in a Zoom-only OLLI presentation. Since then, much has changed — and been added — to the street once known as the “The Fifth Avenue of Los Angeles.” In this course, we begin with a tour of Wilshire from downtown to the La Brea Tar Pits. We then explore LACMA and its magnificent new building for the permanent collection designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor. As we continue west, we explore the Metro D Line that will soon connect LACMA, Beverly Hills, and Westwood to downtown. Part of the fun will be personal reminisces about Wilshire’s grand past. Remember Bullock’s Wilshire, the Ambassador Hotel, or the Doloros Drive-in on the corner of La Cienega? Bring your own memories of Wilshire Boulevard to share. This course uses the Hybrid format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.