May Company Building

#90 among destinations in the United States

Shopping, Department store, Art Deco architecture, Streamline Moderne architecture

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Facts and practical information

The May Company Building, an iconic structure located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, is a notable landmark that captures a blend of history and modernity. This historic building, which opened in 1939, was once the pinnacle of department store design and a symbol of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Its distinctive gold-tiled cylinder at the corner, known as the "Sunset Tower," is a beacon of Art Deco architecture and has become an enduring symbol of the city's stylish past.

Originally built for the May Company department store, the building served as a premier shopping destination for several decades. It was designed by architects Albert C. Martin, Sr. and Samuel A. Marx, who incorporated a Streamline Moderne style that was cutting-edge at the time. The building's facade, adorned with marble and gold leaf, along with its sleek lines and geometric shapes, exemplifies the opulence and glamour of the era.

As the retail landscape evolved, the May Company Building closed its doors to shoppers and embarked on a new chapter. In 1992, it was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, cementing its status as a cherished piece of the city's architectural heritage.

Today, the May Company Building has been repurposed and reborn as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in 2021. The museum celebrates the art and science of movies, housing exhibition spaces, theaters, and educational facilities. The renovation, led by renowned architect Renzo Piano, preserved the building's historic facade while adding a new, modern glass sphere that complements the original structure.

Coordinates: 34°3'48"N, 118°21'39"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Day trips

May Company Building – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: The Grove, Page Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Holocaust Museum LA.

0.6 miN
Shopping, Shopping centre, Entertainment
The Grove, Los Angeles
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~1480 ftE
Prehistoric-fossil excavation site
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~880 ftE
From pre-Columbian to contemporary works
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles
5 min walk • The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, commonly referred to as LACMA, is a beacon of culture nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, United States. Established in 1961, it has since grown to become the largest art museum in the western United States.
0.8 miN
Museum, History museum
Holocaust Museum LA, Los Angeles
22 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the Holocaust Museum LA serves as a poignant reminder of one of history's darkest chapters. This solemn institution is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews and countless others who perished in the Holocaust.
0.6 miN
Shopping, Shopping centre, Farmer's market
Farmers Market, Los Angeles
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~530 ftS
Showing classic hot rods and concept cars
Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles
3 min walk • The Petersen Automotive Museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles.
~180 ftN
Museum
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
1 min walk • The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California, is a temple to the art and science of movies. This contemporary museum, nestled in the heart of the city's Miracle Mile, is dedicated to celebrating the rich history of cinema and the creative talents...
0.7 miE
Theater, Concerts and shows, Concert hall
El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
18 min walk • The El Rey Theatre is a live music venue in the Miracle Mile area of the Mid-Wilshire region in Los Angeles, California. This art deco building was designed by Clifford A. Balch.
~1170 ftE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Pavilion for Japanese Art, Los Angeles
6 min walk • The Pavilion for Japanese Art is a part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art containing the museum's collection of Japanese works that date from approximately 3000 BC through the 20th century AD.
~1530 ftE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Craft Contemporary, Los Angeles
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0.9 miN
Movie and tv tours, Tours
CBS Television City, Los Angeles
23 min walk • Television City, alternatively CBS Television City, is an American television studio complex located in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles at 7800 Beverly Boulevard, at the corner of Fairfax Avenue.