May Company Building
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.
California
California