The Black Cat, Los Angeles

Name: The Black Cat
Address: 3909 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States
Telephone: +1 323-661-6369

#24 among attractions in Los Angeles

Dancing, Nightlife

Gallery (1)

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Facts and practical information

The Black Cat, located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a site of great historical significance. This tavern, now a recognized landmark, was the flashpoint for one of the earliest LGBTQ rights demonstrations in the United States.

On New Year's Eve in 1966, police raided the Black Cat Tavern and began arresting patrons for kissing as they celebrated the arrival of the new year, an act deemed "lewd conduct" at the time. The event led to a peaceful protest which took place on February 11, 1967, predating the more famous Stonewall riots in New York City by over two years. This protest marked a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.

The establishment, which opened in the 1960s, became a haven for the LGBTQ community, a place where they could socialize without fear of discrimination or violence. The demonstration that took place outside its doors is a testament to the resilience and courage of the community in the face of oppression.

In recognition of its significance, the Black Cat was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2008 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Its role in LGBTQ history is commemorated by a plaque, ensuring that the events that transpired there are not forgotten.

Coordinates: 34°5'32"N, 118°16'47"W

Address

3909 Sunset BoulevardCentral Los Angeles (Silver Lake)Los Angeles United States

Contact

+1 323-661-6369

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Day trips

The Black Cat – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: The Echo, Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Art Park, Angelus Temple.

1.5 miSE
Nightlife, Dancing
The Echo, Los Angeles
39 min walk • Tucked away in the bustling neighborhood of Echo Park, The Echo stands as a beacon for music lovers in Los Angeles, California. Known for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, this music venue has become a staple in the city's vibrant music scene.
1 miNW
, Museum, History museum
Hollyhock House, Los Angeles
25 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the Hollyhock House stands as a testament to the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. This iconic residence, now a museum, was built between 1919 and 1921 for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall.
1 miNW
Park, Art gallery, Museum
Barnsdall Art Park, Los Angeles
26 min walk • Barnsdall Art Park is a city park located in the East Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. Parking and arts buildings access is from Hollywood Boulevard on the park's north side.
1.5 miSE
Church, Architecture, Sacred and religious sites
Angelus Temple, Los Angeles
39 min walk • Angelus Temple is a Pentecostal megachurch of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles, California, United States. The senior pastor is Matthew Barnett. The maximum capacity is 8,975 persons.
1.1 miE
Memorial
Mattachine Steps, Los Angeles
29 min walk • The Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is an outdoor staircase in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, in the U.S. state of California, dedicated to the Mattachine Society in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group.
1.2 miE
Museum, History museum, Civic center
Neutra VDL House, Los Angeles
31 min walk • Neutra VDL Studio and Residences, the home of architect Richard Neutra, is located in Los Angeles, California. It is also known as the Neutra Research House, the Van der Leeuw House, the Richard and Dion Neutra VDL Research House II, or the Richard and Dion Neutra VDL Research Houses and Studio.
0.7 miSE
Restaurant, Music venue
Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles
18 min walk • Silverlake Lounge is a music venue in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. Located in the heart of Los Angeles's Silver Lake neighborhood, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Silver Lake, Silverlake Lounge is one of the most storied venues in the area.
1.2 miNW
Church
St. Mary of the Angels Church, Los Angeles
30 min walk • St. Mary of the Angels Church, Hollywood, formally the St. Mary of the Angels Anglo-Catholic Church, Hollywood, California, and referred to locally as "St. Mary's", is an Anglo-Catholic church in Hollywood, California, in the Los Feliz neighborhood.
0.9 miN
Bridge, Gothic Revival architecture
Shakespeare Bridge, Los Angeles
24 min walk • The Shakespeare Bridge in the Franklin Hills section of Los Angeles, California, was built in 1926. It is made of concrete and decorated in a Gothic style.
0.5 miNW
Nightlife
Tiki Ti, Los Angeles
13 min walk • The Tiki Ti is a Polynesian-themed tiki bar on Sunset Boulevard, in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles. Established in 1961 by Ray Buhen, the Tiki Ti's only employees, Mike Sr. and Mike Jr. Buhen are also the sole owners. The establishment is only open part of the week, closing instead on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
1 miNW
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Los Angeles
26 min walk • The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery is located in the Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles, California. It focuses on the arts and artists of Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to The Black Cat?

Nearby attractions include Junc Gallery, Los Angeles (2 min walk), KCET Studios, Los Angeles (12 min walk), Canfield-Moreno Estate, Los Angeles (13 min walk), Cahuenga Branch Library, Los Angeles (14 min walk).

How to get to The Black Cat by public transport?

The nearest stations to The Black Cat:

Bus

Sunset & Hyperion • Lines: 2, 4 (1 min walk)
Santa Monica & Sanborn • Lines: 4 (2 min walk)

Metro

Vermont/Santa Monica • Lines: B (18 min walk)