Union Station a Los Angeles Historic–Cultural Monument

The Los Angeles Union Station is an LA landmark and considered a vibrant symbol of downtown LA’s renaissance. 

Built in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States.  It’s considered “the last of the great train stations.” Due to its unique Mission Moderne architectural style, it is considered one of L.A.’s architectural gems.

The station was commissioned in 1933 as a joint venture between the Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads.  The purpose was to consolidate the local railroad terminals of the three railways.

It has since moved forward not only as an evolving transportation hub but as a center for arts, entertainment and culture.  Union station and the Los Angeles Metro System are now some of the most artistic and culturally rich places in the city.

It’s a cultural hub connecting the infinitely varied and wonderful elements of one of the world’s great cities… a gateway to the best of Los Angeles.

A diverse range of site-specific artworks are integrated into LA Union Station and the Metro Headquarters building (located east of the station and north of the bus plaza). These are among hundreds of other artworks at Metro stations throughout Los Angeles. There are tours of the Union Station are, and tours of the artworks in the Metro Rail system (our subway).  For info on tour times visit unionstationla.com/tours for free guided tours of the artworks and architecture at historic Union Station. Visit metro.net/art and learn about Metro’s art program.

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The Los Angeles Union Station also hosts a number of concerts and other events.  For more information on events happening when you visit Los Angeles, visit the Union Station website.

In 1972, the Los Angeles Union Station was designated as a Los Angeles Historic–Cultural Monument and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Other LA attractions near Union Station include:  Los Angeles City Hall with breathtaking views of Los Angeles from the observation deck, the Triforium Sculpture, Olvera Street, Grand Park,  the art deco Los Angeles Times building just to the south. Also nearby is the beloved  Angels Flight incline railway that was built about 100 years ago to take wealthy residents to the top of Bunker Hill.   The famous Bradbury Building that has been featured in so many movies is near Angel’s Flight.  Oh, and while you are at Angels Flight, don’t just look at it, ride it to the top for a dollar and check out DTLA’s urban oasis, California Plaza. Visit our Downtown Los Angeles Attractions category for even more DTLA attractions.  We’re constantly adding to the list of fun things to do in DTLA.