Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House in Los Angeles

Hollyhock House in Los Angeles is one of the most captivating works by Frank Lloyd Wright, blending architectural brilliance with artistic vision. Originally designed between 1919 and 1921, the house was commissioned by oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, who sought to create a cultural and artistic haven. Frank Lloyd Wright brought her vision to life, crafting a home that integrates geometric patterns, artistic flourishes, and bold architectural innovation. The hollyhock, Barnsdall’s favorite flower, is infused throughout the house’s decorative details, creating a seamless connection between nature and structure.

The building features a distinct combination of elements drawn from Mayan Revival architecture and Wright’s signature Prairie School influence. The hollyhock motif is incorporated into nearly every design element, from concrete ornamentation to furniture and stained-glass windows. This emphasis on organic integration is a hallmark of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, making Hollyhock House a standout example of early modern design. Its unique blend of horizontal lines, open-air courtyards, and stylized geometric forms distinguishes it as one of the most fascinating structures in Los Angeles.

Visitors on a Hollyhock House tour will notice how Wright masterfully blended indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light and open-air breezeways to enhance the atmosphere. The massive central fireplace, with its symbolic connection to fire and water, anchors the entire structure. Throughout the home, intricate details highlight Wright’s ingenuity, creating a masterpiece that continues to captivate both architecture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Location and Visitor Information

Hollyhock House is located at 4800 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, within the sprawling Barnsdall Art Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, the house is positioned on a scenic hilltop, offering visitors breathtaking views of Los Angeles. The park itself serves as a vibrant cultural space, hosting art exhibitions, performances, and creative workshops throughout the year. Its picturesque setting makes it an ideal place to relax before or after a tour of Hollyhock House.

Guests can explore Hollyhock House on a self-guided tour available Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last admission at 3:30 p.m. Advance reservations are strongly recommended due to limited availability. The current admission fee is $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. However, starting April 1, 2025, adult tickets will increase to $12, while seniors and students will pay $6. Children under 18 can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Beyond the house itself, visitors can explore the surrounding Barnsdall Art Park, which enhances the experience of touring Hollyhock House. The park’s outdoor spaces offer a relaxing retreat, while its art programs provide insight into Los Angeles’ vibrant cultural scene. Whether visiting Hollyhock House for its architectural significance or simply enjoying the beauty of Los Angeles from its hilltop vantage point, this landmark remains one of the city’s most treasured sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

Hollyhock House was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site on July 10, 2019, placing it among the most significant architectural landmarks in the world. As part of the designation “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright,” the house joins a prestigious list of eight Wright masterpieces, including Fallingwater and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This recognition affirms Hollyhock House’s cultural and architectural importance, elevating its status within Los Angeles and beyond.

This historic designation marks Hollyhock House as Los Angeles’ first and only UNESCO World Heritage site. Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision and innovative approach to design are evident throughout the structure, from its geometric forms to its seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The house represents a pivotal moment in architectural history, blending influences from different cultures into a unique modernist creation.

Nearby Attraction: World of Illusions

A tour of Hollyhock House in Los Angeles can be paired with another fascinating attraction—World of Illusions. Just a short drive away, the World of Illusions offers an interactive experience that plays with perception and visual effects. This exciting attraction consists of four distinct exhibits, each designed to immerse visitors in an environment where reality and illusion blur.

One of the most entertaining sections is the Giant’s House, where visitors find themselves dwarfed by oversized furniture and everyday objects. This playful exhibit alters scale, making guests feel as though they’ve stepped into an entirely different world. Meanwhile, the Upside Down House flips expectations by presenting seven themed rooms where gravity seems to work in reverse, offering a mind-bending experience for guests of all ages.

Another thrilling feature is the Museum of Illusions, which boasts over 30 interactive 3D exhibits that transform simple spaces into surreal environments. Inspired by pop culture and visual trickery, these exhibits create stunning photo opportunities. The fourth exhibit, Smash It, provides a cathartic experience, allowing visitors to shatter glass plates in a controlled environment. Together, these attractions make the World of Illusions a perfect complement to a day spent touring Hollyhock House, offering a fun, interactive contrast to the architectural elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.