This promontory of a park, with views northwest to the Hollywood sign and northeast to the Griffith Observatory, makes a fine urban sunbathing spot. But the crown jewel is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House , a prime example of Wright’s California Romanza style.
Commissioned in 1919 by oil heiress and art nut Aline Barnsdall, its walls, carpets and furniture are awash in abstract hollyhocks, her favorite flower.
Barnsdall donated the house and grounds to the city of LA with the proviso that they become a public park. There is a Municipal Art Gallery with a sculpture garden and a theater. It also sells Hollyhock House tour tickets. The gallery rotates up to 800 pieces of local art at a time and is free.
