The Bradbury Building is the oldest remaining commercial building in downtown Los Angeles (dating back to 1893) and one of the architectural gems of Los Angeles. Behind its unassuming facade bearing the name ‘Bradbury Building,’ you will discover a luminous Victorian-inspired atrium filled with magical light, open-cage elevators, marble staircases, and ornate iron railings.

The identity of the building’s final architect is still a topic of debate. Lewis Bradbury, a mining and real estate millionaire, commissioned Sumner Hunt to create a spectacular office building. Hunt provided complete designs but was soon replaced by George H. Wyman, who oversaw the construction. According to Wyman’s daughters, he was asked to take over because Bradbury felt that Wyman could better understand his vision for the building than Hunt, although there is no evidence that Wyman altered the design. Later, Wyman designed other buildings in the Los Angeles area, but the Bradbury Building (if indeed designed by Wyman) would be his only work of lasting significance, while Sumner Hunt designed many other notable buildings, including the Southwest Museum.

The building underwent a complete restoration in the early 1990s as part of the Grand Central Square project by the Yellin Company. You can find it on Broadway Street at the intersection with 3rd, right in front of the Grand Central Market.

The Bradbury Building has been featured in numerous films such as ‘Blade Runner‘, ‘The Wolf‘, ‘Chinatown‘ or ‘The Artist‘, among many others.

The Bradbury Building, as seen in the movie ‘Blade Runner,’ directed by Ridley Scott.

The interior of the building can be freely visited, although access to the upper floors is restricted to avoid disturbing the tenants. As a curious note, while you can take photos, there is a notice prohibiting “professional photos.” In practice, this means there is no issue with taking pictures with your phone, but if you are seen with a camera (even if you are not a professional), you may be cautioned.