Bunker Hill’s Open-Air Gallery: Discover Downtown Los Angeles’ Public Art Walk

Angelus Mural by Robert Vargas

In the heart of Los Angeles, Bunker Hill has evolved from a hillside of Victorian homes into a striking cultural precinct defined by architectural icons, world-class museums and vibrant public art. Landmarks such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and The Broad anchor the skyline, but some of the district’s most captivating works are found outdoors.

The Bunker Hill Public Art Walk offers travellers a free and inspiring way to experience contemporary creativity while exploring one of downtown’s most walkable neighbourhoods. With comfortable shoes and curiosity, visitors can discover monumental sculptures, murals and installations that reflect the city’s cultural diversity and artistic ambition.

Below are five standout works that make this urban art walk an essential stop for culture-loving travellers.

1) Angelus Mural by Robert Vargas

Beginning near Pershing Square, the monumental Angelus mural commands attention across the skyline. Created by Los Angeles native Robert Vargas, the artwork celebrates the city’s diversity and resilience.

Three angels crown the composition, while below them a Tongva girl — representing the region’s original inhabitants — forms the sign for unity in American Sign language. The mural also includes a tribute to Kobe Bryant soaring triumphantly across a vivid blue sky. Still evolving, the mural continues to grow as Vargas works toward a world record for the largest freehand mural by a single artist.

LA Family Baroque by Bill Barrett

2) LA Family Baroque by Bill Barrett

A short walk along 5th Street brings visitors to the One Bunker Hill Building, where Bill Barrett’s bronze sculpture LA Family Baroque captures the rhythm of downtown life.

Sweeping forms radiate outward like limbs in motion, echoing the movement of pedestrians rushing through the lunchtime bustle. From certain angles, overlapping shapes form the profile of a face, inviting viewers to see themselves as part of the city’s collective identity.  

3) Double Ascension by Herbert Bayer

Double Ascension by Herbert Bayer

In the tranquil Maguire Gardens beside the Los Angeles Public Library stands Double Ascension, a bold sculptural installation by Herbert Bayer.  

Two vivid orange staircases rise from a circular reflecting pool, creating a surreal visual paradox. Originally titled Stairway to Nowhere, the work gained cinematic fame in the 1976 thriller Marathon Man starring Dustin Hoffman. The sculpture’s shifting perspectives reward visitors who linger and observe from different vantage points.

4) North East South West by Michael Heizer

North East South West by Michael Heizer

Inside the lobby at 444 South Flower Street, Michael Heizer’s North East South West presents four geometric steel forms representing the cardinal directions. 

Adapted from an earlier earthwork created in New York, the installation invites contemplation of space, orientation and humanity’s relationship to the landscape. Each form corresponds to a directional shape, transforming the corporate lobby into a site of quiet reflection.

5) Long Beach XXIII by Frank Stella

Long Beach XXIII by Frank Stella

Deeper within the same lobby hangs Long Beach XXIII by Frank Stella, part of his celebrated Circuit series. 

The layered composition evokes twisting racetracks and freeway interchanges, reflecting Los Angeles’ automotive culture and kinetic energy. Its bold lines and sculptural depth create a sense of movement that mirrors the city’s constant motion.

Why Bunker Hill’s Public Art Walk Belongs on Your Los Angeles Itinerary

The Bunker Hill art walk combines architecture, culture and urban exploration in a compact, accessible setting. Visitors can experience museum-quality works without purchasing tickets, while enjoying downtown cafés, green spaces and striking skyline views.

This self-guided walk offers an authentic encounter with Los Angeles’ creative spirit, making it ideal for travellers seeking cultural depth beyond Hollywood’s familiar attractions.

Visitor Tips

• Allow one to two hours for a relaxed walk and photo stops
• Visit during daylight for optimal viewing and safety
• Combine the walk with museum visits or dining nearby
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry water

Bunker Hill demonstrates how public art can transform a cityscape into a living gallery, where creativity thrives in everyday spaces.

For more information on visiting Bunker Hill and downtown Los Angeles:
Visit Los Angeles Tourism: www.discoverlosangeles.com

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