Bradbury Building, Los Angeles - people sitting on bench in front of building
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Bradbury Building Los Angeles

A Victorian architectural masterpiece in DTLA, famous for its ornate wrought-iron, birdcage elevators, and cinematic appearances.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Bradbury Building, Los Angeles - people sitting on bench in front of building

Bradbury Building Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Victorian architectural masterpiece in DTLA, famous for its ornate wrought-iron, birdcage elevators, and cinematic appearances.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Step into a cinematic dreamscape with the Bradbury Building's breathtaking Victorian atrium."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Access First

Interior access can be limited to the lobby. Confirm hours before your visit. :ticket:

Combine with Grand Central

Grand Central Market is right across the street for great food options! :knifeforkplate:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian-Era Interior

Victorian-Era Interior

Central Courtyard

Marvel at the stunning wrought-iron railings, open cage elevators, and natural light flooding the ornate central atrium.

Wrought-Iron Staircases

Wrought-Iron Staircases

Central Courtyard

Ascend the intricate, open-air staircases for breathtaking views of the building's unique architectural details.

Birdcage Elevators

Birdcage Elevators

Central Courtyard

Admire the vintage, open-cage elevators that add to the building's historic charm and cinematic appeal.

Planning Your Visit

Access & Hours

The Bradbury Building's interior is generally accessible to the public during business hours, but access can be limited. Check posted hours, as they may vary, especially on Sundays. Be aware that you might only be able to access the ground floor lobby. Reddit+1

Location & Nearby Attractions

Located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), the Bradbury Building is easily accessible. Combine your visit with nearby Grand Central Market for food or explore other historic architecture in the area. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Still good light, less rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

* Building is in DTLA NOT East LA* #bradburybuilding #dtla #explore #architecture #oldbuilding #historicbuildings #cityofangels #losangeles
@ericaloveswaffles
38.3K likes • 329.4K views

Check Access First

Interior access can be limited to the lobby. Confirm hours before your visit. Reddit+1 :ticket:

Combine with Grand Central

Grand Central Market is right across the street for great food options! Reddit :knifeforkplate:

Tutorial to get on Dtla building/views #fyp#losangeles#wildlife#dtla#buildings#views#viral#foryoupage
@shawty_grandmaa
29.8K likes • 285.1K views
reddit.com

Bradbury building currently

DTLA Location

It's in Downtown LA (DTLA), not East LA. Easy to find! TikTok :world_map:

Photography Tips

Natural light is key! Shoot from different angles to capture the scale. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

The Bradbury

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Access First

Interior access can be limited to the lobby. Confirm hours before your visit. Reddit+1 :ticket:

Combine with Grand Central

Grand Central Market is right across the street for great food options! Reddit :knifeforkplate:

DTLA Location

It's in Downtown LA (DTLA), not East LA. Easy to find! TikTok :world_map:

Photography Tips

Natural light is key! Shoot from different angles to capture the scale. :camerawithflash:

Explore Nearby

Check out Ross Cutlery or the Million Dollar Theater nearby. Reddit :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bradbury Building's breathtaking Victorian architecture, particularly its ornate wrought-iron details and light-filled atrium. Many appreciate its cinematic fame and the opportunity to step into a piece of film history. However, some note that public access can be limited, often restricting exploration to the lobby.

"Understated building on the outside but once you enter, be prepared to be blown away by the intricate interior. The elevators are also somewhat of an heritage.

Gotta visit in person, the pictures won't do it full justice as you have to soak it up in 360."

Rtexal Tan

"Absolutely breathtaking architecture! Stepping inside the Bradbury Building feels like stepping back in time. The intricate ironwork, the soaring atrium, and the natural light streaming through the glass roof are truly stunning. It's a must-see for anyone visiting or living in Los Angeles who appreciates historical landmarks and beautiful design. A true gem!"

Jhames

"This is a very pretty building.
Please beware, you are only allowed to take pictures on your phone NO CAMERA PHOTOS ALLOWED. There is a guard who will remind you of that.

This building has very pretty architecture with great lighting for selfies. That’s all it is lol

Stop by and take a cute photo!"

Monét Thibou

What People Like

Stunning Victorian architecture
Ornate wrought-iron details
Cinematic filming location

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bradbury Building is located at 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, in Downtown LA (DTLA). You can reach it via public transportation, including Metro buses and the Metro Rail. Driving is also an option, but parking in DTLA can be challenging and expensive. TikTok

The Bradbury Building is definitively in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), not East LA. This is a common point of confusion, so double-check your navigation! TikTok

For exploring DTLA, consider using the Metro Rail and bus system, ride-sharing services, or walking. Many attractions, including the Bradbury Building and Grand Central Market, are within walking distance of each other. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages and lots in the vicinity of the Bradbury Building. However, be prepared for potentially high rates, especially during peak hours. Reddit

Absolutely! The Bradbury Building is centrally located in DTLA, making it walkable from places like Grand Central Market, The Last Bookstore, and various historic theaters. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no tickets are required to enter the Bradbury Building's lobby. It's a historic landmark and office building, so public access to the ground floor is usually permitted during business hours. Reddit+1

The posted hours can vary, and access might be restricted. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit, as they may differ on weekends or holidays. Reddit+1

Yes, visitors can typically enter the ground floor lobby to admire the architecture. Access to upper floors or specific offices is usually not permitted. Reddit+1

Access on Sundays can be limited or unavailable. It's advisable to confirm Sunday hours directly or plan your visit for a weekday if possible. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the lobby of the Bradbury Building. It's a free public space to appreciate its architectural marvel. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the Bradbury Building, especially in the lobby. However, be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions. TikTok

Weekday mornings often offer the best natural light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. The atrium is designed to capture sunlight, so daytime visits are recommended. TikTok

You can capture stunning shots of the intricate wrought-iron work, the open cage elevators, the skylight, and the overall Victorian architectural grandeur. TikTok

While generally permitted, avoid using professional lighting equipment or drones without prior permission. Be respectful of the building's occupants and other visitors. TikTok

Its unique, almost otherworldly interior, with its dramatic staircases and light-filled atrium, makes it a dream location for photographers seeking architectural beauty and a touch of cinematic history. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Grand Central Market is directly across the street and offers a vast array of food vendors with diverse culinary options. Reddit

Grand Central Market features everything from tacos and ramen to oysters and pupusas, catering to almost any craving. Reddit

It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the building or at designated areas, especially since it's an active office space. Reddit

The Bradbury Building primarily houses offices. While there might be small cafes for tenants, it's not a dining destination for the public. Reddit

Grand Central Market is your best bet for a quick and delicious bite, offering numerous stalls with fast service. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bradbury Building offers a unique visual experience that can captivate children with its old-world charm and intricate details. The open cage elevators and wrought-iron staircases are particularly fascinating. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to historical architecture and the magic of cinema, especially if they're fans of Blade Runner. TikTok

Keep in mind that access might be limited to the lobby, so manage expectations for younger children. Combining the visit with Grand Central Market across the street provides a fun and diverse food experience that kids will enjoy. Reddit Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing some walking around DTLA. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Bradbury Building is a photographer's dream, offering incredible opportunities to capture stunning architectural shots. The natural light streaming through the skylight creates dramatic effects on the wrought-iron details and ornate staircases. TikTok Experiment with different angles, from ground level looking up to capturing the patterns of the railings and elevators. TikTok

For the best results, aim for a weekday morning visit to avoid crowds and maximize the quality of natural light. Be respectful of the building's occupants and avoid using professional lighting equipment without permission. The building's cinematic history also adds an extra layer of appeal for photographers looking to recreate iconic movie scenes. TikTok+1

🎬 Film Buffs & Sci-Fi Fans

For fans of the iconic film Blade Runner, visiting the Bradbury Building is a pilgrimage. This architectural marvel served as a key filming location, its unique interior perfectly embodying the dystopian future depicted in the movie. TikTok Standing in the atrium, you can almost feel the atmosphere of the film come alive. TikTok

Beyond Blade Runner, the building's distinctive look has made it a popular backdrop for numerous other films and television shows. Exploring its interiors offers a tangible connection to cinematic history and the visual storytelling that has shaped popular culture. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel

The Bradbury Building is a true architectural gem in Los Angeles, renowned for its stunning Victorian-era design. Completed in 1893, it was commissioned by gold-mining millionaire Lewis Bradbury and designed by architect George Wyman, who was inspired by a spiritualist message. The building's most striking feature is its central atrium, a five-story marvel bathed in natural light from a massive skylight. This open space is adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings, ornate staircases, and charming open-cage elevators, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. Reddit

Its unique aesthetic has made it a sought-after filming location, most famously appearing in the science fiction classic Blade Runner. The building's interior evokes a sense of timeless elegance and industrial romance, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and film buffs alike. While you can typically access the ground floor lobby, remember that the upper floors are private offices, so respect the building's working environment. TikTokReddit

When visiting, take your time to appreciate the details: the decorative tilework, the polished wood accents, and the way the light plays through the ironwork. It’s a place that rewards slow observation and offers a glimpse into Los Angeles' rich architectural past. TikTok

Visiting Tips from Locals and Travelers

Many visitors and locals recommend combining a trip to the Bradbury Building with a visit to Grand Central Market, located directly across the street. This bustling food hall offers a diverse range of culinary delights, making it the perfect spot for lunch or a snack after exploring the building. Reddit Travelers also suggest checking the posted hours carefully, as access can sometimes be limited, particularly on Sundays. While the ground floor lobby is usually accessible, be prepared for the possibility that you might not be able to explore further. Reddit+1

For those interested in the building's history, it was built in 1893 by Lewis Bradbury and designed by George Wyman. Security personnel may share interesting tidbits about its past if you engage them respectfully. Reddit Additionally, a short walk down Broadway can lead you to other interesting spots like Ross Cutlery, a historic knife and grooming supply store, or the Million Dollar Theater, offering more architectural exploration. Reddit Remember that the Bradbury Building is located in Downtown LA (DTLA), so ensure your navigation is set correctly. TikTok

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