Capitol Records Building
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Capitol Records Building Los Angeles

4.6
·975 reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Iconic circular tower, a symbol of music history and Hollywood glamour, featuring gold records and a jazz mural.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and architecture

CrowdMedium
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Capitol Records Building

Capitol Records Building Los Angeles

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and architecture

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic circular tower, a symbol of music history and Hollywood glamour, featuring gold records and a jazz mural.

4.6
(975 reviews)

"The Capitol Records Building is an architectural marvel and a legendary music landmark."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the iconic circular tower and its surroundings. Great for architecture and music lovers!

💡 Morse Code Fun

Look up at the tower's light at night to see 'Hollywood' blink in Morse code!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Circular Tower

The Circular Tower

Exterior

Admire the unique, 13-story circular design, a symbol of the music industry and Hollywood's golden age.

Instagram
Hollywood Morse Code Light

Hollywood Morse Code Light

Tower top

Spot the blinking red light that spells 'Hollywood' in Morse code – a quirky, historic detail.

Reddit
Gold Records in Lobby

Gold Records in Lobby

Lobby (exterior view)

Peep the lobby for a glimpse of gold records, celebrating legendary artists who recorded here.

Instagram
Hollywood Jazz Mural

Hollywood Jazz Mural

Exterior

Look for the vibrant mural depicting jazz legends, adding a splash of color and history.

Instagram
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Iconic Architecture & Music History

The Capitol Records Building in Hollywood is a must-see for its unique circular design and rich musical legacy. While you can't typically tour the studios, admiring its exterior and learning about its history is a fantastic experience for any music or architecture enthusiast. Instagram

Hollywood & Vine Landmark

Located at the famous Hollywood & Vine intersection, this building is a key part of the Hollywood landscape. It's a great spot to photograph and soak in the atmosphere of classic Hollywood, especially during the holidays when it's lit up. Instagram

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for photos and architecture
Crowd
Medium
When
Holidays
Why
Magical festive lights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Walkable Itinerary in Downtown Los Angeles to explore architecture and history: -Bonaventure Hotel (404 S Figueroa St) -LA Central Library (630 W 5th St) -Settecento (700 W 5th St) -Fine Arts Building...
@drewmtillman
39K likes • 351.1K views

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the iconic circular tower and its surroundings. Great for architecture and music lovers! Instagram

💡 Morse Code Fun

Look up at the tower's light at night to see 'Hollywood' blink in Morse code! Reddit

* Building is in DTLA NOT East LA* #bradburybuilding #dtla #explore #architecture #oldbuilding #historicbuildings #cityofangels #losangeles
@ericaloveswaffles
38.3K likes • 329.4K views
The Capitol Records Building, reimagined as the turntable it has always symbolized 🎵 From Frank Sinatra’s sessions to Tupac’s anthem ‘California Love,’ Los Angeles has long been the Entertainment Capi...
losangeles_supercity
392 likes • 6.4K views

🎶 Studio History

While tours aren't common, imagine the music legends who recorded here. Reddit

📍 Hollywood & Vine

It's at the heart of historic Hollywood, perfect for exploring the area. Instagram

What says the Holidays more than seeing Capitol Records building and Hollywood lit up for the Holidays? • • • • • #hollywood #hollywoodandvine #capitolrecords #christmastree #losangeles #ktla #holida...
abovelosangeles
899 likes • 21.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the iconic circular tower and its surroundings. Great for architecture and music lovers! Instagram

💡 Morse Code Fun

Look up at the tower's light at night to see 'Hollywood' blink in Morse code! Reddit

🎶 Studio History

While tours aren't common, imagine the music legends who recorded here. Reddit

📍 Hollywood & Vine

It's at the heart of historic Hollywood, perfect for exploring the area. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(975 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Capitol Records Building for its iconic, unique architecture and its deep connection to music history. Many enjoy photographing its distinctive circular design and learning about the legendary artists who recorded there. Some note that interior access is limited, but the exterior and lobby views are still highly appreciated.

"A True Hollywood Landmark: The Capitol Records Building🎼🎺🎷🪕🪘🥁

The Capitol Records Building is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Located at 1750 Vine Street, just off the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this striking round building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Often referred to as “the world’s first circular office building,” its unique design makes it stand out, evoking the image of a stack of vinyl records, which is a fitting tribute to its rich musical history.

As the headquarters of Capitol Records, this building has played an essential role in the music industry. Many legendary artists, such as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole, have recorded here. Even if you’re not a music buff, the history and cultural significance of this building are enough to make it worth a visit.

The surrounding area is also fantastic for visitors, with nearby attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre all within walking distance. You might not be able to tour the inside of the building, but just being near such a historical location in the heart of Hollywood is an experience in itself.

If you’re in LA, don’t miss the chance to snap some photos of this historic gem!"

Ramin Homyak

"Such an iconic piece of the L.A. skyline and an insanely historic land make in the music world. It's worth walking or driving by in my opinion."

Caley

"the lot across the street is $20 don’t park there 😭 but it is a pretty cool building, especially from a distance."

charisma barriger

What People Like

Iconic circular architecture
Rich music history
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited public access inside

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Capitol Records Building is located at 1750 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028, at the iconic Hollywood & Vine intersection. It's easily accessible by car, ride-sharing services, or public transport. The Metro Red Line has a station at Hollywood & Vine, making it a convenient option for many visitors. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of Hollywood & Vine. Be aware that parking in Hollywood can be expensive, especially during peak hours. Consider using a parking app to find available spots and compare rates. TikTok

Absolutely! The Capitol Records Building is very close to many popular attractions on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's a short and pleasant walk, allowing you to easily combine your visit with other Hollywood sights. TikTok

While Capitol Records is in Hollywood, if you're exploring Downtown LA (DTLA), it's a separate area. You'll need to take public transport (like the Metro Red Line) or a ride-share to get from DTLA to Hollywood. TikTok

Yes, the Hollywood & Vine Metro Red Line station is located right at the building, making it very accessible via public transit. Several bus lines also serve the area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Public tours of the Capitol Records Building are generally not available. The building primarily houses recording studios and offices. However, you can admire its iconic exterior and peek into the lobby to see the gold records. Instagram

As it's a working office building and recording studio, there are no set 'visiting hours' for the public to enter. You can view and photograph the exterior at any time. The lobby may be accessible during business hours, but access is not guaranteed. Instagram

No, there is no admission fee to see the Capitol Records Building from the outside. It's a landmark that can be admired and photographed freely from the surrounding public areas. Instagram

The gold records are typically displayed in the building's lobby. While public access to the entire building is restricted, you might be able to catch a glimpse of them through the lobby windows or if you have a specific reason to enter during business hours. Instagram

No booking is required to visit and admire the Capitol Records Building from the outside. It's a public landmark. If you're interested in the history, consider a Hollywood walking tour that might include information about the building. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic shots are from the intersection of Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street. You can also get great angles from across the street or slightly further down Vine Street. Consider a drone shot if regulations permit for a unique perspective. Instagram

Yes, the blinking red light that spells 'Hollywood' in Morse code is visible at night. Capturing it requires a camera with good low-light performance and a steady hand, or a tripod. Reddit

Photography of the exterior is generally permitted. However, be mindful of private property and avoid obstructing public walkways. Inside the lobby, photography might be restricted, so it's best to ask if unsure. Instagram

Daytime offers clear views of the architecture and the Hollywood Jazz Mural. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful lighting. At night, you can capture the illuminated building and the Morse code light. Instagram

Public access inside the Capitol Records Building is limited. While you might see the lobby, extensive interior photography is usually not allowed unless you have a specific reason or are on a rare guided tour. Instagram

🎫 🎶 Music & History

Completed in 1956, the Capitol Records Building was designed to resemble a stack of vinyl records. It's been a hub for legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Tupac Shakur, making it a significant landmark in music history. InstagramReddit

The list is extensive and includes icons such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, The Beatles (for their US releases), Stevie Wonder, and Tupac Shakur, among many others. Instagram

The red aircraft warning light atop the tower blinks out the word 'Hollywood' in Morse code. This unique feature was activated by the granddaughter of Capitol Records' founder. Reddit+1

Yes, Capitol Records continues to operate as a functioning recording studio and record label. It remains a vital part of the music industry, hosting sessions for contemporary artists. Reddit

The building is a prime example of mid-century modern architecture with a distinctive circular design. It's often described as Googie or International Style, reflecting its era and innovative form. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Capitol Records Building is a dream for photographers. Its unique circular design offers endless angles, especially during golden hour for dramatic lighting. Don't miss capturing the Hollywood Jazz Mural for a colorful shot. At night, the blinking Morse code light provides a unique photographic challenge and a touch of whimsy. InstagramReddit The intersection of Hollywood & Vine offers great vantage points, but explore slightly further down Vine Street for potentially less crowded perspectives.

🎶 Music Buffs

For music lovers, the Capitol Records Building is hallowed ground. Imagine the legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Tupac Shakur who walked these halls and recorded within these walls. Instagram While you can't typically tour the studios, you can admire the gold records in the lobby and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic music landmark. Reddit It’s a tangible connection to decades of music history.

🚶‍♀️ Urban Explorers & Architecture Fans

The unique circular architecture of the Capitol Records Building is a standout feature. It’s a prime example of mid-century modern design and a significant landmark in Los Angeles. Instagram Its location at Hollywood & Vine also places it at a historically significant crossroads, perfect for those interested in urban exploration and the evolution of city landscapes. Combine your visit with other architectural gems in the area. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: A Stack of Records

The Capitol Records Building, designed by Welton Becket, is an architectural icon in Los Angeles. Completed in 1956, its distinctive circular shape was revolutionary for its time, making it the world's first circular office building. The design intentionally evokes a stack of vinyl records, a fitting tribute to the label's purpose. This unique structure has made it a beloved landmark on the Hollywood skyline for decades. Instagram+1

Beyond its iconic shape, the building also features a vibrant Hollywood Jazz Mural on its exterior, adding a splash of artistic flair. Atop the tower, a blinking red light famously spells out "Hollywood" in Morse code, a charming detail that adds to its historical mystique. Reddit+1 This blend of innovative design and playful symbolism makes the Capitol Records Building a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in the visual history of Los Angeles.

A Legacy in Sound: Recording History

The Capitol Records Building is more than just a pretty facade; it's a legendary hub of musical innovation. For decades, its studios have been the birthplace of countless hit songs and iconic albums. From the smooth crooning of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole to the surf rock of The Beach Boys and the groundbreaking sounds of The Beatles' US releases, the walls of Capitol have echoed with musical genius. Instagram

Contemporary artists continue to record here, ensuring its relevance in the modern music scene. The building's echo chambers, a fascinating feature with unique acoustic properties, are a testament to the dedication to sonic perfection. Reddit While public tours are rare, the very presence of this historic recording studio at Hollywood & Vine is a powerful reminder of Los Angeles's enduring role as the entertainment capital of the world.

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