Los Angeles General Medical Center
An iconic Art Deco landmark, LA General Medical Center, known as 'The Great Stone Mother,' served as LA's main hospital for nearly a century.
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Los Angeles General Medical Center
Best Time
Best light for exterior photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Art Deco landmark, LA General Medical Center, known as 'The Great Stone Mother,' served as LA's main hospital for nearly a century.
"Commendations for dedicated staff are high, but operational efficiency and parking issues are frequent concerns."
Exterior Views Only
Access is limited to functional hospital areas. Focus on appreciating the exterior architecture.
Parking Challenges
Expect potential parking issues and long waits. Consider ride-sharing or public transport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Stone Mother
Exterior Architecture
Admire the imposing Art Deco facade of this 1933 landmark, once the city's main hospital.
Historic Landmark Status
Building Exterior
Appreciate the architectural significance of a building that has served Los Angeles for decades.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating LA General Medical Center
Understanding the Experience
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Exterior Views Only
Access is limited to functional hospital areas. Focus on appreciating the exterior architecture. +1
Parking Challenges
Expect potential parking issues and long waits. Consider ride-sharing or public transport.
Respect Hospital Operations
Remember this is a working hospital. Be mindful of patients and staff.
Architectural Appreciation
The Art Deco design is a major draw for architecture enthusiasts. +1
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from all over the internet
Exterior Views Only
Access is limited to functional hospital areas. Focus on appreciating the exterior architecture. +1
Parking Challenges
Expect potential parking issues and long waits. Consider ride-sharing or public transport.
Respect Hospital Operations
Remember this is a working hospital. Be mindful of patients and staff.
Architectural Appreciation
The Art Deco design is a major draw for architecture enthusiasts. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Los Angeles General Medical Center receives praise for its dedicated medical staff, especially in emergency care, who are noted for their compassion and efficiency. However, patient experiences are often marred by significant wait times, communication breakdowns between departments, and concerns about the cleanliness and organization of the parking facilities.
"PARKING ONLY Concerns.
1. Cleanliness, Odors, and Safety 🏨🅿️
The parking structure—especially the side across from the main area—is extremely dirty, including the old elevator.
There are strong odors of urine and other foul smells, and in some areas there is even feces on the floor, which is unacceptable for a hospital environment.
Every level needs to be pressure washed with soap and bleach, with special attention to the 3rd floor, which connects directly to the hospital bridge.
Regular, thorough cleaning is essential for health and safety, particularly in high-traffic areas where germs and viruses can accumulate.
A recommended schedule is to power-wash every two months.
If the hospital cannot afford this, they should consider asking volunteers or private companies to donate their cleaning services.
2. Parking Misuse by Employees
Employees are using patient and guest parking areas, causing the parking structure to be full on almost every level.
This creates hardships for patients, visitors, and families who rely on accessible parking.
Installing cameras on each floor, including inside the elevator, would help monitor and prevent misuse..
I will take pictures next time 📷"
Cool In LA
"The nurse staff and physicians at the emergency room were wonderful this Monday from 2- 6pm. From the moment I registered to when I left, they were very helpful. They listened to my pain and even recommended affordable dental clinics to me. They demonstrated patience with me even with my slurred speech. To that, I say thank you very much!!! Thank you for your advice, fast track nurses too!!!"
Josselyn Melendez
"I was taken here after getting run over by a car they were able to ultra sound my body and CT and X-ray me in the same night thank God but I didn't get a follow up on anything after I've been here two nights I'm about to be discharged in a few hours and was just informed my shoulder was also fractured and that's why I couldn't move my left arm I thought it was just sore so I'm here trying to work it out a bit and the whole time it's been fractured I was supposed to see a physical therapist last night and I never saw one. My left hip is fractured so I was scared to try to walk and would've loved to get information from a PT about when I could try to walk. Most of the nurses are fantastic some just come and introduce themselves and run off some can't be bothered to move my food table closer so I can eat as I can barely get myself up there was a man at the nurses desk that sounded absolutely annoyed when I would apologetically ask for help. The team here didn't communicate whatsoever with each or me I have different specialists asking me the same questions like if there isn't a report to pass around. I feel this place needs to be more organized in that aspect I could've left today not knowing my shoulder was fractured they gave me a splint but didn't tell me it was cause I fractured my collar bone."
Joseph Acosta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Los Angeles General Medical Center is accessible via public transportation, including bus lines. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for potential traffic and parking challenges.
Yes, there is a parking structure, but reviews indicate it can be crowded and sometimes misused by employees, leading to difficulties for patients and visitors.
Several bus lines serve the area around Los Angeles General Medical Center. Checking local transit schedules for routes like the 705, 720, or 760 would be advisable.
Yes, drop-off is possible at designated areas. This can be a good alternative to parking if you are visiting for an appointment.
While it's a busy medical center, reviews mention concerns about cleanliness and odors in the parking structure. Exercise standard urban safety precautions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit the exterior of Los Angeles General Medical Center. It is a functional hospital, not a ticketed attraction.
Public tours are not regularly offered. However, organizations like the Los Angeles Conservancy occasionally host architectural tours.
Patient visiting hours can vary. It's best to check directly with the hospital or the specific department you are visiting for the most up-to-date information.
Exploring abandoned sections is generally not permitted and can be dangerous. Urban exploration should be done with extreme caution and awareness of legal restrictions.
There is no entrance fee for the grounds or exterior of the Los Angeles General Medical Center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the exterior is generally permitted for personal use. However, photographing patients, staff, or inside the hospital without explicit consent is strictly prohibited.
The most photogenic views are from the surrounding streets, capturing the full Art Deco facade. The 'Great Stone Mother' nickname refers to its imposing presence.
Yes, drone usage is typically restricted around hospitals and medical facilities due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Daytime offers the best natural light to showcase the architectural details of the Los Angeles General Medical Center. Golden hour can also provide dramatic lighting.
While you might take photos of your immediate surroundings as a patient, it's best to ask staff before taking any photos that could include other people or sensitive areas.
🎫 🏥 Onsite Experience
Los Angeles General Medical Center is a fully operational hospital, serving the community with various medical services. +1
Completed in 1933, the Art Deco building was the city's main hospital for nearly a century and is known as 'The Great Stone Mother.' +1
Some urban exploration content hints at a 'haunted' reputation, often associated with abandoned historical buildings. +1
It's a large public hospital offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and residency programs.
Be prepared for potential long wait times, as indicated by patient reviews. Communication between departments can sometimes be an issue.
For Different Travelers
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Architecture Enthusiasts
Urban Explorers (with caution)
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Architectural Significance and History
While the hospital remains operational, parts of the original structure have seen periods of disuse. This has led to interest from urban explorers and preservationists alike. The Los Angeles Conservancy has highlighted its architectural importance, advocating for its preservation and potential adaptive reuse. The building stands as a significant historical landmark, embodying a crucial chapter in Los Angeles's development.
Despite its functional role, the building's historical and architectural merit makes it a point of interest. Its sheer size and distinctive style are often captured in photos and videos, showcasing its enduring presence in the city's landscape.
Patient and Visitor Experiences
However, several reviews point to considerable wait times for appointments and services, with some patients waiting hours for triage or to pick up prescriptions. Issues with communication between departments and a perceived lack of organization are also noted, leading to repetitive questions and potential delays in diagnosis or treatment.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the parking structure, with reports of strong odors and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, some reviews mention parking misuse by employees, exacerbating difficulties for patients and visitors.
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