From the 1940s through the 1960s, iconic architects like Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, and Rudolf Schindler shaped Los Angeles architectural identity with designs that redefined domestic spaces. Featuring open floor plans, clean lines, and a seamless connection to nature, Mid-Century Modern design reflected the vibrant, innovative spirit of postwar LA.
Neutra, with his focus on healthful living, Charles and Ray Eames’ playful yet functional designs, Schindler’s emphasis on communal, flexible spaces, and John Lautner’s dramatic, futuristic forms that fused architecture with the landscape; these architects played pivotal roles in establishing the Mid-Century Modern movement.
While many of their masterpieces remain private, like the Sheats Goldstein Residence (which you might have seen in one of many magazine editorials), a select few are still open to the public, and touring these architectural gems is one of our favourite ways to spend a day in LA. Remarkably, many homes have also withstood the wildfires, preserving their historical significance and making them even more precious to experience today.
Neutra VDL House, Silverlake
Designed by famed architect Richard Neutra in 1932, Neutra VDL offers an intimate glimpse into the architect’s visionary work. This Silver Lake house blends seamlessly with its hillside environment, with expansive glass walls that invite natural light and panoramic views of the city. Its open floor plan, minimalist style, and innovative use of materials exemplify Neutra’s philosophy of organic architecture, harmonizing the home with its surroundings, strategically keeping the sight lines of other neighbouring homes hidden. A visit here reveals the personal touch Neutra brought to his own residence, meticulously preserved and a rare opportunity to experience the legacy of one of LA’s most influential architects.
Eames House, Pacific Palisades
The Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8, is an iconic symbol of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949 as their personal residence; a seamless fusion of art, design, and function. Located in Pacific Palisades, the structure incorporates industrial materials like steel and glass, while embracing the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape. Its open, airy design with modular spaces and large windows creates a strong connection to the outdoors, embodying the Eameses’ belief in functional beauty. Today, the house is a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors an intimate look at the innovative and timeless approach that defined the Eames legacy. Tours allow guests to explore the residence, studio, and outdoor spaces, experiencing firsthand how the Eameses lived and worked.
Hollyhock House, East Hollywood
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1921, Hollyhock House is one of LA’s most significant architectural landmarks, blending Mayan Revival and Prairie styles. Located in East Hollywood’s Barnsdall Art Park, the house was commissioned by oil heiress Aline Barnsdall as part of a larger cultural complex. The home’s distinctive design features geometric patterns, spacious terraces, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the house offers a rare look at Wright’s early experiments with organic architecture. Visitors can explore the house’s impressive interiors and unique craftsmanship, while also enjoying the surrounding Barnsdall Art Park with some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign and Downtown LA.
Stahl House (Case Study House No. 22), Hollywood Hills
Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, the Stahl House is a quintessential example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Designed by architect Pierre Koenig in 1960 as part of the Case Study Houses program, the house is known for its dramatic glass walls and striking steel frame and sweeping views of the city beneath. Interestingly, the Stahl House was never actually lived in, despite its iconic status, its primary function was to showcase modern design and materials. Today it stands as one of the most photographed homes in LA, featured in films like Knight of Cups, Nurse Betty, Galaxy Quest, Corrina Corrina, Playing By Heart and others; a beacon of the sleek, futuristic style of the era. While visits book out months in advance, they offer intimate tours each week at two time slots each day but the advance planning is well worth it for the rare opportunity to step inside this architectural gem and experience the breathtaking views of LA.
Schindler House, West Hollywood
Designed by Austrian architect Rudolf Schindler in 1922, the Schindler House is one of Los Angeles’ earliest and most influential modernist homes. Located in West Hollywood, its open, flexible layout blurred the lines between living, working, and creating, while embracing indoor-outdoor life decades before it became a California calling card. The house operates as the MAK Center for Art and Architecture today, hosting exhibitions, public programs, and guided tours by appointment.
Schindler, alongside Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, helped transform Los Angeles into a modernist capital in the mid-20th century, building a legacy that is still visible across the city. From the refined postwar homes of Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills to A. Quincy Jones’ planned Crestwood Hills community in Brentwood, and Gregory Ain’s modest “Modernique” houses in Mar Vista, LA remains a living archive of modernist experimentation.