DTLA Arts District
The DTLA Arts District is a place where old brick warehouses have been converted into artist lofts, cafés, and galleries, and walls bloom with large-scale murals.
The Arts District in DTLA is a revitalized industrial area of converted warehouses that house independent galleries, creative studios, micro-breweries, and large-scale murals. Over 25 galleries debut new exhibitions during the monthly first-Thursday art walk. Nearby are trendy bookstores, French dip sandwich spots, and a Banksy wall.
Walking Arts District Murals and Wishing Tree
The Downtown LA Arts District is a walkable neighborhood where murals are painted freehand without grids, reflecting the skill of local artists, and are constantly repainted, layered, or replaced, so compositions shift between visits. A short distance away in Little Tokyo, the Wishing Tree tradition was started by Naoko Ikeda of Blooming Arts Gallery, inspired by the Japanese Tanabata Festival observed each July. The district also includes restaurants such as LOQUI, making it possible to spend a full day on foot between walls, branches, and meals.
Best Photo Spots
Four spots anchor DTLA’s Arts District, ranging from a polka dot mural and angel wings to a bookstore and an angular concert hall.
The Most Famous Artist mural (the polka dot wall)
Photographs of This Location
Common Questions
The Arts District sits east of downtown, bordered by Alameda Street, the LA River, First Street, and Violet Street.
Practical Information
The Arts District has limited street parking and paid lots; rideshare, cycling, or public transit are recommended during peak times.
8 AM – 9 PM; 11 am–6 pm
free
Session Tips
- Photographers should ask permission before entering private studios, as many murals are public but studios may restrict access.
- Explore the Arts District in the daytime and leave before dark for the best and safest experience.
- Walking or biking the neighborhood is the best way to take in the Arts District's large murals and alleyway installations.
- Plan your Arts District session as a fun date, exploring murals, ice cream shops, and rooftop gardens along the way.
- When hunting for Arts District street art, plan a walking route along Mateo Street where the Fnnch honey bear and the Most Famous Artist polka dot wall are both at 608 Mateo Street.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:24 PM - 1:49 PM
1:49 PM - 2:49 PM
12:34 AM - 1:34 AM
1:34 AM - 1:59 AM
Best Season
Any season
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:58 | 17:07 | 10h 8m |
| Feb | 06:37 | 17:37 | 10h 59m |
| Mar | 07:03 | 19:00 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 06:21 | 19:24 | 13h 2m |
| May | 05:51 | 19:47 | 13h 56m |
| Jun | 05:41 | 20:05 | 14h 24m |
| Jul | 05:52 | 20:04 | 14h 11m |
| Aug | 06:14 | 19:39 | 13h 24m |
| Sep | 06:36 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:18 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:25 | 16:49 | 10h 23m |
| Dec | 06:51 | 16:45 | 9h 54m |
What to Expect During Your Session
The Arts District in DTLA rewards daytime mural photography along Mateo Street and the 3rd and 4th Street corridor, with the Fnnch honey bear and the Most Famous Artist polka dot wall both located at 608 Mateo Street. A practical itinerary begins with coffee at Groundwork on Traction Avenue and ends with a beer at Angel City or Arts District Brewery, ideally before dark. For evening shoots, the first Thursday art walk runs from 6PM to 10PM and First Fridays open galleries to the public, though private studios may require asking permission, and Southern California's mild weather makes any season workable.
The opening reception takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 6PM to 10PM.
On First Fridays, galleries and studios across the Arts District open to the public.
A recommended itinerary starts with coffee at Groundwork on Traction Avenue.
After coffee, walk Mateo Street and 3rd/4th Streets for murals.
“The session ended with a stroll along the sidewalks of the Arts District next to art shops, taking in the overgrown greenery cascading down the parking garage.”
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Parking
- Parking in the Arts District is scarce.
- Public transit
- Little Tokyo/Arts District station
- Bike friendly
- Cycling is a recommended way to navigate between the Arts District's dispersed murals and galleries.