Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in Los Angeles. Frank Gehry’s sweeping, sail-like curves of brushed stainless steel rise over Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill, and inside is one of the best concert halls in the world, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
You do not need a concert ticket to enjoy it. The free self-guided audio tour, the hidden rooftop garden and the building’s exterior are all free. This guide covers tours, the garden, concerts, parking and tips.
In this guide
The hall is next door to The Broad, so you can easily see both in one visit.
Walt Disney Concert Hall at a glance
- Address: 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles
- Opened: October 2003
- Architect: Frank Gehry
- Free audio tour: most days, about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last tour at 2 p.m.); about 1 hour
- Free: the Blue Ribbon Garden and the exterior walkways
- Parking: garage entrance on 2nd Street; up to about $20 a day, $10 flat on concert evenings and weekends
- Metro: Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill station (A and E Lines), across the street
The story of the hall
The project started in 1987, when Lillian Disney, Walt Disney’s widow, gave $50 million to build a concert hall in his memory. Frank Gehry won the design competition, but rising costs and the need for a parking garage delayed construction for years. The hall finally opened in October 2003 and quickly became a symbol of downtown’s revival.
Inside, the main auditorium was designed with acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota. The audience surrounds the stage in “vineyard” style terraces, the walls and ceiling are lined with Douglas fir, and the huge pipe organ is nicknamed “French fries” for its playful wooden pipes.
The free self-guided audio tour
The audio tour is the easiest way to see inside. It runs most days from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last tour starting at 2 p.m., and takes about an hour. You pick up the device in the Grand Avenue lobby. The tour is narrated by actor John Lithgow, with commentary from Frank Gehry and musicians.
The tour covers the lobbies, the architecture and the garden. The auditorium is often not included, especially on concert and rehearsal days, so do not count on seeing it. Docent-led tours run only in some seasons; check the Music Center’s website for the current schedule.
The Blue Ribbon Garden
The hall’s best-kept secret is its nearly one-acre rooftop garden, reached by stairs from the street or from inside. It is free and generally open during the day. Paths wind past trees and flowering plants, with city views between the steel curves.
The centerpiece is A Rose for Lilly, a rose-shaped fountain covered in broken pieces of Delft blue-and-white porcelain, a tribute to Lillian Disney’s love of Delft china and roses. There is also a small outdoor amphitheater used for children’s performances.
Seeing a concert
The LA Phil’s season runs mainly from late September to June, with star conductors and soloists, and the Hollywood Bowl takes over in summer. The hall also hosts the Los Angeles Master Chorale, jazz, world music and holiday concerts in December.
Concert tips
- Seats all around the stage have good sound; the terrace seats behind the orchestra are often cheaper and let you watch the conductor’s face.
- Check for discounted tickets for students and rush seats.
- Arrive early to explore the lobbies and garden before the show.
- Dress codes are relaxed; smart casual is fine.
Getting there and parking
- Metro: take the A or E Line to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill station, across the street. See our LA Metro guide.
- Parking: the hall’s garage has its entrance on 2nd Street. During the day it costs about $3.50 per 15 minutes, up to about $20. There is a flat rate of about $10 for weekday evening concerts, before matinees and on weekends.
Nearby things to do
- The Broad: free contemporary art next door.
- MOCA Grand Avenue: the Museum of Contemporary Art across the street.
- The Music Center: the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum around a plaza.
- Grand Park: a short walk downhill toward City Hall.
- Angels Flight and Grand Central Market: ride down Bunker Hill for lunch. See our Grand Central Market guide.
Photography tips
- Golden hour before sunset makes the steel glow.
- Walk all the way around the building; the shapes change from every angle.
- Bring sunglasses; the steel can be very bright on sunny days.
Frequently asked questions
Is Walt Disney Concert Hall free to visit?
Yes. The self-guided audio tour, the rooftop garden and the exterior are free. Concerts require tickets.
Can you go inside the auditorium on the tour?
Not always. The auditorium is often closed for rehearsals and performances, so tours may not include it.
Who designed Walt Disney Concert Hall?
Frank Gehry. It opened in October 2003.
Where do you park for Walt Disney Concert Hall?
In the hall’s garage on 2nd Street. Rates are capped at about $20 during the day, with flat rates for concerts and weekends.
Is the rooftop garden open to the public?
Yes. The Blue Ribbon Garden is free and generally open during the day.
Photo credits
Featured image: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
