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Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Downtown
555 W Temple St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-5200
555 W Temple St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-5200
32 reviews for Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Soooo not your typical gaudy Roman Catholic cathedral - I connected with this church from the first moment I stepped foot on it. Architecturally speaking, the design is understated, unpretentious, elegant, and sincere. If you notice, nothing is hidden - the walls are in their true state, the wood is not painted aside from varnish, even the lighting fixtures are not monstrous chandeliers. The ceilings are high, adding to the sense grandeur, with natural light flowing through the large alabaster cross above the altar. No smokes and mirrors - all elements are kept in their purest forms.
The more you learn about the architecture, the more you realize that so much thought was put into making sure that when one steps into that building all focus is on God and not on the building itself. For example, when you walk through the building, a psychological and physical experience is in play ... you'll notice that the farther you walk away from the altar (aka a visual representation of God) the steeper the incline is and the harder your treck is, but when you walk towards it (aka towards God), the incline is lower making your treck easier. You'll also notice that all the little galleries outside of the congregation area are angled towards the altar, a subtle reminder that all things beautiful begin with God. I find little details like that great.
The mausoleum is also a great place to walk through as well as the Olive Tree Garden, which most kids get a kick out of. I do find the cafe a bit over priced but, then again you're presumably not there for the food.
I came here for a wedding. Oh my goodness, is this place HUGE! You can see it for miles way. This review is based on this one experience, not as a regular visitor.
I can appreciate the grandeur of the place and how awe inspiring the place is with all the thought placed into the design and decoration of the place. It was a little cold in feeling due to the concert walls and monotone colors. It seemed a bit commercialized.
Thought it was a bit odd that the priest, during the ceremony pointed out the COST of the tapestries of all the saints. Then also indicated the other chapels within.
I've been to the Crystal Cathedral too, but they did not commercialize it like this place did.
Everything about this cathedral is beautiful, from the alabaster windows to crypts in the lower level. Yes, even the crypt/mausoleum in this cathedral is absolutely beautiful. The earthy tone of both the exterior and interior are warm and relaxing. . .which is strikingly different from other cathedrals I've visited which tended to be cold and dark.
There are lots of tapestry and stained glass to take in, so I would plan at least an hour to check out this place. And don't forget the crypts. If you are into Hollywood type things, you can find the crypt of Gregory Peck in the crypts to the right of the long hall. Saint Vibiana also has a special place in the crypts in the lower level.
People are basing their reviews on different aspects of the cathedral, the cafe, the gift shop, etc. I'm basing this Yelp review on the "God Factor" You know, the one that trumps all other reviews and the one that you should read first.
When you go into this church, you certainly feel "God the Grand" and all His Grandeur. The size of the upper church is really a marvel to behold. The way the sunlight comes into to the main vestibule from the cross-shaped opening above the altar as well as the height that the incense has to rise is quite a sight. The length of the aisles are impressive and slightly inclined so as to make it that people in the back can see clearly when seated.
Cardinal Roger Mahoney calls this cathedral, "Your Cathedral." As in, "Welcome to Your Cathedral." That's because private funds were raised to build this building. And as such, visitors are welcome to explore the building and campus after mass. You can walk up to the organist playing the huge organ, or you can line up and kiss the crucifix at the center of the altar. You can also go downstairs into the catacombs and try and spot wealthy and famous people's tombs. Gregory Peck is actually buried downstairs, and it's worth dropping by and paying your respects.
The tomb of Saint Vivianna and another chapel is also downstairs. You can reflect and ask for her intercession at any time. Before the Archdiocese moved to the current Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, the former cathedral was Saint Vivianna's Cathedral, so she holds a special place in the Los Angeles archdiocese.
If you go outside into the impressive plaza, you'll see a glass wall of patron and donors to the building of the new Cathedral overlooking Highway 101. There are some pretty big names there. I was surprised to see certain people donate so much money. I'll let you go and check it out for yourself rather than spoil it for you.
For those of you that don't know, the target goal for the funds required to build the Cathedral was $70 million, and the Cardinal believed that that was going to be a difficult goal. But the God Factor kicked in. Private donations kept on coming and the Archdiocese surpassed their goal and raised $120 million. Therefore, the church was able to get everything it wanted rather than skimp by. Bigger organ, more art, higher quality building materials, more and better everything.
There is also a nice gift shop located above the parking structure. If you're visiting from out of town, it may be a good idea to buy a souvenir to remember this place when you return home. The cafe nearby also serves breakfast and lunch and is pretty decent. You can take your food outside and eat in the plaza if you want and enjoy the company of others or meet and greet with the priests and Cardinal.
On occasions when I've visited the Cathedral, they actually play Gregorian chant on the sound system outside so that it creates a holy environment in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. I admit, it's nice to hear something reverent once in a while.
The philosophy that God is grand definitely defines this place. The art, the vessels used, the choir's professionalism and soaring vocals, the high modern Californian architectural style, the shiny metals, the votive shrines, the plaza, fountains...clearly no expense was spared in making a building worthy of God. Aside from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, this is easily the most impressive church building this side of the Mississippi.
If you're a tourist to the Los Angeles area, this has to definitely be one of your stops. It's gems like the Cathedral that offer some counterweight against the notion that Los Angeles is a cultural wasteland.
OK, so mom's in town, time to go to Church and being that this is such a destination Church and all, here we go!!!
note: I do not believe that the 'only' way to communicate to God/s is through churches/temples/mosques or through a specific religion. But I do respect and always interested in others point of view of God/s.
Came in on a hot Sunday, walked in the Church, thought nothing of it, it is beautiful in some respect, I mean it's a church, they hold a certain grandeur to them in some respect.
That Sunday was a particularly good mass. I got a lot out of it. Priest was comfortable and to the point.
DON'T rate church base on its looks, you conceited SOBs nor rate it in comparisons to some ancient Europeans, and please get off your FUCKING ' Am-all-about-God' BS. Face it this church has some money, instead what u need to do is find beauty in ordinary things, eat that bitches!!!
I've checked out Missions that are historic landmarks. Although this one isn't (as far as I know), I took the tour anyway (actually I got dragged along on one). It's a new church, and I admit I prefer the styles of the old churches (gothic-like, or whatever the technical architectural term is). It's ok.
Remarkable!
I was so amazed on my first visit, I made sure that my 2nd child was baptized here. They are so organized! What weird is that, the priest who baptized my child was a childhood church goer. Didn't realize he would become a priest, thats why its weird.
My son had a field trip here and it was very nice of Monsignor Fleming to explain everything about the church!
You should try to visit someday and enjoy the mass!
I'm a nerd. A Roman Catholic nerd. So, whenever I go visit a place, I have a need to go to the local cathedral to check out the local mother church, and in LA things were not any different, and I paid a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This is an extremely nerdy review, so be warned. I really like visiting churches, ok?
The cathedral is a massive piece of modern architecture set right by the freeway. It's enormous, and it's hard to believe that this is actually a Catholic church, less the cathedral of the archdiocese. As per all of LA, we had to pay for parking which bites, but hey, this was one of the places that I really wanted to go to.
The exterior of the church is simple, but beautiful. There is a wonderful carillon of various bells in the entrance, and a circular fountain that had "I will give you living water" inscribed in multiple languages. There is a little garden with life size animal statues where the kiddies can play, too.
At the entrance of the cathedral, you are greeted by a modern looking angel, and these huge bronze doors. I mean, massive bronze doors.
The interior of the church is amazing, and not like any cathedral that I have been to before. The space is massive with unobstructed views of the altar and front of the church which is really nice, in my opinion. There are also these huge alabaster windows that let a nice, subtle light inside the church. On the sides of the interior of the church are tapestries of the communion of the saints--a different take on using traditional stained glass. The tapestries are unique in that the people depicted look like everyday people which humanizes them. Intermixed are everyday people, as well, which speaks that we are all members of the communion of saints.
During our visit, they were highlighting the art of the archdiocese, and in the side chapels had vestments, and some antique statues on display. In the vestment displays, I kept thinking ... it's a vestment fashion show!
The basement of the cathedral houses a mausoleum, which is a little creepy, but kinda neat. It is expansive, as well, and looks like that there is plenty of room for new "residents" when the time comes.
I know that the cathedral was controversial to build, but I have to say that it is one of the most impressive, modern Catholic churches that I have been to. Regardless of creed, this is definitely a place that all people can appreciate for its simplistic grandeur.
My review is based on a wedding reception.
This is what I liked:
-Big space for the cocktail hour
-Two bars during the cocktail hour (yay for more drinks!)
-The couple chose 4 hours of open bar (score!)
-My meal: steak with prawns. Yum!
-Good size dance floor
-Reception ended at 11:30pm. Not sure if they charge fees for additional hours.
-They provide different table shapes. For instance, you can choose rectangle and circle tables for your reception.
This is what I didn't like:
-Long line for the appetizers.
-Location: downtown LA. Need I say more?
I only took one star out because we had a great and fun evening.
On January 17, 1994 at 4:31AM, The Northridge earthquake shook the city of Los Angeles literally to its core. Of the many historical sites to be effected, the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana was extensively damaged. After examination, it was decided by Roger "The Midnight NAMBLA" Mahoney that preserving and fortifying the original structure was not cost-effective. So the decision was made to demolish the century-old structure.
Because of its age and historical significance to Los Angeles history, many historical groups protested the decision, even managing to temporarily block the destruction of the centurion structure. But in the end, thanks to various legal hearings, as well as back-room dealing with the city council, the remnants of the damaged cathedral faded into another chapter of L.A. history (fortunately not demolished -but that's another story/review).
Meanwhile, around the United States, a phenomena was taking place: the so-called "super church" -massive churches the size of shopping malls and designed to hold thousands of people were being constructed, with many taking root in Mahoney's backyard, and bringing in lots and lots of cash. Seeing this and being in a general "we'll-show-those-bastards-how-to-do-mega" mood, an ultra-modern massive cathedral was commissioned and designed by Rafael Moneo, and construction began. As the structure began to take form and donations flowed in from individuals and families (such as Paris Hilton's clan), Mahoney was busy dealing with the authorities while trying to explain and conceal proof of his involvement in a game of "hide-and-go-seek-more-kids" with priests, found himself under more scrutiny -this time with groups such as The Catholic Worker Movement, and various community activists, who were appalled at the no-expense-too-great costs that were mounting to build this house of worship (his explanation was the "community" "needed" a religious center that united people in faith and spirituality.)
Finally, in 2002, the house of worship was opened for business -and what a business it is! Here on this very site you can find ample parking in the garage (free if you're attending mass), a café, and even an ATM (don't worry that it only gives out twenties; all the money-changers, er, I mean merchants will make change for you).
For those with kids, you will be pleased to know that there's something for them. Near the back is a peaceful playground for them to run, play and generally be kids. If you require some quiet prayer time, you can be assured in the knowledge that they will be happily looked after by any number of priests from around the diocese present to discuss business with Roger. Don't be afraid to ask Father O'Grady to look after your kids, that's what he lives for!
Finally, there is the cathedral itself. There is no denying its magnificence. Unlike far too many cathedrals constructed in the twentieth century, this mega-structure is warm, brightly lit, and is free of horrifying, tortuous images such as the Stations of the Cross, or saints being martyred. It is quite impressive. The mass that I attended also gave me a chance to hear and admire the acoustics, which are quite wonderful. Regardless if you are in the entrance hallway or sitting in the main cathedral everything is quite wonderfully clear. And in these times of trouble and strife, the extra steps of security certainly can't be ignored or overlooked, comprising of armed security guards and even a contingent of the L.A. Sheriff's department (also quite armed) are on hand to keep you safe and sound, as you commune with God.
So there you have it. Architecturally speaking, it's a wonderful center. Spiritually speaking.... not so much.
Honestly, every time I walk into this church, I just have to sit and reflect on what makes this building so amazing. It's not the building itself, but all the thought that went into the building of this amazing cathedral.
1. It's not a museum. You can touch anything and everything in here.
2. The tapestries of the Saints. It's a communion of Saints, one we are all part of, of everyone past, present, and future.
3. The alabaster the windows are made out of. The cathedral faces east, so as the sun rises, natural light pours into the cathedral. I've never seen it, but I want to go one day to check it out. Then the alabaster itself, containing fossils of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, once again reminding us that we are a communion of saints, which includes all that have gone before us.
4. The priest's chair, which has wood from 7 different continents, connecting us all together.
5. The crucifix, which was made to depict Jesus 20 minutes before he died. Helps us remember that this is what God is willing to give us, and for us to remember the resurrection.
6. The 12 angels around the church representing the 12 apostles, and seeing the cross stains underneath from the dedication ceremony.
There's so much more. Although it may not look like the cathedrals in Europe, it still has a lot of symbolic meaning behind almost everything in that cathedral. Those who mock it as a "tourist attraction" probably didn't realize what immense thought and consideration went into this place.
It is absolutely amazing, and before you feel the need to mock it, read up on it first.
Close to Chinatown this cathedral is not of your typical design. very modern and minimalist... which works to its advantage in focusing and showing off the artwork. Tons of nooks and crannys to walk explore. Love the look of the windows from the inside. What is it? Marble? Looks like marble? My only complaint is the expensive parking on top of the "donations" ugh. Gift shop and food place is a good touch and smart on behalf of the church.
update: its alabaster windows!
Fascinating modernist take on a cathedral. If architecture is your thing in the least you need to check it out. It still retains the heart and soul of a religious building while giving a modern look and feel. Maybe it's the old school church bells ringing that help keep it rooted in the traditional...it works no matter what it is.
Bonus: Great view from the far side of the courtyard looking across the freeway at the Buck Rogers-esque high school that's being built.
It looks like a giant factory and the masses have a distinctly Kumbaya modernist flair to them. Sorry. This place is not a fitting testament to the glory of God. When compared to gorgeous European cathedrals such as St. Peters in Rome or Notre Dame in Paris, it falls flat. Hmm...I detect the hand of Mahoney on this stinker. Also, it reeks of tourism for profit. Very sad.
I remembered seeing on the news about it's construction and was really excited when it finally did open to the public, my cousin and her long time boyfriend decided to get married here.
The church is uber modern and really huge. It reminds me of the cathedrals/churches back in the day that were huge with the altar in the front center, with beautiful ornate statues, stations of the cross, and the saints I believe etched into the stone walls.
This church is just simply beautiful! Parking is free during service, but you do have to pay if you're just going to park in the lot. I can't wait to go back here for regular service one day.
I absolutely love the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, afterall I got married there. The Cathedral is completely unique and unlike any Catholic church I have ever been to and I've been to plenty, including the ones in Europe. This Cathedral is incredibly modern and the architecture is amazing. It was an absolutely amazing place to get married. Our wedding photos were so impressive and all my friends and family were so impressed by the Cathedral.
There are great photo opportunities all over the entire Cathedral grounds, from the gardens, to the inside of the Cathedral evertything is so sacred and beautiful. The tapestries, stained glass, art, and bronze doors are such a sight to see. Attending a church service here on a Sunday is really nice. The altar is so different and the Cathedral's organ and pipes sound amazing. Even if your aren't a Roman Catholic, I would highly suggest taking a tour of the Cathedral. The mausoleum downstairs is fascinating and it is so worth it to learn about the architecture of the Cathedral and the history of the various art pieces.
My mother got a lot more out of this visit than myself, but I must admit there is an aura to a building that immense and that quiet. I took a number of pictures and we roamed the entire grounds...stunning. The $3/15 minute parking was also stunning.....even more than the parking on Rodeo. GOD Trumps Armani + Ferragamo + Versace, keep that in mind. :-)
Breathetaking. The multi-floor ceilings are great. This is not your normal Catholic Church.
You first set your eyes on what I am guessing is a Saint. Exactly who it is, I'm not sure. But the statue welcomes you to the first set of doors. The major entrance hallway is mammoth. Walls are made of concrete with Marble floors. Ceilings are about 3-4 floors high.
First thought that pops into my minds is how much this place costs. Unbeileiveable. How many sponsors must have donated moneys to this church? Wow. Simply wow.
It is conveniently located near a Metro Redline Station. Just exit the Civic Center Station and head towards Temple Avenue (uphill).
When I first heard about a Cathedral being built in Los Angeles, I admit to having visions of a Cathedral more baroque in regards to design and architectural style. So when I first saw pictures of the new cathedral, I thought it quite plain and uninteresting.
However, after taking a docent tour last year, I completely did a 180. The Cathedral is actually quite beautiful. Modern. Minimalist. The ornateness you normally associate with Cathedrals is definitely not there; yet, it's not missed.
I really love the clean lines, the interesting architectural shapes, the natural lighting that is filtered through alabaster windows inside the Cathedral. There's just something so calming about its simplicity in the form and feel of this space. I actually took over 100 pictures during this tour, so take a look below and hopefully, you'll find the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels as breathtaking as I did.
To see pics, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/...
my high school was the first to have their baccalaureatemass here and my aunt had her wedding here
i like this place and the people are quite nice
i do have to admit that i only go here for the Easter mass and Christmas Eve mass which is held at midnight or if their is a special event is going on
either way i love this place and it is a must see place even though you are not Catholic, all visitors are welcomed
Looming over the Hollywood Freeway, this Rafael Moneo-designed eleven-story structure - which has no right angles - looks more like an ultramodern highrise condominium complex than a house of worship. The cathedral is home to an extensive collection of artwork, tapestries, stained glass, and furnishings. Docent tours are available. Those fascinated by Hollywood trivia will be interested in knowing Gregory Peck's final resting place is located in the basement.
I like looking through the path with glass sandblasted with angels to the Virgin of Guadalupe altar. I love the small chapel lit by light through alabaster but I don't care for the figurative sculpture on the door or tapestry in the nave. It might be for baptisms. The plates that help the building move with earthquakes are really interesting. When I saw it being built from the freeway, it looked like a silo.
This review is strictly for the food. The Turkey Panini is good but pretty damn expensive as are the pre-made salads. For about 10-12 dollars, you can get a salad and a drink or a panini and a drink. Bit expensive don't you think? Hop on the redline and go to Loose Leaf instead if you're craving a salad or walk a couple of blocks to Philippe the Original Restaurant if you're craving a sandwich. Have a great day.
magnificant...i spent a weekend here...helping a friend plan her most perfect wedding....the cathedral is breath taking...from the first glimpse of the towering doors...to the miniaturizing interior...step inside...you feel like an ant in all that space....towering organ pipes....surrounded by all the holiness...overpowers you in awe...friend's wedding was picture perfect beautiful
across from the cathedral is all the conference or dining rooms...can be customized to meet your needs.....after the wedding...we all walked across to enjoy the dinner reception and wedding party....outstanding....total cost of the wedding at the cathedral of our lady of the angels?...$100,000+
I'm not religious but I love food. They have a cafeteria here that makes a great turkey paninni sandwich. My best pal and I used to go here to get away from the office. We usually sat outside and watched the tourists and the priests. Most of the priests never looked very pious. Mostly tired and chubby. I don't think any of them had ever skipped a meal. The church inside is sort of weird because it's so plain inside. Not the usual ornate type of churches I'm used to. The building is like a fortress and not inviting at all. They built it to last 100 years and I believe it could survive a direct hit by a nuclear warhead. Try to schedule a tour of the church. There is a lower level and they tell you about all the people who pay huge sums of money to be entombed there. WILD STUFF!
This place made me feel very peaceful and pensive. It is GRAND...The architecture is bigger than life, and you feel small. The size of the places, the number of benches, the holyness of it all makes you feel very peaceful. It is also very quiet here, and has a good view of the downtown freeways. There is a lot of space to walk around and enjoy a day in peace. That, along with the fountains, the re-occuring bells, the benches, the slight breeze...all makes it a good experience.
I love this place, just to absorb and enjoy the design and architecture and feel. You got to pay for parking and have to go early, but its a LA cultural and architectural land mark. Its a church btw.
You don't have to be Catholic to spend a nice afternoon with your mother, but it helps. There is a cafe and a gift shop. It is also a great place to have a meeting if you are near the courthouse or the L.A. Times Building.
am i going to sunday mass or am i going to a museum? the architecture is amazing and the murals are beautiful. the bf and i arrived almost 30 min late but we still enjoyed the sermon and witnessed at least 50 folks get baptized! the bf's favorite part was the wishing peace among our loved ones and neighbors. aww isn't he a sweetie!
It works better in person I find. Impressive space. The Madonna over the main entrance by Robert Graham is beautiful as is the tapestries and crucifix. Well worth checking out even if you aren't Catholic.
midnight mass was off the hook this year!!
I am absolutely in love with it. It's a juxtaposition of materials and design that both fits the atmosphere, diversity, and contradiction that encompasses L.A., and which works to create a space for worship, celebration, and a simple appreciation of beauty and architecture. The use of thinly cut marble instead of stained glass is a modern touch that simultaneously creates a feeling of warmth that is appropriate for L.A. and the feeling a religious building ought to inspire. Details like that are just one of many-angels whose wings are slabs of variated natural looking bronze, the mural of worshipers that looks aged and features historical religious figures standing next to little kids in their Converse sneaks and shorts, etc. This place just gets it-L.A., tradition (while not being a slave to it), the fact that this isn't France during the Gothic period and the building should thus not look like it, that religion is meant to be comforting and inviting.
