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Pacific Design Center
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Museums, Art Galleries [Edit]
8687 Melrose AveWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(310) 657-0800
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Pacific Design Center
Review Highlights
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Sam L.
When I was an aspiring Interior Designer, I got a chance to check this place out.... since I believe it's closed to the public and is only a "to the trade" place most of the time.
This place is full of floors and floors of showrooms. Mostly fabrics (which ahhh! of course I loved it!) but flooring, tiles, bathroom fixtures, etc. The day I was here though... I think it was a design student day... all the different firms were giving away little samples so I had a field day. :)
As someone mentioned, this place is extremely high end. I mean, I don't really think most people would be able to afford the stuff here... but it's great to draw inspiration from.
Yeah and you need to be dressed up when you go here. Sneakers and jeans are not really what you want to wear here... unless you want to be looked down upon... because this place is a bit snobby.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun...and it was definitely a great experience! -
Review from Jessica C.
San Francisco, CA
I'm an interior design student, so I have heard about this place. My manager where I used to intern at says its a good place to get inspired at!
True that is. The showrooms in there are quite beautiful. More-so modern designs, and you can see everything outside the glass windows. I will say though, not too many people are able to afford much of what they sell here. The place is quite "bougey" so try to dress up a little to go in. Its gorgeous in there though! Its really just for the richest clients, and since I'm not one of those clients, I didn't dare go inside any of the showrooms! Still, walking around peeking in was fun for me and my boyfriend. Even architecturally, it's made very well and efficient considering how much is going on in one of three connecting buildings (connected with MoMA!). You see a lot of empty lots due to the recession, so imagine what its like with full capacity!
Its also right next to moma! Which I didn't know but convenient cause I wanted to go there too. Just a very artsy center I go to on an off day :) also for parking: right across the street is the los angeles public library and a parking lot. We parked there cause it was like an hour free parking and just walked across! We were only there roughly an hour so its better than parking at pdc which I think is $1.50 per 15 minutes or something?
Anyway, enjoy and get inspired! -
Review from Eder P.
Basically looks like Lego blocks from outside.
It's real nice inside. Like a luxurious mall where your worth is measured by the car you drive and the clothes you wear.
So yeah I felt out of place stepping in here with Vans on.
Other than that, this place is really for high-end designers/the 1% of our money here in these United States. -
Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
The PDC is an architectural behemoth that belongs in the Las Vegas skyline next to the Rio Resort and Casino rather than the Westside. It's filled with overpriced furniture stores that aren't even open on the weekends. Parking inside is $10 with non-credit card meters on the street.
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Review from Jim A.
Los Angeles, CA
Come get a look at whats out there and coming in interior design!
Been here for photo events and advertising events. A treat for the eyes -
Review from Christina K.
Los Angeles, CA
I was only here for the Reel Steal movie viewing, but I thought the center was beautiful inside. The theatre was comfortable, but seating is not great if a tall person plops right down in front of you. I recommend sitting in the very front row. It didn't cramp my neck and made the experience more enjoyable. Normally, I avoid the front.
Parking: Private structure or street. -
Review from Kimiyo I.
Cool venue. Came here for a Skinny Cow event. Parking was free and the space was big enough to accomdate all of the attendees without packing us in like sardines.
The "storefront" displays were a nice plus to the event. It's always nice to daydream and look at the pretty things that I can't afford. Sigh...one day. -
Review from Tara K.
Was here for a Skinny Cow event last weekend. Event was very fun with free ice cream, snacks, drinks and swag! Even complimentary parking!
Design Center is nice. Entry from parking garage isn't anything spectacular. But, caught a glimpse of some of the spaces from the event and they look pretty nice. -
Review from Steve W.
Inglewood, CA
This place is for the people that print money and just don't give a damn!
All beautiful and everyone friendly. Why wouldn't they be when one commission could net them $10K alone if not more.
I had a budget of $200. Not much for me, but had fun looking at when others can do when not limited by debt. Ouch.... -
Review from Laura D.
Traipsed through the Pacific Design Center on Melrose looking for furniture. It's only open to the "trade" so you have to come with a designer. It's such a huge place, a couple of enormous colored glass buildings (blue and green, it's known as "The Blue Whale"), with floor upon floor of design showrooms, and long hallways, with many closed shops (sign of the economy). Almost no one will let you take photos inside because they don't want their designs ripped off.
We went into Aga John Rugs -- fabulous rugs, many of them antiques, thousands of dollars.
There was a gorgeous Chinese design store with vases, Buddhas, chests, hangings, etc. Made me a little nervous - the aisles were so packed and so narrow, I was afraid I'd knock over something valuable!
Found a round dining room table I liked, but it didn't come in the size I needed. When I learned the price it made me gasp slightly... so on to future adventures.
My favorite piece was a small loveseat that had hand tooled Italian leather back and seat, curved hand-carved wooden arms and legs.... and cowhair trim. Sounds outrageous but it was gorgeous.
They have everything anyone could want here. All styles, all sizes.... but only high prices.Listed in: Movin' and agroovin'...
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Review from Kimberley C.
Beverly Hills, CA
I've been to many design center's and the PDC was not as impressive at it is from the outside.
Love the red and green "Lego" style buildings but when you go to each and every designers store inside.... the variety is not there.
Im a HUGE fan of contemporary and mid century modern furniture and what I saw here was traditional stuff, antiques, old school and other outdated styles. I was really disappointed.
In comparison... Miami and New York and so much much more to offer ...in variety and style.
Come on PDC and get with the program.
Had some friends from Aspen visiting in town and we all decided to check out the PDC together and they agreed with me that this design center needs some work...in many different areas. The restaurants may be good because they are Wolfgang Puck but what about the reason why we are here....... ?
On our way out I was talking with some people that worked there and I asked them why most of the stuff in there was so traditional and they stated... "Its the older generation that have the money and are spending it and this is the style that they want".
Ok..
oh and BTW.... you DO NOT have to be an interior designer to gain entry to this place... just GO. -
Review from Tommy L.
Although the colors on the exterior are quite obnoxious, the building is still an architectural marvel in its own unique way.
Walking to my office on a daily basis as my oxford shoes loudly clack on the marble floors is a remarkable feeling. I love it. The soft, Enya-like music adds to the ambience as well. That acoustic combination of human sound and angelic music takes the hustle and bustle out of you, even if only for a moment.
The amenties in the building are rather upscale, with two Wolfgang Puck restaurants and a host of prestigious agencies and firms in the green building (which is where I work!). Currently, the PDC is still undergoing construction. Soon enough, the final red building will be erected.
Whether you live or are simply visiting the LA area, be sure to stop by the Center. It's right in the heart of West Hollywood, too, surrounded by gay bars, lounges and gourmet restaurants. -
Review from Barry W.
*** aesthetically speaking, i think the PDC is beautiful. ***
it's very contemporary, accessible, feature free art events,
superior courtyard, appealing fountain, and sculptures too.
there are even swanky restaurant/lounges to hang late nite.
i attended a Remy Martin party here years ago that was off the
chain. in 2004 AMEX sponsored an attractive Leibovitz photo
exhibition of notable celebrities that are AMEX cardmembers.
but yesterday i just chilled in the courtyard and read a book.
*** PDC is a one-stop shop for the contemporary soul. ***Listed in: Fun Free Sh!t, Culture Vultures
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Review from Al C.
Los Angeles, CA
Ok, no, I did not buy a thing at this place. Until I hit the lottery I would possibly look but they have have some pretty awesome stuff.
I have passed the Blue Whale (what they call the building this place is in) many times over but have never been in. I went in for the first time & I did not know what to expect. I was amazed at some of the items & I saw that there were no prices so I can only figure if I have to ask, I can't afford it. -
Review from rachel m.
Los Angeles, CA
dress nicely when you come here. or else you'll feel like a doofus.
love mimi london, thomas lavin, cowtan & tout, a rudin, donghia! but they sell to designers only so na-na-na-na-na-na! -
Review from Katherine N.
Santa Monica, CA
This lego structure on Melrose which has been up since the 80's is a marvel in itself. This showroom super sturucture houses around 130 design showrooms offering designers and buyers furniture, fabrics, lighting, moldings and so so so much more. I have definitely been here a few times and love it.
Definitely an experience for any art students or just to come look around! -
Review from Alice Y.
Los Angeles, CA
I've always been really curious about that big old blue building right on Melrose called the Pacific Design Center. It's enormous and a little intimidating - I've never been sure if I could even step in.
In order to debunk some myths, I found the Director of Pacific Design Services, Lynda Brenner, who was kind enough to set aside an hour with me and Sam to give us a grand tour of the place and tell us more about the PDC.
cont'd with pictures:
http://www.mymodernmet... -
Review from Barb B.
Rubik's cube green and blue?? Who designed this place??
I kid, I kid...
The MOCA exhibit of ready made houses was interesting. Makes me think that yes indeed, I too can one day buy a house I can afford. The book store was the best part. We found art books that we could only find on Amazon used for butt-reaming prices. -
Review from Omowale O.
Los Angeles, CA
Oh. My God. Like wow!
So this place is not complete yet. But still I am amazed by the vastness of it all. I came when the building was closed but the museum was hosting an independent book fair.
Seeing places like this makes me value my childhood and feel bad that most people in my area really don't have any way to easily be exposed to stuff like this. It just expands your mind.
Someday I might even be able to afford a nice item or two. -
Review from Dr. Laura W.
West Hollywood, CA
Majestic and memorable, the PDC has always been one of my very favorite landmarks in LA. Over the years I have enjoyed many top-quality exhibits, films, and fashion shows here as well as leisurely browsing of the building's design labyrinths.
The grounds are equally fascinating and the entire complex is one of the first places I bring out of town visitors. In my wildest dreams I work here in a penthouse office!! -
Review from Caleb B.
Los Angeles, CA
"The Blue Whale" serves many purposes. Parties, businesses, restaurants, and some park-like space to spread out on a nice day. But what i most enjoy about this multi-functional West Hollywood landmark is that it exudes a hundred pounds of funk. This Whale can dig, he is a jive-turkey -- that's the only way he'd be so comfortable in his navy shoes. I drive by and smile, that's worth FOUR*STARS...
_C$ -
Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
C. and I took the bus here last night for a public transit community meeting about the plans for the Westside subway and the Hollywood extension that's one of the options being considered. So we only saw the exterior, the entrance lobby, and the conference center -- which would make an awesome venue for an event (and did).
The exterior is beautiful, sweeping, and innovatively lit. Inside, the part we didn't really see, houses entertainment companies, 120 design showrooms and 2,200 interior product lines, two Wolfgang Puck restaurants, the SilverScreen Theater, and a fitness center. I'm sure most of the interior design items are out of my price range, but it's still nice to look at.
The lobby houses some large-scale interior sculptures, so be sure to check those out, as well. -
Review from Daniel V.
Rosemead, CA
I come here frequently, and overall this place is VERY nice! Its a great place to get ideas on furnishing your home and also its a good place to compare my products to the many companies in this center. I cant wait for the Red Building that is being built as I write this
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Review from Gourmet G.
San Francisco, CA
This West Hollywood design complex, a stunning architectural achievement unto itself, consists of two buildings - Blue and Green - housing some one hundred thirty showrooms featuring furniture, fabrics, floorcoverings, architectural products, wallcoverings, lighting, and kitchen and bath products and accessories, in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Also located on the beautifully-landscaped fourteen acre site is the Museum of Contemporary Art, a three thousand-square-foot gallery focusing primarily on architecture and interior design.
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Review from George M.
Los Angeles, CA
You can't miss it. A giant Blue LEGO in the middle of West Hollywood. Like the detractors of the Eiffel Tower, I stay inside the building so I don't have to see it in the daytime. However just like the Eiffel, it looks pretty at night when it is all lit up.
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Review from Jennifer S.
San Diego, CA
Beautiful showrooms. I went here once on a field trip. This place is gorgeous and has wonderful restaurants within the building. The atomosphere is very classy. Sometimes the reps seem a bit snobby to students but most are pretty nice.
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Review from Adrienne D.
Los Angeles, CA
This place is so beautiful! I was here for a Fashion Week runway show and got to walk around and check out the different showrooms and design elements before the show...Love the architecture and that it's in dear old WeHo. I also got an invite for a big sample sale here tomorrow, hopefully I'll get to go to more events here.
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Review from Jenn T.
Los Angeles, CA
I'll be honest...I'm not thrilled about the look and feel of the architecture of the pacific design center. I went here for a fashion show tonight and although the interior is very very sleek the exterior is a 50/50 with me...it depends on the day I drive by or the time of day for that matter. Sometimes it reminds me of those LAX pillars that light up and change color and sometimes it's a fantastic beacon of WeHo...tonight was not one of those nights.
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Review from Vanessa L.
Park La Brea, CA
boooooooring
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Review from Jennifer C.
Hacienda Heights, CA
very beautiful...quite a sight to take in actually with the spacious interior and the tall pillars...quite a few stories tall and pretty big...wolfgang puck has two restaurants as well as his catering branch in here...park at the meters in front
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Review from JENNIFER N.
Huntington Beach, CA
is your West Hollywood hotel overcharging for parking? try this place, it's only $9 for overnight parking.
