2025 marks the 100 year anniversary of the introduction of  the innovative Art Deco style at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, France. Los Angeles has its own unique history with this style.

ART DECO LOS ANGELES presents a photographic survey of one of the most creative and glamorous architectural eras of the City of Angels, seen through the eyes of photographer and author Robert Landau. Having photographed his native city for many decades, Landau has captured treasures both landmarked and lost, from the turquoise and gold Eastern Columbia building in a newly revitalized downtown to the world renowned Pan Pacific Auditorium which tragically burned in 1989.

The traveling exhibition accompanies the recent release of the book of the same name published by Angel City Press. Featured are 40-60 limited edition prints. Also included are panels that provide historical and architectural background, illluminating the context for how Los Angeles’s preeminent architects of the 1920s and 1930s set the stage for some of the city’s most captivating and enduring buildings.

Excerpts from nationally recognized architect and historian Alan Hess' essay from the book, "Reconsidering Art Deco," are also presented as panels. The Los Angeles Conservancy named Hess "The preeminent authority on Southern California Modernism". Through his writing, lectures, and educational outreach, Hess has shed light on many forgotten and neglected styles of postwar American architecture - especially in the realm of commercial modern architecture.

Images in the exhibition will also highlight how several Art Deco buildings destined for the wrecking ball, have been preserved and reinvigorated with new identities that retain their architectural integrity, such as a Deco era gas station that has been re-purposed into a drive –up Lobster restaurant.

Robert Landau has been photographing his native Los Angeles for upwards of 50 years. With the publication of his new book Art Deco Los Angeles (Angel City Press, 2025), Landau has now published 5 books related to Los Angeles including Billboard Art, (Chronicle Books, 1980, introduction by David Hockney), Outrageous L.A.  (Chronicle Books, 1984, introduction by Ed Ruscha) and  Rock N Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip, (Angel City Press, 2012). A documentary film based on this book is currently in production and a traveling exhibition has circulated to museums around the country over the past 10 years.

ART DECO LOS ANGELES is available beginning in the Fall of 2025 through 2027. For more information, loan fess and to schedule dates please contact:

Photographic Traveling Exhibitions
Tel:      310 397 3098
Email: info @p-t-e.org