Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Los Angeles Central Library

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021

1. Los Angeles Central Library Marker

Inscription. Dedicated 1926, Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, FAIA, architect. Carleton Monroe Winslow, FAIA, associate architect.
Renovated & expanded, 1993, Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, architects.

This plaque commemorates the illumination of the Central Library Pyramid and Light of Learning Torch by the Los Angeles Conservancy on November 14, 2003, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Conservancy, whose first cause was the preservation of this building.

This plaque was placed by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects, whose 1978 report advocated the building's preservation and restoration.

Erected 2003 by American Institute of Architects. (Marker Number 46.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 14, 2003.

Location. 34° 3.047′ N, 118° 15.348′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. It is at the intersection of 5th Street

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and Flower Street, on the left when traveling west on 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles CA 90071, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The World Peace Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Central Library (within shouting distance of this marker); City National Plaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); One Bunker Hill (about 600 feet away); 6th & Figueroa Streets (about 700 feet away); Pacific Mutual Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Biltmore Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bunker Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Regarding Los Angeles Central Library. The

Los Angeles Central Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021

2. Los Angeles Central Library

The marker is to the right of the door facing Flower Street. The pyramid and torch are at the top.

library was expanded after being damaged by two arson fires in 1986. It is now the third largest public library in the United States. It houses the extensive Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection of over 3 million historic photographs.
The original building was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 46 in 1967, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Cornerstone - 1925 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, February 28, 2021

3. Cornerstone - 1925

A Time Capsule was removed in 2026.

Light of Learning Torch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 27, 2025

4. Light of Learning Torch

The original is on display inside the library.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 3, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on July 30, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.