Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles

The Central Library Goodhue building, a historic landmark in Downtown Los Angeles, was constructed in 1926 and designed by the architect Bertram Goodhue. It is part of the Richard Riordan Central Library complex, which boasts one of the largest book and periodical collections among public libraries in the United States.

Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival architecture when creating the original Los Angeles Central Library. The central tower of the building features a mosaic pyramid adorned with suns on its sides, and at its pinnacle, there's a hand holding a torch symbolizing the "Light of Learning." The architectural elements also include sphinxes, snakes, and celestial mosaics. Notably, the building incorporates sculptural work by the renowned American architectural sculptor Lee Lawrie, who was also involved in the design of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska, another project by Goodhue.

Inside the library, you'll find a rich array of decorative elements such as figures, statues, chandeliers, and grilles. One standout feature is a four-part mural created by the illustrator Dean Cornwell, illustrating various stages of the History of California; this mural was completed around 1933. The Central Library is recognized as a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.