Designed between 1919 and 1921, the Hollyhock House is famous for its namesake motif: the hollyhock flower. At the request of the owner, oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, Wright integrated stylized interpretations of the flower into the cast-concrete finials, leaded glass windows, and furniture. The construction utilized “hollow tile” walls finished with stucco, creating a monumental, temple-like aesthetic. One of the most interesting features is the living room fireplace, which features a massive bas-relief over a pool of water, intended to represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
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Preservation and Management
The Hollyhock House is owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs. After undergoing an extensive $4.4 million restoration that concluded in 2015, the home was returned to its 1921 splendor. Today, it stands as the centerpiece of Barnsdall Art Park and is meticulously maintained as a premier example of Wright’s ability to merge indoor and outdoor living spaces.
On July 7, 2019, UNESCO announced the addition of the Barnsdall Hollyhock House along with seven other Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings to the United Nations’ list of the world’s most significant cultural and natural sites. As Wright’s first commission in Los Angeles, this “California Romanza” style residence serves as a bridge between his Prairie School roots and the textile block masterpieces that followed.
Plan Your Visit
📍Location
The Hollyhock House is located at 4808 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, California. The house sits atop “Olive Hill,” offering stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin and the Hollywood Hills.
🎫Tour
Please visit the Official Website for more information about current tour options, rates, and to book your tickets online.
🧳Make it a Trip
This house is a perfect starting point for exploring the “Concrete Block” era of Wright’s work in Southern California. Pair this visit with a drive past the nearby Ennis House in Los Feliz or a stop at the Anderton Court Shops in Beverly Hills to see Wright’s later commercial influence.
🏨Hotels in Los Angeles
- Best Western Plus LA Mid-Town Hotel – A reliable, centrally located option for easy access to Hollywood and Silver Lake.
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown – Located on Wilshire Blvd, offering luxury heights and incredible views of the city skyline.
- Comfort Inn Los Angeles near Hollywood – A budget-friendly, convenient choice located on Sunset Strip and just a short drive from Olive Hill.
🎬Movies Filmed on Site
Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (1989) Starring Bill Maher, Shannon Tweed, Adrienne Barbeau
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home! For those looking for items related to this specific site, don’t miss our curated list of Hollyhock House-inspired products.
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House: The Illustrated Story of an Architectural Masterpiece
- Frank Lloyd Wright – Hollyhock House and Olive Hill
- Bulova Men’s Frank Lloyd Wright Hollyhock House Stainless Steel 3-Hand Quartz Watch
- Burpee Hollyhock Seeds, Country Romance Mix
- World Heritage Sites: The Definitive Guide to All 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Amazon)
