To Do: 4 Modernist House Tours in Los Angeles
Schindler House (1922)
Also known as Kings Road House or the original love shack; this house was radically designed for communal living by Rudolph Schindler. There were four rooms, one for each person to “express his or her individuality.” He lived there with his wife, Pauline while other couples, artists, and gypsies flowed in and out living their bohemian California dream. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of Southern California Modernism.
It now sits empty and unfurnished. Tours are self-guided so you may enjoy the house more if you read a bit about it before you go. Richard Neutra + Schindler designed several notable projects while living in the Schindler House together. Two pretentious art bros under one roof? Of course there was drama. This Vanity Fair Article has the tea.
Now, the house is often used for installations, art exhibitions + fundraiser dinners and is the headquarters of MAK Center for Art and Architecture.
Architect: Rudolph Schindler, 835 North Kings Rd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
Neutra VDL Studio (1932)
Several years after Richard Neutra and his wife Dione left the Schindler house, he built a small compound across the Silver Lake Reservoir to live and work from. He financed it with a generous loan from wealthy Dutch architecture aficionado, Van der Leeuw. (Hence the name, ‘VDL’)
‘The VDL Research House was conceived as a laboratory to demonstrate that restriction of space need not mean a restriction of well-being.’ In 1963, the house burned down and Richard’s son who followed in his father’s footsteps spearheaded the re-build, honoring the original design.
30 min tours are led by Cal Poly Pomona Architecture Students. They’re fresh from the classroom + excited to share their knoledge. This is the tour that reignited my love for architecture.
Architect: Richard Neutra 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Eames House (1949)
The Eames house was designed by husband and wife, Charles + Ray Eames to serve as their home + studio and was part of the Case Study Program.
‘The house exemplifies many of the themes of the Eameses’ work: from furniture to exhibitions, the guest/host relationship, the iterative process that leads to meeting the need, the importance of the direct experience, the relation with nature, the life in work and work in life, the importance of details, and more. Together the structure, collections, and landscape tell the story of the couple’s approach to life and work.’ — Eames Foundation
Charles and Ray were the ultimate power couple — united by design and love.
Although interior tours are still unavailable, 90 min exterior tours are worth doing. A good chunk of the structures are glass so you can see a lot through the windows + docents are super knowledgeable. Plan to book about a month in advance. Their site outlines drop dates. Be ready to book right at 12pm ‘cuz they fill up quick.
Architect: Charles + Ray Eames 203 N. Chautauqua Blvd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Stahl House (1960)
The Stahl house is one of most photographed houses in the world, although ‘Nobody famous ever lived there.’ The Stahls were a blue collar family living in a white collar house. It’s widely recognized for its panoramic views of Los Angeles and is an idealistic architectural cocktail that continues to enchant people to this day.
Buck and Carlotta Stahl purchased the vacant lot in 1954. Several notable architects passed on the project saying the lot would be impossible to build on but Pierre Koenig was up for the challenge. It became Case Study House No. 22 in the most informal way. Koenig had just successfully finished the Bailey House (CSH No. 21), and Entenza was happy to add any other Koenig house to the list.
Tours are self-guided, day time tours lasting 60 minutes. Evening ones are 90 so you can view the house in all different light. Docents are on site to answer questions. Tickets are sold 6 months in advance on a drop system. *Haven’t been to this one yet!
Architect: Peter Koenig 1635 Woods Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069
MAK Center Schindler Tours
The MAK Center for Art + Architecture occasionally puts on tours of privately owned Schindlers that aren’t typically open to the public (because people live in them). Touring these homes provide a rare view of contemporary ‘Schindler-living’. The 2022 tour included 4 homes — The Oliver House (1934), The Walker House (1636), Southhall House (1938), Wilson House (1938).
These tours don’t necessarily happen every year, but if you get the opportunity, I highly highly recommend taking advantage.
Architect: Rudolph Schindler Silver Lake + Echo Park Neighborhoods
