There's a dirty secret about Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterworks: They're beautiful to look at but sometimes lousy to live in. Case in point, the nearly century-old Hollyhock House, the pinnacle of a never-built arts complex that took a beating after the '94 Northridge earthquake. But after a series of repairs, the most recent of which kept the house closed for two years, the legendary architect's first California design (and only LA residence open to the public) looks to be back in tip-top shape.
Those imposing concrete doors will open to the public again on February 13—just in time for Valentine's Day—with 24 hours of self-guided tours. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell will cut the ribbon at 4pm on Friday, and guests can explore the Barnsdall Park estate overnight until 4pm the following day. Afterwards, the house will stay open for "Walk Wright In" tours (how darling) on Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 4pm ($7 adults, $3 students, seniors and children under 12).
The first of Wright's Mayan-inspired structures and a precursor to his textile block homes, the Hollyhock House is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and one of the few residences in the city the public can tour—which earned it a spot on our list of the 30 most beautiful buildings in LA.