Norton Simon Museum of Art
Named for a food-packing king and financier who reorganized the failing Pasadena Museum of Modern Art, the Norton Simon displays one of the finest private collections of European, American, and Asian art in the world (and yet another feather in the cap of architect Frank Gehry, who redesigned the interior space). Comprehensive collections of masterpieces by Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Goya are augmented by sculptures by Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin, including The Burghers of Calais, which greets you at the gates. The "Blue Four" collection of works by Kandinsky, Jawlensky, Klee, and Feininger is impressive, as is a superb collection of Southeast Asian sculpture. Still Life with Lemons, Oranges, and a Rose (1633), an oil by Francisco de Zurbarán, is one of the museum's most important holdings. Perhaps the most popular piece is The Flower Vendor/Girl with Lilies, by Diego Rivera, followed by Goya's Disasters of War. The collection of paintings, sculptures, pastels, and prints by French Impressionist Edgar Degas is among the best in the world. Tip: Unless you're an art expert, you'll probably want to take the "Acoustiguide" audio tour -- it's $3 well spent.

Pacific Design Center
The bold architecture and overwhelming scale of the Pacific Design Center, designed by Argentinean architect Cesar Pelli, aroused controversy when it was erected in 1975. Sheathed in gently curving cobalt-blue glass, the seven-story building houses more than 750,000 square feet of wholesale interior-design showrooms and is known to locals as "the blue whale." When the property for the design center was acquired in the 1970s, almost all of the small businesses that lined this stretch of Melrose Avenue were demolished. Only Hugo's Plating, which still stands in front of the center, successfully resisted the wrecking ball. In 1988, a second boxlike structure, dressed in equally dramatic Kelly green, was added to the design center and surrounded by a protected outdoor plaza.

The Egyptian Theatre
Conceived by grandiose impresario Sid Grauman, the Egyptian Theatre is just down the street from his better-known Chinese Theatre, but it remains less altered from its original design, which was based on the then-headline-news discovery of hidden treasures in Pharaohs' tombs -- hence the hieroglyphic murals and enormous scarab decoration above the stage. Hollywood's first movie premiere, Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, was shown here in 1922, followed by the premiere of The Ten Commandments in 1923. The building recently underwent a sensitive restoration by American Cinematheque, which now screens rare, classic, and independent films (see chapter 10 for details).

Crowne Plaza Hotel BEVERLY HILLS
The elegant Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills Hotel is ideally located within walking distance to Rodeo Drive. Hotels in this area look to us as the standard of elegance, convenience and service. Rodeo Drive shopping and dining is just four blocks from the hotel. Hollywood landmarks like Walk of Fame, Universal Studios and downtown Los Angeles are just steps away. Both the Getty Center and Sunset Blvd are near the hotel. Los Angeles attractions like Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu beaches are also ...

Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
Find the Spirit of Japan at the Miyako Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The handsomely appointed and spacious guest rooms feature all the comforts of being home while away from home. The decor of the 174 guest rooms brings a blend of Japanese elegant flair with the spacious contemporary comforts of home to make your stay more enjoyable. All rooms are equipped with complimentary high speed internet connections, in-room safe, work desk, coffee maker, iron and ironing boards, hairdryer, mini ...

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Nearby Airport: * Los Angeles International Airport - 2 Blocks * Long Beach Airport - 22 Miles * Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport - 27 Miles * John Wayne/Orange County Airport - 41 Miles * Ontario International Airport - 53 Miles Nearby Cities: * El Segundo - 2 Miles * Marina Del Rey - 4 Miles * Manhattan Beach - 5 Miles * Hermosa Beach - 6 Miles * Venice Beach - 6 Miles * Redondo Beach - 8 Miles * Santa ...