Binoculars Building Chiat/Day
A surreal architectural marvel featuring giant binoculars as an entrance, designed by Frank Gehry and artists Oldenburg/van Bruggen.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the building in its full glory.
Binoculars Building Chiat/Day
Best Time
See the building in its full glory.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surreal architectural marvel featuring giant binoculars as an entrance, designed by Frank Gehry and artists Oldenburg/van Bruggen.
"A must-see for architecture lovers, but be mindful of security when snapping photos!"
📸 Photo Spot: Across the Street
Take photos from the sidewalk across the street to respect private property and security.
🚗 Traffic Alert
Expect heavy traffic in the Venice area, especially during peak hours. Plan accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Binoculars
Main Street, Venice
An iconic sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, serving as a unique entrance.
Frank Gehry's Design
Chiat/Day Building
Experience the bold architectural style of Frank Gehry, known for his distinctive landmarks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Entrance
Architecture Fan's Quick Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Spot: Across the Street
Take photos from the sidewalk across the street to respect private property and security.
🚗 Traffic Alert
Expect heavy traffic in the Venice area, especially during peak hours. Plan accordingly.
🏢 Active Office Space
Remember this is a working office building. Be discreet and respectful of employees.
🎨 Art & Architecture Blend
Appreciate the unique collaboration between artist Claes Oldenburg and architect Frank Gehry.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Spot: Across the Street
Take photos from the sidewalk across the street to respect private property and security.
🚗 Traffic Alert
Expect heavy traffic in the Venice area, especially during peak hours. Plan accordingly.
🏢 Active Office Space
Remember this is a working office building. Be discreet and respectful of employees.
🎨 Art & Architecture Blend
Appreciate the unique collaboration between artist Claes Oldenburg and architect Frank Gehry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are drawn to the unique and iconic nature of the Binoculars Building, appreciating its bold architecture and art. However, some find it to be a brief stop with limited interaction due to its function as an active office building, and security can be a concern for photographers.
"always wanted to check this out, Venice Beach was a must stop in soCal"
Viera V
"The Binoculars, designed by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, serve as the access point to the building designed by world famous architect Frank Gehry, who has its home in Santa Monica. The building is now the Los Angeles headquarters of Google."
Francesco Xodo
"You cannot take a picture because it's not public property. Security guard gave me a rough time. Be mindful and take picture from across the street. 😎😏"
Benny Lemel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Binoculars Building is located in Venice, Los Angeles. It's best accessed by car, but be prepared for significant traffic, especially on weekdays. Public transportation options are available but may require transfers and longer travel times. Parking can be challenging in the area, so consider ride-sharing services or public transport if possible.
Street parking can be very limited and metered in Venice. There are also private parking lots nearby, but they can be expensive. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public buses to avoid parking hassles.
The building is on Main Street. Approach from the street to get the best view of the binoculars sculpture. Be aware of vehicle traffic entering and exiting the building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to view the Binoculars Building from the exterior. It's a public art installation and architectural landmark visible from the street.
The Binoculars Building is an active office building, primarily housing Google's Los Angeles headquarters. Public access inside is generally not permitted.
As it's an exterior landmark and office building, there are no official visiting hours. However, it's best viewed during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and art.
📸 📸 Photography
The best vantage point for photos is from across the street on the public sidewalk. This allows you to capture the entire sculpture and building without trespassing. Security can be strict, so avoid lingering too close to the entrance.
While you can photograph the exterior from public areas, be mindful of security. Some visitors have reported being asked to move along if they are perceived as loitering or obstructing access.
Daylight hours are ideal for capturing the details of the sculpture and architecture. Early mornings might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & Art
The Binoculars Building was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, known for his deconstructivist style. The iconic binoculars sculpture itself was created by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
It's a landmark of postmodern architecture and public art, serving as a unique entrance to the Chiat/Day advertising agency's former headquarters, now Google's LA office. It's a testament to the collaboration between art and architecture.
Frank Gehry is famous for many iconic structures, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, and 8 Spruce Street in New York City.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
While the building is an office space, its exterior is a testament to creative collaboration. Appreciate the scale and detail of the artwork and architecture. It’s a quick stop that yields impressive visual results, perfect for adding a distinctive landmark to your portfolio or social media feed.
🚗 Day-Trippers in Los Angeles
This is primarily a photo opportunity rather than a destination for extended exploration. You can easily see and photograph the building within 15-30 minutes. Combine it with a stroll through Venice to experience the eclectic local culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Landmark of Art and Architecture
+1Originally commissioned for the Chiat/Day advertising agency, the building has since become the Los Angeles headquarters for Google. This transition highlights the enduring appeal and adaptability of Gehry's design and Oldenburg and van Bruggen's art. Visitors are drawn to its unique form, making it a popular spot for a quick photo opportunity. However, it's crucial to remember that this is a private office space. While the exterior is a public spectacle, access inside is restricted, and visitors are advised to be respectful of the working environment and security personnel.
For architecture enthusiasts and art lovers, the Binoculars Building offers a glimpse into a bold creative vision. It’s a place where the everyday object of binoculars is transformed into a monumental work of art, inviting contemplation on scale, form, and function. The surrounding Venice area also offers a vibrant mix of culture and creativity, making it a worthwhile stop on any Los Angeles itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit