santa monica looff hippodrome

Click any thumbnail to open the image gallery, Looff's Hippodrome, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County. On the Santa Monica Pier, the Looff Hippodrome a National Historic Landmark appeared in several movies, most famously the 1973 crime caper The Sting, where it matched the films Depression-era Chicago setting. We visit these carousels as often as possible and there is a Fabulous one on Santa Monica Pier. There were a couple of restaurants and an arcade. WebCharles I. D. Looff was a German master carver and builder of hand-carved carousels and amusement rides, who immigrated to the United States of America in 1870. Content is being produced in partnership with the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission,Santa Monica History Museum and the Santa Monica Daily Press. Feature image courtesy of @xochiltboughtacamera. Looff and his son Arthur, its been the home to the Santa Monica carousel ever since. The Looff Hippodrome, home to the iconic carousel on the Santa Monica Pier, will commemorate its centennial exactly 100 years to the day since Charles Looff opened the doors on June 12, 1916. Santa Monica Three different merry-go-rounds have called the place home over the years. And this was the last amusement park that he built was here on the Santa Monica Pier back in 1916 and 17. 0000015381 00000 n Some guests, however, love the carousel so much they rent the merry-go-round for birthday parties, photoshoots, or luncheons. 0000001405 00000 n Looff. Im not so sure about that, but Marilyn Monroe does have a connection to the building. FREE! Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome SoCal Landmarks is an ongoing project to document the myriad sites, buildings, structures, monuments, and other natural and historical points of importance and/or interest that are considered locally, regionally and/or nationally as landmarks in the ten southern counties of California - Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and San Luis Obispo. 0000012079 00000 n So we think that is true, its not an urban myth. In the 1960s, fishermen, artists, and activists formed an active community with the Pier as their free public gathering space. It is one of only two such structures that remain on the West Coast. The description identifies it as a rare intact example of an early shelter structure built to house a carousel in an amusement park. Its unique combination of Byzantine, Moorish and California design. We visit these carousels as often as possible and there is a Fabulous one on Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica History Spotlight: Looff Hippodrome By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. On the Santa Monica Pier, the Looff Hippodrome a National Historic Landmark appeared in several movies, most famously the 1973 crime caper The Sting, where it matched the films Depression-era Chicago setting. As one of Santa Monicas last remaining icons from the 1920s, Hotel Casa del Mar is one of the few historical hotels listed on the prestigious US National Register of Historic Places and has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2019. 0000002226 00000 n The La Monica ballroom was demolished in 1968.5 Today, other than theLooffpier itself, only the Hippodrome, the Bowling and Billiard Building, now used as a gift shop, and one minor structure survive. And it turns out that in the 1960s, not long before she passed, she would come into the building to watch the horses go around. At the time, folks started renting apartments on the second floor of the Looff Hippodrome. It was designed and built by Charles I. Looff, who built his eponymous Pleasure Pier in 1916 adjacent to the existing Santa Monica Pier. The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern California, and when visitors first cross Ocean Avenue onto the 0000001503 00000 n Santa Monica Norman F. Marsh designed the finial-clad landmark and named it after Clinton Gordon Parkhurst, who was only 20 years old when he became the mayor of Venice in 1912. All Rights Reserved. It was the way that she found solace and of course there are photographs from the same time of her out on Santa Monica beach. Category : Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome One of the most-visited Santa Monica landmarks is the beautiful Looff Hippodrome on the Santa Monica Pier. Henry Gondorff, played by Paul Newman, lives in the Hippodrome and Visit Website. Santa Monica, CA. 1 Its location on an amusement pier adds to its novelty, and it is also the principal intact historic element of the formerly extensive collection of amusement facilities at the Santa Monica Amusement Pier (Looff'sAmusement Pier). xVUgTJEDREJDK@DiEAx0 SHz^:E7(*I(:b[RHP&2G>SI(7S*H0TS *I4}Be,O})52PsjOm AP:GuvYK#"]K4F2ZBi)-5Vj:J_zZKh}Igm tZQE*7TP?wTSMA6@?R=KS?5 :EwgaeF7_7Cm}/?a8,x ]x8x. The Henry Weaver House is a classic Craftsman-style bungalow located on a residential street off Ocean Avenue. Santa Monica, 90401. Discover Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome in Santa Monica, California: A Looff creation in Santa Monica best described as a California-Byzantine-Moorish-style fantasy.. Discover Oscar-Winning Best Picture Locations Since the 60s, these Santa Monica locations have appeared in movies both classic and modern, including these well-known flicks: I ran clear to the ocean, said Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) in the 1994 Academy Award-winning movie of the same name. February 6, 2019 9:09 PM Continue exploring Things to Do Previous Thing to Do Santa Monica Pier Back to listing View all Things to Do Next Thing to Do Santa Monica Place JH: It seems like it, doesnt it. made it easily identifiable among the festive, eclectic architecture. The entire Pier was designated as a County Historical Landmark in 1975. Its attractiveness and ease of access were also enhanced when the main Santa Monica pier was rebuilt in 1921, widened, and extended to nearly 1600 feet. After the 1983 storms destroyed the west end of the Santa Monica Pier, its structure became strengthened. On the other hand, the carousel is not the originalLooffcarousel that was manufactured for the Hippodrome. Waymarkly is the premiere Waymarking app for iOS. It was, however, featured in the film "The Sting," and is well known from its appearance in other films and a host of television series episodes. Looff. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. 200 Santa Monica Pier. 0000012150 00000 n The Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Santa Monica. Click over to the Contact page or send us a message on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to get in touch. Granted, their date didnt go too smoothly, but the breakfast menu at the retro-cool Swingers Diner made with organic eggs and offering many vegan options should still tempt you inside. The Looff Hippodrome, home to the iconic carousel on the Santa Monica Pier, will commemorate its centennial exactly 100 years to the day since Charles Looff opened the doors on June 12, 1916. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. But I can hear it loud and clear right now. Although the Pier itself is always open, and free, each attraction and business has its own hours and fees. Thanks to the Santa Monica community, new visitors can enjoy these classic experiences for many years to come. Horatio West Court was one of the first apartment complexes of its kind, though the style has since spread through the Los Angeles area. Its actually very typical of the place and the day. Looff's carousel was housed at the Hippodrome until it was sold in 1939. It is one of only two such structures that remain on the West Coast. Charles I.D. The "Blue Streak" roller coaster, on the other hand, had survived only until 1931. In response, preservationists and protestors formed the Save Santa Monica Bay activist group. Come celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Looff Hippodrome, aka the Pier Merry-Go-Round! to 7pm. In 1915-16, theLooffsconstructed the "LooffPleasure Pier," over the waters adjacent to the existing 1000-foot Santa Monica Municipal Pier, which had been advertised since 1905 as the "largest concrete pier in the world. Things to Do in Santa Monica One of the most-visited Santa Monica landmarks is the beautiful Looff Hippodrome on the Santa Monica Pier. And how appropriate for a merry go around which is always going on in a circle, correct? Help support the DJs, journalists, and staff of the station you love. Charles I.D,Looffand his son Arthur were well-known carousel crafters, roller coaster builders, and amusement park operators, who worked primarily on the West Coast after the turn of the century, although Charles' career had begun at Coney Island in 1876. xc```c`` @$TXd(rqHVYy-FS%k5N*biY@5-+f11xZ02soeX$!U,{ O& Henry Gondorff, played by Paul Newman, lives in the Hippodrome and operates its beautiful carousel, built in 1922 by Charles Looff, who had earlier built Coney Islands famous carousel. 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D. Looff, National Register of Historic Places with known IDs, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, City of Santa Monica Designated Historic Landmark (1976). She didnt but she crashed here a lot. 2023 KCRW All Rights Reserved. The Carousel presently in the Hippodrome is Philadelphia Toboggan Company #62, a 3-row carousel that began its career in Cumberland Park, in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1922. That devotion was tested in 1983 when a massive storm destroyed over one-third of the Pier. Looff. While most of the amusement parks rides disappeared during the Great Depression, the carousel survived and continued making families happy. Santa Monica The original carousel was replaced in 1947 by a carousel originally built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922, moved from the Venice pier to Santa Monica Pier. Californians treasure the Santa Monica Pier and view its carousel as an important landmark. It has a little bit of Byzantine, a little bit of Moorish, little bit of California style to it. Create a scavenger hunt using this waymark as the center point. Its now one of the most recognizable parts of Santa Monica and has been featured in dozens of movies, TV shows, and music videos. Looff Hippodrome. Web56 reviews #21 of 91 things to do in Santa Monica Points of Interest & Landmarks Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By RogueTrippers amazing Carrousel Dec. 2019 Date of Visit: Sunday, Dec 15th, 2019 When you are on Santa Monica Pier, be sure to visit the LOOFF Hippodrome Carousel. Films such as Forrest Gump (1994) and Iron Man (2008) both showcase the Santa Monica Pier in famous scenes. 0000018931 00000 n The carousel presently in the Hippodrome is not, however, theLooffcarousel originally installed there in 1916, when the Hippodrome opened, but is a Philadelphia Toboggan Company specimen that dates from 1922 and was emplaced in the Hippodrome in 1947. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome in The Sting. Looff Hippodrome Carousel - Santa Monica, CA - Carousels on Waymarking.com. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome Films such as Forrest Gump (1994) and Iron Man (2008) both showcase the Santa Monica Pier in famous scenes. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. 0000001793 00000 n W.C. Fields would come down a lot to visit a friend of his that lived here. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome DnA: endstream endobj 47 0 obj <>/Type /Page>> endobj 48 0 obj <> endobj 49 0 obj <> endobj 50 0 obj <> endobj 51 0 obj <> endobj 52 0 obj <> endobj 53 0 obj <> endobj 54 0 obj <> endobj 55 0 obj <> endobj 56 0 obj <> endobj 57 0 obj <> endobj 58 0 obj <> endobj 59 0 obj <> endobj 60 0 obj <> stream Turns out Jim Harris wrote a play about the 1973 movement to save the pier. The pier's popularity persisted into the 1950s, and the La Monica Ballroom became the first in the nation to televise its programs. Santa Monica While the Julia Morgan-designed Georgian Revival mansion was torn down in the 1950s, the 7,000-square-foot Marion Davies Guest House remains intact along with the original mosaic and marble swimming pool. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. Most guests, however, do not know the carousels complete story. It was a very accessible and very very popular place at the time. Read reviews, check out photos, and see which tour of Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome is best for you. of the Santa Monica Bay in the early 20th century. It wasnt until 1916 when the Pleasure Pier opened (which had the Looff Hippodrome on it) that the spot became a hub of activity. Two different churches provided filming locations for the pivotal wedding scene in the 1991 movie Father of the Bride. Web310-458-8901 Visit Website A National Historic Landmark, the 1922 Looff Hippodrome Carousel is where Paul Newman worked in The Sting. DnA: TheSanta Monica Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern California, and when visitors first cross Ocean Avenue onto the pier, theyre greeted with the tinkling sounds of carousel music. Yes, indeed. made it easily identifiable among the festive, eclectic architecture. We have reviews of the best places to see And probably a third of that movie was shot here on the pier. And I have been here ever since, Harris told us. When the machine stopped running you could go sit on a horse and then the person would come around with a change belt and collect your nickel to ride it The beach life in general on the weekends was a very popular place for everyone, all of the Los Angeles area, to go to the beach because it is Los Angeless beach, and Santa Monica was the most accessible and because the train was coming right here, which is a reason that Charles Looff chose to build his amusement park here anyway, because the Red Line ended right here where the Santa Monica Pier is today. trailer <>startxref 0 %%EOF 46 0 obj <> endobj 68 0 obj <> stream Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome in The Sting. It was emplaced at Santa Monica in 1947.8 As an intact carousel by a first-rate manufacturer and of the general period represented by the Hippodrome, its presence contributes to the integrity of the structure, since it maintains the building's historic use. And, of itself, as a rather typical example of Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel work in the early 1920s, it is, while quite attractive, not exceptionally early, rare, or unusually distinguished. With rides priced at $2 for adults, $1 for children, and free for children 2 and under with adults, the carousel offers very affordable entertainment. You know, because you would think that wed have tuned it out by now. For over 100 years, the Santa Monica Pier Carousel has remained a popular entertainment destination for visitors seeking family-friendly amusement. Therell be carousel rides for a nickel and other fun events. Built in 1916, the same year as the Looff Pleasure Pier (now called Santa Monica Pier) on which it is located, the hippodrome was the last work of master carousel builder and amusement pioneer Charles I.D. Back then we saw maybe two million visitors per year coming to the pier. "2 Over the next few years, they built an impressive and popular set of attractions. Looff's carousel was housed at the Hippodrome until it was sold in 1939. Looff's carousel was housed at the Hippodrome until it was sold in 1939. Your office is above the carousel and you can hear it as were talking. 1917); a giant rotating swing ride, known as the "Aeroscope"; the Bowling and Billiard Building (ca. The Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier, and carousel make up some of the most gorgeous and popular backdrops for Hollywood movies and TV shows. Interested parties should contact Anne@santamonicapier.org. Looff once built carousels for Coney Island and constructed the Looff Pleasure Pier, the Piers first amusement park. 0000015489 00000 n Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome This was not a high rent district but it was certainly a very interesting place to live with very unique and colorful people. The Bowling and Billiard Building, which once featured early automatic pin-setting machinery, has been extensively altered on the interior; for that reason it is not recommended for inclusion in this nomination. Who would have been coming to the pier? Looff and his son Arthur, its been the home to the Santa Monica carousel ever since. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome in The Sting. Come celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Looff Hippodrome, aka the Pier Merry-Go-Round! Looff Hippodrome. Santa Monica WebThe Looff Hippodrome, with its charming carousel, is an architectural gem. A mixture of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Art Deco (also known as Med-Deco), this complex features 86 units surrounding a gorgeous courtyard and fountain and people continue to live there today! Looff, the amusement entrepreneur who built Coney Islands first carousel in Brooklyn, New York, constructed amusement and food establishments along the pier, including the exotic Hippodrome building to house the Piers carousel. Book your tickets online for Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. DnA: By 1953, the City took over the Pier and leased it to a private operator. Films such as Forrest Gump (1994) and Iron Man (2008) both showcase the Santa Monica Pier in famous scenes. Santa Monica Pier Carousel The original artwork is vibrant; the old Wurlitzer music maker is still there, but appears not to be actually functional. And one day the operator of the machinewalked up to her and said, you know, youre young, why do you come here every day? Visit OBriens Irish Pub and Restaurant for good beer, hearty Irish fare and great craic. The Hippodrome is a California-Byzantine-Moorish-style fantasy that has housed a succession of vintage merry-go-rounds, carousels and Wurlitzer organs over the years. WebThe Looff Hippodrome, with its charming carousel, is an architectural gem. 1996-2023 Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. 0000002027 00000 n Santa Monica Pier Carousel This beautiful, hand-carved merry-go-round has been the Santa Monica Pier Carousel ever since. While the Sovereign Hotel was once a functioning hotel, its now a 130-unit apartment building on Washington Avenue. 0000000760 00000 n WebThings to Do in Santa Monica, California: See Tripadvisor's 152,436 traveler reviews and photos of Santa Monica tourist attractions. The Santa Monica Pier might look newer with its high-tech rides and arcade games but the park is actually more than 100 years old. Looff housed his carousel in the Piers Looff Hippodrome, named after the ancient Greek hippodrome stadiums used for horse and chariot racing. LOOFF HIPPODROME (CAROUSEL BUILDING) SANTA MONICA PIER BUILT 1916, DESIGNATED 1976. Rental rates for these experiences include: These fees include tables, chairs, and wristbands for rides, as well as help with clean up and loading riders. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome Built in 1916, the same year as the Looff Pleasure Pier (now called Santa Monica Pier) on which it is located, the hippodrome was the last work of master carousel builder and amusement pioneer Charles I.D. 2023 Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. 0000015179 00000 n Santa Monica History Spotlight: Looff Hippodrome Santa Monica Piers Looff Hippodrome Turns 100 Its reference number is 87000766. The Hippodrome sas part of the former Looff Pleasure Pier that was built in 1916, abutting the original Santa Monica Municipal Pier. Henry Gondorff, played by Paul Newman, lives in the Hippodrome and In 1987, the Looff Hippodrome was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One particular young woman enjoyed spending hours in the Hippodrome watching the carousels horses spin around and around. In 1943, Venice banker Walter Newcomb bought the Pier from its owners and renamed it The Newcomb Pier.. Looff. The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern California, and when visitors first cross Ocean Avenue onto the Looff, whose career had begun at Coney Island in 1876, and his son Arthur were well-known carousel crafters, roller coaster builders and amusement park operators working primarily on the West Coast after the turn of the 20th century. The original Looff carousel was removed from the Hippodrome in 1939; the present carousel, Philadelphia Toboggan Company #62, was installed in 1947. The carousel has 44 hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horses, which were restored in 1990. I love classic and historic merry-go-rounds, and the LOOFF ones are amazing. Looff While exterior shots took place in San Gabriel, the gorgeous Trinity House was the filming location for all interior church scenes. Looff Hippodrome There was also a shuttle going up and down the beach. She was visiting one of her best friends who was a womens activist and they tell these rich stories of the parties that were always thrown in that particular apartment. So what about celebrity stories then? At more than 100 years old, the Henry Weaver House is also one of the oldest structures in Santa Monica. Now lets go back to a different era of this building which was the 1960s, 1970s, when, lets just say it had a colorful interior life. Email us at (function(){var ml="uerHCg%A40R6.to",mi="43:;;7689:>0=1;;47<>25",o="";for(var j=0,l=mi.length;j We have reviews of the best places to see Want to use any of our images?Looking for a photographer? All theLoofffacilities remained to the south of the landward end of the city's pier.4Looffsold his interests in 1924. So she had a silk scarf over her head and sunglasses on, and a coat so that she wasnt recognized. Just steps from the Pacific Ocean, this grand, five-story Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival building was constructed in 1928 by Kurt Meyer-Radon and the Anglo American Building Company. Their grassroots effort proved successful and even helped pass an initiative to preserve the Pier forever. Read reviews, check out photos, and see which tour of Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome is best for you. Carousels have been an important part of the Pier ever since 1916, when entrepreneur Charles Looff bought land near the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome Jim Harris is Deputy Director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation and author of Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier. The 100th birthday party for the Looff Hippodrome is on Sunday, June 12. Read more about the history of the Pier on the Santa Monica Conservancy website. 0000001314 00000 n WebLooff's Hippodrome, or Santa Monica Pier Carousel Building, is the most intact element on the former "Looff Pleasure Pier," that was built in 1916 abutting the original Santa Monica Municipal Pier (1905). Discover Oscar-Winning Best Picture Locations Children loved the Piers Carousel horses so much that workers added an extra row of horses! You may recognize these six iconic Santa Monica locations from your favorite classic Hollywood movies. Receive helpful tips and updates to plan your next vacation. Looff and his son Arthur, its been the home to the Santa Monica carousel ever since. Located adjacent to the historic Santa Monica Pier, the Hippodrome was originally constructed in 1916 by Charles I.D. It was designed and built in 1916 by Charles I. D. Looff and his son Arthur to hold a Looff Carousel. 0000000985 00000 n The National Register of Historic Places identifies the Santa Monica Amusement Pier Carousel Building as Looffs Hippodrome. The project is supported by contributions from a collaboration of photographers with varying levels of skills and experience, but a common interest in the place we all call home - Southern California.