Stretching before us is more than just an art gallery. It’s Hauser & Wirth, a vibrant hub born from the bones of the Globe Grain & Milling Company. This Los Angeles location is a testament to the transformative power of art and adaptive reuse.
Hauser & Wirth’s story began in 1992. Manuela Wirth and her mother, Ursula Hauser, founded it. What started as a family venture blossomed into an international presence with locations spanning Zurich, London, New York, and Somerset. Los Angeles became the sixth jewel in their crown. Iwan Wirth envisioned the LA gallery as a conduit connecting art. He sought to connect art through community, conservation, and discovery.
Before Hauser & Wirth, this space was A-1 Globe Mills. For almost 40 years, it bustled with activity. The mill processed wheat from the Central Valley. Then it shipped it worldwide via the Port of Los Angeles. Look closely. You can still see the architectural details. Wheat sheaves and a steamship steering wheel subtly nod to its past. Later, the Pillsbury Four Mills Company took over in 1941. They operated here until the mid-1960s.
But as manufacturing decentralized in the 1970s, the area transformed. Artists and musicians moved into abandoned factories. They built a thriving creative community. This became the Arts District.
Hauser & Wirth acquired the Globe Mills site in 2014. They embarked on a two-year journey. The goal was to breathe new life into the historic buildings. The team preserved its unique character. They upgraded the structures. Street art historians even identified and restored graffiti murals. These murals covered much of the complex. A massive new mural titled “Pacific Ocean” by Mary Heilmann now graces the east wall of the breezeway. Kim West, a Los Angeles painter, repainted and extended her existing mural. It was originally created in 2011. It’s now on part of the east exterior.
Stepping inside Hauser & Wirth after its 2016 opening was an event. It welcomed 6,000 visitors in its first four hours. Admission is free. This reflects their commitment to accessibility. The exhibitions feature diverse talents. They showcase unique talents to the community. The opening exhibition was Revolution in the Making. It featured Abstract Sculpture by Women, 1947-2016.
Jenni Sorkin co-curated the opening exhibition. She noted that the gallery divides into four distinct spaces. East and west wings are separate from the north and south exhibit spaces. An open courtyard connects these wings.
Hauser & Wirth offers public tours every Wednesday at 3 pm. These tours focus on specific exhibitions. Groups of 10 or more can book guided tours. These are available Tuesday through Thursday.
Beyond the art, Hauser & Wirth fosters a sense of community. The complex includes a public garden. Murals engage with the architecture. An expansive open-air courtyard houses sculptures. It provides a space for contemplation.
Don’t miss ARTBOOK, the bookstore. There is also Manuela, the restaurant. It features seasonal fare. It also features locally sourced produce with a menu focused on foods of the American South.
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles stands as a symbol. It exemplifies the potential of reusing historic places. It does this in creative ways. The Conservancy recognized this achievement. It awarded Hauser & Wirth its Chair’s Award in 2018. During a time of rapid change in the Arts District it shows what’s possible. It truly shows what’s possible.