“How far to Nagoya?” That’s a question the Los Angeles Sister Cities Monument can answer. This monument stands as a testament to global friendship right here in Downtown Los Angeles. It acknowledges the special bond Los Angeles shares with cities across the globe.
The Los Angeles Sister Cities Monument is more than just a signpost. It is a symbol of unity. This directional sign displays the names of Los Angeles’ sister cities. It points in the direction of each city, also showing the mileage.
Los Angeles has fostered kinship with 25 cities worldwide. The program began in 1959. Nagoya, Japan was the first Sister City. Eliat, Israel was also established as a sister city in the same year. Yerevan, Armenia became the newest kindred city of Los Angeles in 2007.
You can find the Los Angeles Sister Cities Monument at the corner of 1st and Main. It is conveniently located across the street from Los Angeles City Hall. The monument stands proudly in front of South City Hall. While you are here, take a look at the official City of Los Angeles Flag flying nearby.
Brigid LaBonge designed the Los Angeles Sister Cities Monument in 2002. She is a graphic designer based right here in Los Angeles. Brigid is also the widow of the late Tom LaBonge. He was a former Los Angeles City Councilmember. Mr. LaBonge served the city from 2001 to 2015. He strongly supported Griffith Park and the Sister Cities program. He even served as president of the Los Angeles Sister Cities Organization.
Close to the Sister Cities Monument stands the Nagoya Clock Tower. In 1984, Nagoya gifted this Seiko clocktower. It marked the 25th anniversary of the Sister City program. The clock aimed to foster goodwill between Nagoya and Los Angeles. This clock is one of the few remaining Sidewalk Clocks of Los Angeles.
Once, jewelry stores placed clocks on sidewalks. They were outside their storefronts. Today, only a few of these historic clocks remain.
In 2011, Beirut gifted three concrete-and-wood benches. These benches sit along the edge of the monument’s semi-circular boundary.
The Sister Cities of Los Angeles is part of Sister Cities International. President Dwight Eisenhower initiated this program in 1956. It started as an offshoot of the National League of Cities. Sister Cities International became a non-profit in 1967.
The Los Angeles Sister Cities Monument represents friendship and collaboration. It is a reminder that cities around the world can work together. Take a moment to appreciate this symbol of global unity.