Park History

Exposition Park enjoys a rich history. It was originally created in 1872 as an agricultural park, and 148 acres were set aside for the Southern District Agricultural Society. In 1913, it was renamed Exposition Park according to the “City Beautiful” movement with 4 anchor tenants: California Museum of Science and Industry (Exposition Building), National Armory, Domed National History Museum and the Sunken Garden (which in 1928 was later renamed the Rose Garden).

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Exposition Park is quite special. Not only has it been home to several local athletic organizations, including University of Southern California’s Trojan football team, the Los Angeles Raiders, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers, it has also been the focus of national and international attention. It is the only venue in the world to have hosted two Olympiads (X and XXIII), two Superbowls (I and VII) and the World Series (1959).

In 1984, the Park expanded its cultural offerings with the addition of the California African American Museum.

Since that time, we have renovated the Olympic Swim Stadium, completely renovated the California Science Center, and opened an IMAX Theatre. Exposition Park is also home to the City of Los Angeles’ EXPO Center and the Theodore J. Alexander Science Center School. Additionally we have completely re-designed our parking facilities, created new play areas for children and created pedestrian walkways around the Park.

Construction of Phase II of the California Science Center’s master plan—“World of Ecology” is well underway and on target for completion in 2009. In addition, the Natural History Museum is currently undergoing a major renovation and upgrade construction project that is also slated for completion in 2009.

Moreover, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) of Los Angeles County is building a $665 million light rail that will connect Downtown Los Angeles to Culver City (Phase I) and Santa Monica (Phase II). A dedicated station will serve Exposition Park’s millions of annual visitors. Phase I of the “Exposition Park Light Rail Transit Project” is scheduled to open in 2010.

Location

Exposition Park is a 160 acre-tract just south of Downtown Los Angeles. The land primarily is owned by the State of California, with portions owned or leased by the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the Coliseum Commission (a joint powers authority of the State of California, Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles).

Originally founded as an Agricultural Park in 1872 and subsequently renamed Exposition Park in 1910, the park has become one of Southern California’s premiere visitor destinations. It is home to the Memorial Coliseum and the Olympic Swim Stadium, major venues for the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Attractions

  • California African American Museum
  • California Science Center
  • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Los Angeles Sports Arena
  • Exposition Park Rose Garden
  • EXPO Center
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
  • Science Center School and Amgen Center for Science Learning

Visitors
The Park is one of the top five tourist and visitor destinations in Southern California, with approximately four million visitors each year.