Almost Lost and Forgotten
América Tropical
David Alfredo Siqueiros came to Los Angeles as a political refugee in 1932. He was commissioned to paint América Tropical and create romantic imagery of Olvera Steet with happy men, parrots, and fruits. Instead, he made a 98-foot-wide mural reflective of the political environment of Los Angeles. In 1938, the mural was utterly whitewashed. After decades of neglect, it was restored and revealed in 2012, 80 years after its first unveiling to the public. By visiting, you will have a good look at the details of a very controversial mural.
Destination
Address
Parking
Hours
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Appropriate For
Learn more about the América Tropical at the following sites.
- Learn About the América Tropical Interpretive Center, An Educational Activity Book
- América Tropical’s Powerful Message, Among the treasures of El Pueblo Historical Monument is this masterpiece by David Alfaro Siquieros, Getty
- América Tropical: The Story of an LA Icon, Landmark mural by famed Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros
Sample Itinerary – Union Station & Plaza Olvera
Date: [INSERT DATE]
Location: Union Station & Plaza Olvera, Los Angeles, CA
8:30 AM: Parking
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Arrive at Union Station or Park | 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | $0-$5 | Take the Metro to Union Station or find a parking lot and park for $8.00– $16.00 |
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM: Union Station
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Union Station | 1245 N Spring St, 90012 | Free | Take a self-guided tour of the artworks at Union Station, Patsaouras Bus Plaza, and Metro Headquarters. |
The Los Angeles Conservancy offers 2 hour tours of Union Station for $15 per adult and $10 per child on Saturdays at 11:00 AM.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Breakfast
Walk to Plaza Olvera and have breakfast at one of the following locations
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Juanita’s Cafe | 20 Olvera St, 90012 | $7.25-$10.75 | Enjoy a tiny bite or a big Mexican meal at a restaurant on Olvera Street.
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| La Noche Buena | 12 Olvera St, 90012 | $3.75-$13.95 | |
| El Rancho Grande | 17 Olvera St, 90012 | $3.75-$14.00 |
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: América Tropical & Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| América Tropical | 125 Paseo de la Plaza, 90012 | Free | There are no tours available, but the Interpretive Center (the same building as the mural) offers detailed displays and audio recordings in English and Spanish.
***If you plan to visit from November to February, please note that the mural is available for viewing Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. All other months, the mural is available to view Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. |
| Italian American Museum of Los Angeles | 644 North Main St, 90012 | Free | Check out the Italian American Museum. Their front desk volunteers and staff members are super knowledgeable. |
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Visit the Avila Adobe & Olvera Street Market
Take a self-guided walking tour of the Chinatown Central Plaza and Chung King Road
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Avila Adobe House | 845 N. Alameda St., 90012 | Free | It’s very easy to take a self-guided tour of the Avila Adobe House in Olvera Street. The house is not too big, and there are plenty of places to stop and read. The Marketplace is filled with small shops and kiosks offering a variety of candy, artisan clothing and crafts, food, and much more. |
| Olvera Street & Marketplace | 845 N. Alameda St., 90012 | Free |
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant or food stand. If you can, have lunch at one of the benches in the main plaza.
| 5 Mexican Food Spots With Food Under $5 |
| La Luz del Dia |
| El Rancho Grande |
| Cielito Lindo |
| Mr. Churro |
| Placita Café a little outside Olvera Street |
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Fire it up and join an interactive experience
Visit the Old Plaza Firehouse and the Chinese American Museum
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Old Plaza Firehouse | 501 N. Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free | This building is small but filled with memorabilia and firefighting equipment from the 1800s to the present day. |
| Chinese American Museum | 425 N. Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free | Around the corner from the Old Plaza Firehouse is one of the last remaining buildings from Old Chinatown, which now houses the Chinese American Museum. It’s filled with many interactive displays and activities perfect for all ages. Open Wednesdays – Sundays 10am-3pm |
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Learn about Mexican Americans
Learn and have fun
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes | 524 Ord St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free | LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes offers a wide range of exhibits, activities, events, and lectures. Check out their calendar. |
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Join the local community
Learn about the history and significance of the Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles Catholic Church.
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles | 501 N. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Free | Learn about this historical landmark. Walk around the grounds and meet the locals filling up mass. Interested in joining a mass or learning more about their architecture? Learn more on their website. |
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Eat Dinner
Have dinner at a Mexican restaurant or food stand.
There are many amazing Mexican restaurants on Olvera Street. Eat an appetizer or a full dinner at a local favorite like La Luz del Día, La Noche Buena, Cielito Lindo, El Paseo Inn, and many more.
- Union Station Los Angeles
- Olvera Street & Marketplace
- América Tropical
- Avila Adobe House
- Chinese American Museum
- Italian American Museum
- LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
- Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles
- Pico House
- Pelanconi House (Casa La Golondrina Mexian Cafe)
- Old Plaza Firehouse
- Sepulveda House
- Simpson/Jones Building (Chigualce and La Luz del Dia restaurants)
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