Capitol Records Building

The iconic Capitol Records Building is more than just an office center; it is a true architectural manifesto of the music industry, located in the heart of Los Angeles. This 13-story circular structure became the world's first round office building when its construction was completed in April 1956. For many travelers visiting the USA, this landmark is a must-see thanks to its unique aesthetics.

The tower was designed by architect Welton Becket. The design intentionally resembles a stack of vinyl records neatly piled on a turntable, making it a recognizable symbol of Hollywood. The building is topped by a tall spire with a flashing red light at the peak that spells out "Hollywood" in Morse code.

As an officially recognized historical and cultural monument, the building continues to serve as home to legendary studios. It embodies the city's rich musical heritage and attracts tourists from all over the world with its architectural innovation and historical significance.

When planning a visit to this legendary landmark, it is helpful to have current contact information on hand. The building is an active office and studio, so tourists should review official information before visiting to better plan their route. It is also important to note the site's high rating among travelers, which confirms its cultural significance to the city.

Although most of the building is occupied by professional offices, its exterior inspection and architectural details provide plenty of impressions. The main treasure inside is Capitol Studios—the legendary recording studios. Visitors can appreciate the unique circular design and acoustic characteristics of the facility, which were co-designed by the famous Les Paul.

One of the most fascinating features is the underground echo chambers, located about 9 meters (30 feet) below ground. These concrete bunkers are capable of creating natural reverberation lasting up to five seconds, which became a signature sound of many iconic musical works recorded here.

A visit to Capitol Records is easy to combine with exploring other Hollywood attractions. Very close by are iconic spots such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and the El Capitan Theatre. This allows tourists to immerse themselves in the cultural life of the city, seeing several legendary sites in one walk.

Getting to this architectural landmark is easy, as it is located at 1750 Vine Street, just north of the famous intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. This is one of the busiest areas of the city, so it is excellently integrated into the transportation network.

For those who prefer public transport, the best option is to take the metro (the Hollywood/Vine station is a couple of minutes' walk away) or numerous bus routes serving central Hollywood. If you decide to take a taxi from the central part of the city, the trip will take very little time due to the building's convenient location.

Travelers by car will also find this route convenient; however, it is advisable to arrange for a spot in one of the nearby paid parking lots in advance. Pay attention to road signs, as traffic in this area can be quite heavy throughout the day.

The history of this site began with the founding of Capitol Records in 1942 by Johnny Mercer, Buddy DeSylva, and Glenn Wallichs. A decade later, the need for a dedicated headquarters arose, and construction of the tower began in 1955. The project was entrusted to Welton Becket, a prominent architect whose style defined many of California's iconic buildings, including the Music Center and the Cinerama Dome.

After its opening in April 1956, the building immediately became a magnet for the greatest talents of the era. Studio A became famous for its exceptional acoustics, serving as the birthplace of countless legendary recordings. In 1957, Gene Vincent, one of rockabilly's first stars, chose Studio B to record his hits.

Over the decades, the interior spaces have been repeatedly renovated to keep pace with the latest technological advancements. Despite the changing eras and the transition from analog to digital recording, Capitol Records maintains its status as a leading global recording complex, carefully preserving its atmosphere of creativity and innovation.

The building's unique circular design was no accident—it was a deliberate nod to the music industry that has become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape. Today, this tower is an official historical and cultural monument, symbolizing the golden age of American music.

To view the Capitol Records Building from the outside, take commemorative photos, and explore its architectural features, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This time is enough to appreciate the scale of the structure and see the famous Morse code spire up close.

If you plan to make this viewing part of a larger tour of central Hollywood, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours for a walk around the neighborhood. Given the proximity of other attractions, such as the Chinese Theatre or the Dolby Theatre, you can easily move between sites without rushing while enjoying the historic atmosphere.

The Capitol Records Building operates on a standard business schedule. It is open for viewing and inspection from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

It is important to note that on weekends—Saturday and Sunday—the facility is officially closed. Plan your visit for a weekday to catch this legendary place in its working rhythm.

The area surrounding the Capitol Records Building is literally steeped in cinematic and musical history. A stroll through these streets will allow you to see many iconic sites that have shaped modern pop culture for decades.

Exploring the Hollywood neighborhood will significantly enrich your travel experience, allowing you to combine visits to architectural monuments with active entertainment and trips to theme parks. Below is a list of interesting sites located nearby.