y4pcT1JaIwGptQJPO6l_mZmgv34 tiffin unboxed: Jury Duty in Downtown LA - Part 4 - Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Jury Duty in Downtown LA - Part 4 - Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Another huge establishment I'd never paid much attention to in downtown Los Angeles is the postmodern Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The cathedral serves as the model and center of the community of over 5 million diverse Catholics in the archdiocese.

Since it resides 2 blocks away from the Court House, and a juror told me the cafeteria was good, It was worth checking out during lunch. In this case, 2 lunches, due to the large size.

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The bells, clearly visible from Temple Street, visually drew me in each time I walked by.

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Professor José Rafael Moneo, a Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, was commissioned in 1996 to design the Cathedral in its 5.6 acre site perched above the Hollywood Freeway.

The Cathedral contains virtually no right angles, contributing to its modern style. 

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In 2002, the cathedral, under Cardinal Roger Mahony, was built to replace the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, after it was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
The main entrance gate is off of Temple Street, with a non-traditional entrance off center, on the south side of the establishment.

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The plaza features a couple of soothing water fountains, the Gateway Pool and Water Wall, designed by California artist Lita Albuquerque. The sound of the water drowns out the heavy traffic found on all four sides outside the cathedral.

The color of the concrete walls on the exterior, plaza and courtyards evoke the sun-baked adobe walls of the California Missions. 

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In the Gateway pool are words from Mass in various languages, sandblasted out of the marble.

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Mexican born and L.A. based sculptor Robert Graham is the designer and sculptor for the Great Bronze Doors and the Statue of Our Lady of the Angels for the Cathedral.

Above the doorway a modern sculpture of Our Lady of the Angels with the sun and moon images, as well as a halo above her head, crowns the entrance.

Mary is shown in a welcoming stance with outstretched arms, and without a veil, jewels, crown or elaborate clothing and her features reflect the ethnically diverse community of Los Angeles, such as long braided hair. 

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This is just a detail of the immense outer doors, which are different than any Church doors one has seen. Graham's doors depict various cultural and historical narratives, including ancient pre-Christian symbols from around the world. Everything is put together using a context of numerology.

Some of the ancient symbols include the Hand of God, griffins, fish, doves, serpents and various other themes.

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Once inside, once can see how the very modern also embraces the traditional elements of a cathedral, developing a majestic style that appeals to the 21st century visitor.

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The architect chose to highlight natural light to flood throughout the cathedral. In some cases, warm and milky glowing light filters through Spanish alabaster windows. Due to the back lighting, this photo does not do justice to how magnificent these windows with natural colored veining patterns are in person.

The images to the right are tapestries hanging alongside the pews.

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Sculptor Max DeMoss designed and fabricated 12 dedication candle holders, surrounded by organically shaped, whimsical bronze and silver angels, in the cathedral nave. Each angel, referring to the 12 Apostles, are aflight with unique expressions and welcoming gestures.


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The upper part of this photo contains a lovely statue of Mary. The tiny wall painting on the bottom left perches above the baptismal font. The subtle blue gradations depicting water was done beautifully. To the bottom right is an immense black walnut, gilded retablo.

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The cathedral continues the Church's traditional role as patron of the arts through this Robert Graham (1938-2008) Memorial Student Art Exhibit, an annual Catholic High School student show celebrating the late artist's desire to mentor students for careers in the visual arts.

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The Crypt Mausoleum is located downstairs beneath the Cathedral Church. The Mausoleum doors depict 2 guardian angels with torches etched on glass, to honor the departed.

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The Spanish limestone, stained glass windows and alabaster sconces throughout the Mausoleum lend it a dignified, quiet beauty.

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16 large backlit Baroque revival style stained glass windows along the hallways off the main corridor all originally placed in St. Vibiana Cathedral, were restored by the Judson Studios.

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This crypt mausoleum is the only place in the world with the opportunity for all, not just the privileged, to rest at a site of such religious significance. With close to 7,000 burial spots and memorial cenotaphs.

Along one of the hallways, you can find the final resting place of Old Hollywood movie star, Gregory Peck with his wife, Veronique Peck.

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Another corner contains a time capsule, to be opened in 2102.


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Directly across from the masoleum is St. Vibiana's Chapel. 



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The remains of Christian martyr, the Cathedral's patron saint, St. Vibiana, are preserved in a marble sarcophagus next to the Chapel.
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Coming back to the main floor, a door to go back out leads you to a Meditation Garden.

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In this outdoor area, you can get a view from behind the 150 feet tall campanile (bell tower), inspired by Giotto's Campanile for the Florence Cathedral in 1334, also known as Giotto's Tower.


The bells are about 4 feet high and computerized. One of the giant swinging bells comes from Mission San Juan Capistrano.

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Another corridor of angels etched on glass, much like the mausoleum entrance, continues the tranquil feeling. Ironically, it shields us from the Hollywood Freeway, just beyond the window panes. The freeway as well as the cathedral's location at Civic Center, continues the theme of connecting people together.

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I wasn't sure what this structure was, that I saw on the other side of the freeway, but a Google search told me it is Viennese architectural firm Coop Himmelbau’s eclectic $232 million High School #9 in Central Los Angeles.

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The Jerusalem Fountain back on the Plaza celebrates the ties between Judaism and Catholicism.

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Past the fountain lies a very unexpected Children's Garden and Olive Grove.

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In Christian art the olive branch is used to represent peace. The children's garden is adorned with individually designed animals based on biblical scriptures. Each animal has its own personality created by a children's book artist. It makes a charming play area for kids and adults.

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The fish has writing inside its mouth, which were most likely scriptures.

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Most of the Galero Grill cafeteria's outdoor tables overlook this whimsical garden. 

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The plaza also houses wisteria vines. The whole structure is landscaped nicely.

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In the exterior planters, I enjoyed how this Bird of Paradise is getting a "hug" from the prolific wisteria branch.

Overall the Cathedral combines a fully unique blend of traditional, modern, spiritual, artistic and endearing elements. It was worth a couple of visits.


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