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Theme Building (Los Angeles, California) | tower, Modern (architecture)

USA / California / El Segundo / Los Angeles, California / World Way, 209
 tower, Modern (architecture)

The Theme Building is an iconic landmark structure at the Los Angeles International Airport within the Westchester neighborhood of the city of Los Angeles. It opened in 1961, and it is an example of the Mid-Century modern influenced design school known as "Googie" or "Populuxe."

The distinctive white building resembles a flying saucer that has landed on its four legs. It was designed by a team of architects and engineers headed by William Pereira and Charles Luckman, that also included Paul Williams and Welton Becket. The initial design of the building was created by James Langenheim, of Pereira & Luckman. The building's design was influenced by a landing spacecraft, in particular those in the 1953 movie 'The War of the Worlds'; architect William Pereira's brother Hal was art director on the movie.

The Encounter Restaurant at the top of the theme building closed in December 2013.

209 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
www.lawa.org/welcome_lax.aspx?id=40
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   33°56'38"N   118°24'8"W
This article was last modified 10 years ago