It’s an essential truth to social media addicts: no urban adventure is complete until it has been documented for Instagram, preferably in front of a colorful wall for local flavor. Los Angeles is home to many such backdrops—the city’s design landscape is dotted with historic street art and buildings painted in vibrant hues. So where, exactly, are L.A.’s most oft-photographed walls? One could be right around the corner:
1. The Paul Smith Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhh6uwWnZCg
This all pink facade belongs to the Paul Smith store in West Hollywood, and it’s the only of its kind. Each of the brand’s locations boasts a different graphic design.
Where to find it: 8221 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
2. The RETNA Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj9G6Z_HavL
Contemporary artist RETNA creates graffiti murals with unique script across the globe. His work appears locally at the West Hollywood Library on San Vicente Boulevard and Craig’s restaurant on Melrose Avenue, among other locations.
Where to find it: West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood
3. The Made in L.A. Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkrvbpKA4wh
This locally-inspired art been a popular backdrop for photographs since it appeared in 2013.
Where to find it: Cisco Home, 8025 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove
4. The Love Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf6ZzZ4FhCQ
New York-based artist Curtis Kulig’s “Love Me” campaign has spread its love across structures from Paris to Berlin, and on clothing from brands including Urban Outfitters and Vans.
Where to find it: 8549 Higuera St., Culver City
5. The Silver Lake Heart Stairs
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfLx8zpAVIF
Maybe not exactly a wall, this colorful staircase is nonetheless a favorite backdrop for Instagrammers willing to walk up a few steps. Officially referred to as the Micheltorena Stairs, they were given their fun paint job by local artist Corinne Carrey.
Where to find it: 3324 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake
6. The Global Angel Wings Project Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXTONkVgbqE
Colette Miller’s angel wings are painted everywhere from Kenya to Melbourne, but here in Los Angeles, where they first appeared, there are four installations: on West 3rd Street at Orlando Avenue, at Westfield Century City, on the doors of the Regent Theater downtown, and in West Hollywood on Palm Avenue at Santa Monica Boulevard.
Where to find it: St. Regis Wine & Liquor, 8401 W. 3rd St., Beverly Grove
7. The Hello Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh4Rq_1ByV4
A giant “Hello” surrounded by roses, berries, and fruit (formerly pink and red kisses) is just one of two photo-ready walls at the extremely Instagram-friendly Carrera Cafe; they also offer a space for rotating murals inspired by current movies, including one for La La Land which proved particularly popular.
Where to find it: Carrera Cafe, 8251 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove
8. The Other Love Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkx7sHZlRxI
There are several #LoveWall murals around (including some not-entirely-authorized versions of street artist James Goldcrown’s original design), all sporting variations on the colorful, drippy heart motif. This one is behind Bardonna, where the palm frond wallpaper inside also makes a great backdrop for snaps.
Where to find it: Bardonna, 1601 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
9. The Polka Dot Wall
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf4mewylUpu
The Most Famous Artist, AKA Matty Mo, has made many marks on L.A.’s walls (remember those hot pink houses?) but this dotty spot in the DTLA Arts District remains one of his most popular — and most Instagrammed. Bonus points if you find the corner where he also painted a human-sized honey bear.
Where to find it: The Springs, 608 Mateo St., downtown
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