Exposition Park (Los Angeles)

Exposition Park, Los Angeles

Exposition Park is located in University Park, Los Angeles, California, across the street from the University of Southern California. Exposition Park houses:

• Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
• Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
• California Science Center
  • IMAX Theatre at California Science Center
• Exposition Park Rose Garden
• California African American Museum
• EXPO Center (includes the LA84 Foundation/John C. Argue Swim Stadium)
• Science Center School and Amgen Center for Science Learning (formerly California National Guard Armory)
• Expo Park Farmers Market, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays, south lawn of Natural History Museum

A McDonnell Douglas DC-8 near the Air and Space Exhibits Gallery

The park is public space owned by the state of California, whose major cultural facilities mentioned above are operated by both the state and Los Angeles County. The 160-acre (0.65 km²) site served as an agricultural fairground from 1872 to 1910 (hence its original name Agricultural Park). Farmers sold their harvests on the grounds, while horses, dogs, and even camels competed along a racetrack where the rose garden now blooms.

In 1880, John Edward, Ozro Childs, and former Governor Downey persuaded the State of California to purchase 160 acres (0.65 km²) in Los Angeles to foster agriculture in the Southland. Soon after USC was built in 1880, the city's most influential families moved into the neighborhood, but did not appreciate the racing and the gambling that came with it. As a result, the rose garden replaced the racetrack, and the park became what it is now with its grand museums.

Along the northern edge of the park, the Expo Park/USC Station is under construction. When Phase 1 of the Metro Expo Line opens in 2012, this station will provide access to the park at Exposition and Trousdale.

See also

• California State and Consumer Services Agency

External links

• Official website

• University Park Family is an online newspaper and social network focused on the neighborhoods around USC, Expo Park and the surrounding areas.
• usc.edu Exposition Park
• Delirious LA Exposition Park - A Case Study
• Leimert Park Beat is a collaborative online community focused nearby Leimert Park: The Soul of Los Angeles and the African American cultural center of the city.
• Expo Center Official Site.