Columbia College Hollywood

Columbia College Hollywood Visiting Hours, Tours, and Los Angeles Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Exploring California College of ASU (Formerly Columbia College Hollywood)

California College of ASU, formerly Columbia College Hollywood, is a renowned institution located in Tarzana, Los Angeles. With a rich history rooted in film, television, and digital media education, the college has evolved into a hub for aspiring creatives and industry professionals. Established in Chicago and relocated to Los Angeles in 1952—eventually settling in the historic Panavision facility in Tarzana in 1997—the college offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the epicenter of the entertainment industry. Its proximity to Hollywood attractions and commitment to hands-on learning make it an ideal destination for those seeking both education and cultural experiences in Los Angeles.

Whether you’re a prospective student, film enthusiast, or traveler eager to discover the educational heart of Hollywood, this comprehensive guide covers visiting hours, campus tours, travel advice, local attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your visit. For the latest updates, always refer to the official California College of ASU website and trusted resources like MovieMaker, TeenLife, and Blare Media.

Introduction and Overview
History and Cultural Significance
Visiting Information
- Location and Hours
- Tours and Admission
Travel Tips & Accessibility
Unique Campus Features
Academic Programs and Learning Philosophy
Faculty and Industry Connections
Diversity & Global Perspective
Alumni Success
Facilities and Resources
Integration with the Hollywood Ecosystem
Extracurricular Opportunities
Campus Visiting Details
Exploring Los Angeles: Nearby Historical & Cultural Sites
Events, Safety & Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Resources & References
Plan Your Visit

History and Significance

Originally founded in Chicago, Columbia College Hollywood moved to Los Angeles in 1952 to align with the growing entertainment industry. By 1970, the college settled in Hollywood before relocating in 1997 to its current 45,000-square-foot Tarzana campus, a former Panavision building designed specifically for media arts. This history places the college at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the educational backbone of Hollywood’s creative industries.

Visiting Information

Location: 18618 Oxnard Street, Tarzana, Los Angeles, CA 91356
Campus Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (hours may vary during holidays or special events; check the official website for current information)
Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment only. Contact the admissions office via email or through the website to schedule.
Admission: Campus visits and tours are free, but require advance booking. Walk-ins may not be accommodated during peak periods.

Travel Tips & Accessibility

Getting There: Accessible by car (near Highway 101) and public transportation (Metro bus lines serve the area).
Parking: Limited visitor parking is available; contact admissions for arrangements.
Accessibility: The campus is ADA-compliant, with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
Nearby Accommodations: Tarzana offers hotels and rentals; Hollywood and Downtown LA are within 30–40 minutes by car.

Unique Campus Features

Free Industry Seminars: Weekly seminars open to the public, featuring guest speakers from film and television. Check the seminar schedule for details.
Historic Panavision Facility: The campus’s industry heritage is evident in its design and equipment.
Immersive Facilities: Includes a 96-seat surround sound theater, 35-seat screening room, sound stages, editing suites, writing studios, and a resource center.

Academic Programs and Learning Philosophy

California College of ASU is distinguished by its conservatory-style curriculum, focused on practical skills and creative collaboration. Programs include Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees, as well as seasonal workshops and summer programs for high school students (TeenLife). The college’s hands-on approach ensures graduates are ready for the fast-paced demands of the entertainment industry (MovieMaker).

Faculty and Industry Connections

Faculty members are active professionals, including Emmy and Academy Award nominees, bringing real-world insights and valuable networking opportunities into the classroom. This connection with leading studios and agencies ensures students stay current with industry trends (Blare Media).

Diversity & Global Perspective

The college draws a diverse student body from across the globe, fostering a multicultural environment that enriches creative collaboration and reflects the international nature of the entertainment world (MovieMaker).

Alumni Success

Alumni have contributed to major film and television productions, leveraging the college’s strong industry network and mentoring programs to launch successful careers (Blare Media).

Facilities and Resources

Visitors can expect to see:

A 96-seat 5.1 channel surround sound theater
A 35-seat 7.1 channel screening room
Fully equipped sound stages, green screen, and control rooms
Foley/ADR suite and editing suites with industry-standard software
Resource and equipment rooms with professional-grade gear
Collaborative learning spaces

Integration with the Hollywood Ecosystem

Located near major studios, production companies, and agencies, the college offers students and visitors direct exposure to the entertainment capital. Internship and networking opportunities are abundant thanks to longstanding industry partnerships (Blare Media).

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to coursework, students participate in festivals, collaborative projects, and extracurricular events to build portfolios and professional relationships.

Campus Visiting Details

Campus Hours and Access

Open: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed weekends and holidays.
Note: Hours may change due to college events—check ahead.

Tour Registration

How to Book: Schedule in advance via the admissions office or by email ([email protected]).
Cost: Free; advance registration required.

Visitor Experience

Tour Highlights: Facilities walkthrough, behind-the-scenes look at classes and productions, opportunities to meet faculty or students.
Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant; notify admissions for specific needs.

Practical Tips

Wear comfortable shoes.
Photography is allowed in public areas (not in active studios).
Plan for limited parking—arrange in advance if possible.

Exploring Los Angeles: Nearby Historical & Cultural Sites

Hollywood Attractions

Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stars honoring legends in entertainment.
TCL Chinese Theatre: Iconic site for premieres and celebrity handprints.
Dolby Theatre: Home of the Oscars, with guided tours.
Hollywood Bowl: Outdoor concert venue with year-round events.
Studio Tours: Paramount, Warner Bros., and Universal Studios offer behind-the-scenes experiences.

Arts & Culture

The Broad Museum: Premier contemporary art.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Unique cultural events and outdoor films.
Santa Monica Pier: Classic SoCal beach experience.

Neighborhood Vibe: Tarzana

Tarzana blends peaceful, residential charm with diverse dining and local parks, providing a tranquil retreat from the city center.

Events, Safety & Visitor Etiquette

Events: Check Time Out LA for film festivals, concerts, and cultural celebrations.
Safety: Take standard urban precautions; respect campus rules, especially during ongoing classes and productions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the campus visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; confirm with admissions before arrival.

Q: How do I schedule a campus tour?
A: Book through the admissions office or online; advance registration is required.

Q: Are tours free?
A: Yes, there is no charge for campus tours.

Q: Is the campus accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes; contact admissions in advance for specific accommodations.

Q: Can I take photos during my visit?
A: Yes, in public areas; restrictions apply in active production zones.

Q: What attractions are near the college?
A: Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Getty Center, and more.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Images:
- Entrance to California College of ASU campus (alt text: “California College of ASU campus entrance in Tarzana, Los Angeles”)
- Interior of 96-seat theater (alt text: “Inside 96-seat surround sound theater at California College of ASU”)
- Map showing campus and Hollywood landmarks (alt text: “Map of California College of ASU and nearby Hollywood attractions”)
Virtual Tours:
- Available on the official website

Summary and Recommendations

California College of ASU continues to serve as a premier institution at the intersection of education and the entertainment industry. With its specialized curriculum, industry-experienced faculty, and cutting-edge resources, the college nurtures the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals. Visitors benefit from comprehensive tours, accessibility accommodations, and proximity to iconic Los Angeles attractions.

To maximize your visit, book tours in advance, check for public industry seminars, and explore virtual resources if you can’t attend in person. Pair your campus experience with nearby Hollywood and cultural sites for a well-rounded trip. Stay updated through the official website, Blare Media, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and consider downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and exclusive content.