Fox Plaza

Fox Plaza Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Los Angeles Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Fox Plaza’s Role in Los Angeles

Fox Plaza, located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles, is an architectural and cultural icon. Rising 34 stories above the former 20th Century Fox backlot, this postmodern skyscraper is celebrated for its innovative design and for its place in Hollywood history—most notably, its starring role as “Nakatomi Plaza” in the 1988 action film Die Hard. While primarily a private office tower, Fox Plaza draws film fans, architecture buffs, and travelers eager to experience a piece of Los Angeles’ cinematic and corporate legacy firsthand (Designing Buildings; Famous Movie Locations).

This comprehensive guide provides details on Fox Plaza’s history, design, public accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit to Century City and nearby attractions.

Introduction
Architectural & Historical Overview
Fox Plaza in Cinema and Pop Culture
Ownership and Redevelopment
Visiting Fox Plaza: Hours, Access, and Tips
Exploring Century City and Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Summary and Key Points
References

Architectural & Historical Overview

Origins and Design
Fox Plaza was constructed in the late 1980s as the headquarters for Twentieth Century Fox, marking a pivotal transformation of the area from studio backlot to modern business district. The design—credited to Scott Johnson, Bill Fain, and William Pereira—epitomizes postmodernism. Its salmon Finnish granite and grey-tinted glass façade, vertical lines, and faceted corners create a striking presence on the Los Angeles skyline (Designing Buildings).

Structural Innovation
The building incorporates advanced ventilation, including a central fresh-air tunnel using the Venturi tube principle to optimize indoor air quality. Its layout provides 16 corner offices per floor, maximizing light and panoramic views. Fox Plaza offers over 650,000 square feet of rentable space, with amenities such as a six-level parking structure for 1,800+ vehicles (CompStak property info).

Urban Impact
Situated on a slight promontory, Fox Plaza remains one of Century City’s most visible landmarks. Its completion marked a new era of high-rise development in the district and influenced subsequent architectural projects in Los Angeles (The Tourist Checklist).

Fox Plaza in Cinema and Pop Culture

“Die Hard” and Cinematic Fame
Fox Plaza’s global renown stems from its starring role as “Nakatomi Plaza” in Die Hard. Director John McTiernan famously filmed iconic scenes on the building’s unfinished floors, giving the action sequences authenticity and grit (Famous Movie Locations). The building has since appeared in other productions, including Speed, Fight Club, and TV series, and is parodied as “Weazel Plaza” in Grand Theft Auto V.

Fan Pilgrimages and Events
Every year, especially during the holiday season, Die Hard fans visit Fox Plaza to pay homage and recreate scenes. Special events, such as the 25th-anniversary reunion, have drawn cast members and enthusiasts alike, cementing Fox Plaza’s status as a pop culture landmark.

Ownership and Redevelopment

Twentieth Century Fox and Beyond
Fox Plaza was originally owned by Twentieth Century Fox. Following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019, Fox Corporation retained ownership of the building and the adjacent studio lot (LA Times).

The “Fox Future” Project
Fox Corporation’s $1.5 billion “Fox Future” redevelopment aims to modernize the studio lot while preserving Fox Plaza’s architectural integrity. Plans include new soundstages, post-production facilities, seismic retrofits, and a new office tower, ensuring Fox Plaza’s continued relevance in LA’s evolving media landscape (Westside Today).

Visiting Fox Plaza: Hours, Access, and Tips

Public Access and Visiting Hours

Fox Plaza is a private office building: There are no official tours, observation decks, or ticketed entry.
Lobby Access: The lobby is sometimes accessible during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.), but entry is at the discretion of security staff.
Photography: Permitted from public sidewalks and plaza areas. Respect all posted signs and security personnel.

Tickets and Tours

No tickets required for exterior visits.
Third-party film location tours may include exterior stops at Fox Plaza but do not grant interior access.

Accessibility & Transportation

Wheelchair accessible sidewalks and plaza; elevators and ramps inside (lobby access only).
Parking: Paid lots in the area, notably at Westfield Century City.
Public Transit: Metro E Line (Expo) and multiple bus routes serve Century City. Nearest Metro stop: Westwood/Rancho Park.

Visitor Tips

Best time to visit: Weekdays during business hours for lobby access; weekends for fewer crowds.
Dress code: Business casual is recommended if entering the lobby.
Amenities: No public restrooms or cafes inside; restaurants and shops are available nearby at Westfield Century City.

Exploring Century City and Nearby Attractions

Westfield Century City
A premier shopping and dining destination adjacent to Fox Plaza, offering luxury boutiques, restaurants, and a multiplex (The Evolista).

Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Just east of Century City, explore luxury shopping, art galleries, and iconic hotels (Love Beverly Hills).

The Getty Center
A short drive north, featuring world-class art, gardens, and panoramic city views (Getty Center).

Museum Row
Includes LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Wilshire Blvd.

Hollywood Landmarks
Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre are a 20-minute drive northeast (Time Out Los Angeles).

Santa Monica
Experience the Santa Monica Pier and beaches, about 20 minutes by car (Santa Monica).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tour Fox Plaza or visit upper floors?
A: No. Fox Plaza is a working office building; only the lobby may be accessible during business hours.

Q: Are there public visiting hours or tickets?
A: No public hours or tickets. The exterior can be viewed at any time.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Photography is generally permitted in public areas. For commercial photography, obtain prior permission.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Use Metro E Line (Expo) or local bus routes to Century City. Ample paid parking is nearby.

Q: Are there organized tours?
A: Some third-party companies include Fox Plaza as a stop on film location tours, but do not provide interior access.

Summary and Key Points

Fox Plaza is a quintessential Los Angeles landmark, blending visionary architecture with enduring cinematic legacy. While interior access is restricted, visitors can admire its postmodern design and relive Die Hard moments from the exterior. Surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and cultural sites, Fox Plaza is a must-see for anyone interested in the city’s blend of business, film, and design (Designing Buildings; Famous Movie Locations).

Ongoing redevelopment ensures Fox Plaza will remain an essential part of Century City’s skyline and Los Angeles’ cultural fabric (Westside Today). Leverage resources such as local guides, film tours, and the Audiala app for an enriched experience.