Friday Morning Club

Friday Morning Club Los Angeles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Friday Morning Club’s Legacy in Los Angeles

Situated at 940 South Figueroa Street in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, the Friday Morning Club stands as a monumental testament to women’s civic engagement and social reform. Founded in 1891 by Caroline Severance—a renowned suffragist and reformer—this landmark is not only architecturally significant with its striking Italian Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts design by Allison & Allison (completed in 1923), but also culturally vital as a gathering place that championed women’s voices during a transformative era in American history.

With a membership that historically exceeded 1,800 women and included celebrated activists like Susan B. Anthony, the club was instrumental in advancing women’s suffrage, public health, and educational initiatives across California. Today, the Friday Morning Club continues to serve the community through heritage tours, events, and adaptive reuse, offering visitors a unique blend of architectural grandeur and rich historical narrative (Los Angeles Conservancy; Wikipedia; LA Times).

This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, events, and nearby attractions, making it the perfect resource for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers eager to experience the vibrant cultural fabric of Los Angeles.

Friday Morning Club building at 938-940 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles California

Horse-drawn wagon decorated with flowers carrying women wearing orange hats during La Fiesta de Los Angeles circa 1901 at the corner of Second Street and Hill Street

Vintage horse-drawn wagon decorated with flowers at La Fiesta de Los Angeles parade circa 1900

Discover the Friday Morning Club: History and Significance
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Tours
Events and Cultural Programming
Visitor Experience: Amenities, Photography, and Tips
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
FAQs
References

Discover the Friday Morning Club: History and Significance

Origins and Impact

The Friday Morning Club was established as a space for women to engage in intellectual discourse, social activism, and cultural programming at a time when their voices were largely excluded from public life. Under the leadership of Caroline Severance, the club became a driving force for the women’s suffrage movement, public health campaigns, child welfare, and educational reforms in Los Angeles.

Architectural Highlights

Designed by Allison & Allison in 1923, the clubhouse is a prime example of Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. Its six-story structure features an ornate façade, grand auditoriums (seating nearly 2,000), elegant staircases, and intricate decorative detail. The building is a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (No. 196) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Wikipedia; Cinema Treasures).

Evolution and Preservation

The building was the epicenter of women’s activism for over six decades before transitioning to new uses, including the Variety Arts Center and, more recently, as the home of Hillsong Church Los Angeles. Despite these changes, the site’s architectural integrity and historical significance remain preserved through landmark protections and adaptive reuse efforts (LA Times; Cinema Treasures).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Tours

Hours and Access

General Access: The Friday Morning Club building is not open for daily public walk-ins. Access is typically available during scheduled events, church services, or through organized guided tours.
Guided Tours: Offered periodically by heritage organizations such as the Los Angeles Conservancy. Tours provide in-depth insight into the club’s architecture and social legacy. Advance reservations are required (Los Angeles Conservancy).
Self-Guided Visits: The exterior is accessible year-round for self-guided viewing and photography.

Tickets and Reservations

Admission: Viewing the exterior is free. Guided tours may have a nominal fee; special events may require ticket purchase. For the latest schedules and ticketing, consult the official venue site or Hillsong LA.
Booking: Advance booking is highly recommended for tours. Event tickets are available through respective organizers.

Accessibility

Mobility: The building features ramps and elevators, though some areas may be limited due to its historic design. Contact the venue in advance for specific accessibility needs.
Transportation: Located near the 7th Street/Metro Center Station (Metro Red, Purple, Blue, and Expo Lines) and served by multiple bus lines (Metro Los Angeles).
Parking: Several paid lots and garages are available nearby, with rates varying by event and time.

Events and Cultural Programming

The Friday Morning Club hosts a diverse calendar of events, including lectures, concerts, art exhibitions, and public gatherings. The current primary occupant, Hillsong LA, holds regular church services and periodic community events. Special heritage tours and cultural programs are offered during commemorative periods such as Women’s History Month (Los Angeles Conservancy Events).

To attend, check the Hillsong LA event calendar or Variety Arts Center listings for up-to-date schedules.

Visitor Experience: Amenities, Photography, and Tips

Amenities

Restrooms: Available during events and tours.
Dining: No on-site dining, but numerous restaurants and cafés are within a short walking distance, including Grand Central Market (Time Out Los Angeles).

Photography

Photography is typically allowed in public areas and during tours, though restrictions may apply during performances or private events. Always check current guidelines with event organizers.

Visitor Tips

Book in Advance: Public access is limited and often event- or tour-based.
Arrive Early: Allow time for parking and check-in, especially during high-traffic events.
Dress Comfortably: Comfortable shoes are recommended for tours.
Plan Ahead: Consult official sources for the latest event schedules and accessibility information.
Combine Visits: Plan your tour alongside other downtown landmarks for a full day of exploration (LaTourist).

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Enhance your visit by exploring these nearby sites:

Los Angeles Public Library: Iconic architecture and literary history.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: World-class music venue and architectural marvel.
Grand Central Market: Diverse culinary offerings in a historic setting.
Broadway Theater District: Historic theaters and vibrant nightlife.
Figueroa Hotel: Another women-led historic landmark, located across the street.

A half-day itinerary could include a morning tour of the Friday Morning Club, lunch at Grand Central Market, and an afternoon at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or exploring the Broadway Theater District.

FAQs

Q: What are the Friday Morning Club’s current visiting hours?
A: The building is open to the public during scheduled events, services, or guided tours. There are no regular museum hours.

Q: How do I book a tour or buy event tickets?
A: Visit the Los Angeles Conservancy for heritage tours or the Hillsong LA website for church events. Advance booking is strongly encouraged.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The building offers ramps and elevators, but some historic areas may have limited access. Check with the venue for accommodations.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Exterior viewing is free. Guided tours and some special events may require a ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, periodically through heritage organizations. Check schedules and reserve in advance.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the building?
A: Generally permitted during tours and public events, but restrictions may apply during performances.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Grand Central Market, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles Public Library, and the Broadway Theater District.