Robert E. Cowan, Marie Cowan, Caroline Estes-Smith and dog Snooks in William Andrew Clark Memorial Library sunken garden in 1919

William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

William Andrews Clark Memorial Library: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to a Los Angeles Historical Site

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, located in the historic West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a renowned destination for scholars, history enthusiasts, and lovers of architecture. With its stately Beaux Arts design, world-class collections of rare books and manuscripts, and dynamic programming, the Clark Library is not just a research institution but a vibrant cultural landmark. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know for your visit: from hours and ticketing to architectural highlights and research opportunities.

For up-to-date information and resources, visit the official Clark Library website, as well as guides by the California Preservation Foundation and ARG Create.

East lawn of William Andrews Clark Memorial Library with green grass and trees

Handwritten 17th century style title page with ornate calligraphy

Outdoor reading room at William Andrews Clark Memorial Library with wooden tables and chairs surrounded by greenery

Introduction
Founding and Historical Context
Architectural Significance
Collections and Research Value
Transition to UCLA and Endowment
Preservation and Modernization
Visitor Information
The Library’s Cultural and Community Impact
Special Programs and Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit: Tips
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
Sources

Founding and Historical Context

The library was established in 1926 by William Andrews Clark, Jr., the son of copper magnate and U.S. Senator William Andrews Clark, Sr. Clark Jr. was a prominent Los Angeles philanthropist, founding the LA Philharmonic and supporting the Hollywood Bowl. He began collecting rare books in earnest around 1915, and after a fire at his home in 1923, he sought to ensure the safety and longevity of his collection by commissioning a dedicated library.

He entrusted architect Robert D. Farquhar—who studied leading American libraries—to design a secure yet elegant Beaux Arts building. The result is a facility that combines European grandeur with advanced safety features, reflecting Clark’s vision of a public resource for scholars and the wider community.

Architectural Significance

The Clark Library is a masterwork of Beaux Arts design, featuring a harmonious blend of brick and Roman travertine marble, inspired by Sir Christopher Wren’s Hampton Court. Its six round windows, marble floors, trompe l’oeil ceilings, and two stories of copper bookshelves exemplify both artistry and fireproofing—a nod to the Clark family’s mining legacy.

Notable features include:

Grand Pavilion Structure: A garden pavilion concept with symmetry, classical columns, ornate cornices, and heavy masonry (California Preservation Foundation).
Lavish Interiors: Painted ceilings, intricate woodwork, decorative plaster, and marble floors.
Specialized Safety: Fire- and earthquake-resistant construction, temperature control, and a Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA).
Cultural Spaces: Designed for research, concerts, and lectures, fulfilling Clark’s vision as a center for cultural life.

The building is recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and is listed on the California Register of Historic Places (ARG Create).

Collections and Research Value

With over 110,000 volumes and 22,000 manuscripts, the Clark Library is a leading repository of 17th- and 18th-century British literature and culture. Its most renowned holdings include:

The Oscar Wilde Collection: The world’s most comprehensive, with manuscripts, letters, portraits, and rare editions (Clark Library Research).
English Literature (1641–1800): Works by Dryden, Pope, Swift, Johnson, and others.
Fine Press and Book Arts: Featuring John Henry Nash and other distinguished printers (Clark Library ArchivesSpace).
Manuscripts by Oscar Wilde and Eric Gill
Western Americana: Emphasizing Montana and the American West.
Special Collections: The John Clifford Cowles Collection, rare architectural drawings, and thematic collections.

The library is open to all qualified researchers by appointment, supporting interdisciplinary work in literature, history, art, and more.

Transition to UCLA and Endowment

In 1926, Clark Jr. announced the donation of the library, its collection, and a city block of land to the University of California (now UCLA). After his death in 1934, the transfer was finalized with a $1.5 million endowment, ensuring the library’s ongoing growth and stewardship.

Today, it is administered by UCLA’s Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies, which organizes fellowships, academic programs, and public events.

Preservation and Modernization

The Clark Library underwent a major renovation starting in 2015, addressing seismic vulnerabilities and upgrading accessibility:

Seismic Retrofit: Invisible roof rods and core drilling techniques preserved the historic fabric (California Preservation Foundation).
ADA Compliance: A new entry pavilion with a hydraulic elevator and accessible restrooms.
Modern Amenities: Expanded WiFi, new classroom and office spaces, and improved environmental systems.
Fire Safety: The VESDA system for early smoke detection, plus LEED Silver certification for sustainability (ARG Create).
Restoration: Original painted ceilings, decorative plaster, and landscape features were meticulously restored.

The project earned the 2018 Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

Visitor Information

Location and Getting There

Address: 2520 Cimarron Street, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (West Adams district)
Transportation: Accessible via Metro bus lines; limited street parking is available.

Visiting Hours & Admission

General Public: Tuesday–Friday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM (verify on official website for updates and special closures)
Appointments: Required for researchers and reading room access; strongly recommended for tours.
Admission: Free for all visitors; some special events may require advance registration.

Accessibility

The library is fully ADA-compliant, offering accessible entrances, restrooms, and elevator service in the new pavilion. Visitors with specific needs should contact staff in advance.

Tours and Events

The Clark Library hosts chamber music concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and guided tours—primarily during special events. See the Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies for the event calendar.

Nearby Attractions

Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery
University of Southern California (USC) campus
West Adams historic homes
California African American Museum (CAAM)
Leimert Park Village
Exposition Park and California Science Center

The Library’s Cultural and Community Impact

The Clark Library is more than a repository; it is a cultural center that welcomes local residents, students, and global scholars. Digitization initiatives and educational partnerships broaden access and foster engagement with Los Angeles’s literary and cultural history.

The library is also recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Special Programs and Fellowships

The Wilde-Holland Fellowship

Funded by William Zachs and Martin Adam, with the Kaplan-Panzer Humanities Endowment, the Wilde-Holland Fellowship offers two-month residencies for postdoctoral scholars and graduate students focused on the Oscar Wilde collection. Fellows contribute to the library’s academic life through public presentations (UCLA Humanities News).

Academic Events

Biennial lectures, symposia, and workshops, especially those centered on Oscar Wilde and 17th–18th-century studies, are a hallmark of the Clark’s public programming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the library’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Friday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; check the official website for updates.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission is free; some events may require advance registration.

Q: How do I book a tour or research appointment?
A: Contact the library via phone or email; details are on the Clark Library Research page.

Q: Is the library accessible?
A: Yes, fully ADA-compliant with accessible facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, typically during public events or by appointment; check the event calendar.

Q: What nearby attractions are recommended?
A: USC campus, Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, and cultural sites in West Adams and Exposition Park.

Planning Your Visit: Tips

Book appointments in advance for research or tours.
Check the event calendar before visiting for special exhibitions or lectures.
Follow preservation guidelines: No food or drink is allowed inside, and bag checks may be conducted.
Consult staff: Librarians are available to assist with research and accessibility needs.
Bring a camera: Photography is permitted in public areas; capture the architecture and gardens.
Wear comfortable shoes: The historic interiors may include stairs and uneven floors.

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library stands as a testament to the vision of a dedicated collector and patron of the arts. Its architectural splendor, rich collections—including the unparalleled Oscar Wilde archive—and commitment to accessibility and preservation make it a vital Los Angeles destination for scholars and the public alike.

Admission to public events and exhibitions is free, with research access available by appointment. Its proximity to other historical and cultural landmarks enriches the visitor experience. To make the most of your visit, consult the library’s calendar, book in advance, and engage with digital resources or the Audiala app for interactive tours.

Explore one of Los Angeles’s most treasured historical sites and immerse yourself in a unique environment where history, scholarship, and community converge.