Standing tall and proud in the Hollywood skyline, the Capitol Records Building is one of Los Angeles' most memorable landmarks at the infamous Hollywood and Vine intersection. The 13-story tower was built in 1956 and has promoted such acts as Tina Turner, Duran Duran, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and the Beach Boys. It is traditionally known as "The House That Nat Built," because of the numerous merchandise and records Nat King Cole sold for the company.
Parking and public transportation at Capitol Records Building
The best way to get to Hollywood and Vine is from Los Angeles' Metro rail system, which stops at this intersection as well as the nearby Hollywood and Highland. Public parking also is available at the 7th Street Metro Center and Union Station.
Best and worst time go to Capitol Records Building
Weekday mornings are the best time to get around this area of the city since there are fewer people out and about. You will want to stay away during afternoons and evenings on weekends because of the crowds.
Admission to Capitol Records Building
The Capitol Records Building is closed to the public, but tourists can get some great pictures of the outside of the circular office building.
Must see/do at Capitol Records Building
There is a recently restored iconic Hollywood Jazz mural on the south side of the Capitol Records Building that tells part of the story of the legacy of this company. However, to really get the feel for the history or tradition of Capital Records on the recording industry in Los Angeles, stop by on December 8 of any year. John Lennon's star is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame directly outside the Capitol Records Building. Oftentimes, it is the site of candlelight vigils, especially on the date of his death.
Other places to visit near Capitol Records Building
After taking in the views of the Capitol Records Building, visitors can take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The famous Pantages Theater is also nearby, as well as the classic ArcLight Cinemas near Sunset and Vine.
Insider tip for visitors to Capitol Records Building
If you happen to view the building at night, you will see a red blinking light at top. While it is a warning for low flying aircrafts, it also spells out the word Hollywood in Morse code.
Author's bio: Mary Beth Adomaitis is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to visit exciting and new places with her family. In the summer of 2014, she drove cross-country from California to Ohio, visiting 14 states in two weeks.
