Union Station Tours Reveal Architecture and Displaced Chinese American History

## Unveiling Union Station: A Masterpiece of Mission Moderne and a Tapestry of Los Angeles History

This blog post explores the recent launch of public tours at Los Angeles Union Station. As a landmark of architectural innovation and historical significance, the station is now being highlighted through guided experiences led by Metro.

These tours aim to reveal the station’s unique architectural style and significant public art. They also shed light on the often-overlooked stories, especially those related to the displacement of the Chinese American community.

A Fusion of Styles: The Architectural Brilliance of Union Station

Opened in 1939, Union Station is more than just a transportation hub. It stands as a remarkable architectural gem that has endured for decades.

Designed by Donald and John Parkinson, the station blends diverse influences into a unified whole. The result is a structure that is both functional and visually captivating.

The Genesis of Mission Moderne

The station’s main style is known as Mission Moderne. This hybrid approach combines several architectural elements.

• Art Deco brings geometric patterns and decorative details.
• Spanish Colonial style recalls California’s rich history and romance.
• Other subtle influences contribute to a distinctive look.

Beyond the Obvious: Discovering Hidden Details

Metro’s tours encourage visitors to notice details that are often missed. Guides invite attendees to slow down and observe their surroundings.

• Decorative Ceiling Elements: The ceilings feature intricate designs, painted to look like real wood. This craftsmanship adds to the station’s grand atmosphere.
• Design History Exploration: The tours explain the building’s design history. Learning about the inspiration behind the architecture enhances appreciation for the Parkinson brothers’ work.

A Canvas of Community: Public Art and Untold Stories

Union Station is also a showcase for important public art. These installations reflect the diverse and complex social fabric of Los Angeles.

Echoes of Displacement and Resilience

One of the featured artworks is the 1995 piece, “City of Dreams/River of History” by May Sun and Richard Wyatt. This artwork addresses the station’s impact on its surrounding community.

• May Sun’s Contribution: Sun’s work uses actual remnants of Chinese American homes demolished during the station’s construction. This recognizes the displacement experienced by that community.
• Richard Wyatt’s Vision: Wyatt’s mural features the face of a Chinese man, surrounded by nine other diverse figures. The composition celebrates Los Angeles’s multicultural history.

Archival Power and Community Collaboration

The story of displacement is preserved by the affected community. Zipporah Lax Yamamoto from Metro’s art program highlighted the dedication of these families.

Displaced families carefully maintain their archives and work with Metro to ensure their stories are shared. This collaboration deepens understanding of the station’s history.

Looking Ahead: Future Engagements and Global Celebrations

The immense popularity of these tours is evident. Although only three were initially scheduled, RSVPs quickly reached maximum capacity.

This shows a strong public interest in exploring Union Station’s heritage. Metro is currently reviewing feedback to decide if the tours will continue.

Union Station is preparing to host an official FIFA-sponsored Fan Zone during the upcoming World Cup. This event will bring global excitement to the historic venue.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Union Station tours spotlight architecture — and the displaced Chinese American community