Introduction to Culver City, California
Culver City, California, in Los Angeles county, is 4 miles NW of Inglewood, California (center to center) and 9 miles W of Los Angeles, California. The city is home to the headquarters of National Public Radio and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The weather is pleasant for most of the year. The municipality features attractive neighborhoods and has easy access to the regional network of freeways. It's known for its active artistic community, including theatrical performances, music and dance. Culver City has an ethnically diverse population.
Culver City History
The city was incorporated in 1917. It was named after a man from Milford Nebraska, named Harry H. Culver who initiated the plans for establishing the municipality. The first film studio was established in 1918 and was followed by film studios built by Hal Roach and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). During the years of the Prohibition "speakeasies" and nightclubs including the prominent Cotton Club filled Washington Boulevard. Over the years, hundreds of films have been made at the Culver City's studios including The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, Citizen Kane, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and many other well known movies.
Numerous television shows were also produced in Culver City including Lassie, Batman and the Andy Griffith Show. In 1976 a large portion of the studio property was sold and was redeveloped. The property was converted to the Hayden Industrial Tract, subdivisions and a shopping center. During the 1990s the downtown was extensively renovated. Sony's Columbia Pictures relocated to Culver City, which created a large number of jobs.
Culver City Attractions
- The Culver City Art District is filled with notable art galleries.
- St. Augustine Catholic Church.
- Culver Hotel is a city landmark with its pie-slice shaped building. It's located downtown.
- Sony Pictures Plaza has a unique appearance.
- Heritage Fountain located at Culver City Hall.
- Downtown Culver City is known for outdoor cafes, unique shops and galleries.
- The Sony Pictures Studios Tour offers a view of the early days of Hollywood and a look at a modern motion picture studio.
- King Fahd Mosque.
- Culver City Public Theatre.
- Kirk Douglas Theater.
- Culver City Music Festival.
- Fiesta La Ballona.
- George Barris Culver City Car Show.
- Music in the Chambers.
- California Arts Day.
Culver City Activities
The Pacific Ocean is a short drive away. The municipality includes the Ballona Creek bicycle path and the Culver Boulevard Median bicycle path. The Culver Ice Arena is a popular destination. Nearby Los Angeles offers a variety of activities and entertainment.
Culver City Transportation
The Los Angeles International Airport is nearby. Culver City Bus offers services.
Culver City Higher Education
West Los Angeles College is nearby.