North East Travel News

Issue 101

I’m exploring the city’s Downtown district. The seven-hour time difference between Newcastle and LA was a factor in me waking early on my first morning in the USA. Seizing the day, I started out from my room at the citizenM hotel long before fellow guests headed to the lobby for breakfast. California is renowned for its golden sunshine but today clouds brood low over the City of Angels. Consequently, the spectacular metallic façade of the Walt Disney Concert Hall has something of a coppery tone. Designed by Frank Gehry, the iconic building is famed for its acoustics and is one of the cluster of performing arts institutions forming The Music Center. Drizzle prompts me to head inside The Broad, a free-to-visit contemporary art museum whose extensive collection includes Jeff Koons’ engaging Michael Jackson and Bubbles sculpture plus provocative works by Barbara Kruger and Andy Warhol. I’m inspired to cross the…