Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Byzantine Revival synagogue in Los Angeles, United States.
Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a Byzantine Revival synagogue in central Los Angeles, marked by its tall domes and polished stone columns. The facade displays fine stonework, and the interior is shaped by large windows and a central space with a vaulted ceiling.
Samuel Tilden Norton prepared the plans in 1929 as many Jewish communities in California reorganized and needed larger spaces. Construction fell during a time when architects rediscovered historical styles for religious buildings to convey permanence.
The name refers to the wide avenue where the building stands, while the domes and arches recall houses of worship from the eastern Mediterranean. Families come for services where music often plays a central role, and young people use the rooms for ceremonies and gatherings.
Tours are offered on Tuesday and Thursday that guide through the main halls and side areas where religious objects and architectural details can be seen. It is advisable to check times in advance, as services and events may restrict access.
Hugo Ballin created a series of painted narratives for the interior walls that depict biblical scenes across a length of about 330 feet (100 meters). These paintings are considered one of the largest continuous mural projects in a house of worship in California.
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