From the Archives: A crouching man graces the entrance to the Los Angeles County Museum in Exposition Park

This image appeared in the Los Angeles Times on Jan. 5, 1956, as part of the Know Your City photography series. The original caption reported:

KNOW YOUR CITY NO. 49 — This ungracefully crouched fellow holding a wheel of industry is in front of an important door of an important building in a prominent park. He never has to go to the Rose Parade. You’ll find answer on Page 32, Part ll.

ANSWER: This piece of unusual sculpture crouches in front of the old east door of the County Museum, and he overlooks the rose garden of Exposition Park.

The original building, completed in 1912, is an example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. In its early days, the museum was named the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art.

In 1961, the name changed to the Los Angeles County Museum of History and Science. Then in 1965, another name change called it the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Now, the museum is named the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The original building, opened in 1913, had wings added in 1925, 1930, 1960 and 1976. The original entrance, with its distinctive rotunda, overlooks the Exposition Park Rose Garden.

March 28, 2002: The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park overlooks the Rose Garden.

(Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times )

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