Capitol Records Building

The Basics

Designed by architect Louis Naidorf to resemble a stack of records, the Capitol Records Building is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Today, the busy studios still host a range of A-list artists and performers. Though the interior is closed to the public, the Capitol Records Building still features on numerous Hollywood itineraries, including walking, bike, driving, and even helicopter tours. It’s also possible to view the landmark during a customized private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Capitol Records Building is a pop-culture staple, and has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and music videos.

• One of the building’s quirkiest features is the blinking light on its spire, which sends out messages including “Hollywood” in Morse code.

• Look for the Hollywood Jazz: 1945-1972 mural adorning the building’s south wall: it features 11 jazz greats, from Billie Holliday to Miles Davis.

• Among the building’s most revolutionary features are its echo chamber recording studios, designed by guitarist Les Paul.

How to Get There

The Capitol Records Building is located near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, in the heart of Hollywood. To reach the landmark via public transportation, take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Vine Station or take one of the many bus lines that serve the area, including the Hollywood DASH. The building can also be reached by taxi or rideshare service.

When to Get There

The Capitol Records Building is a popular, year-round photo location. If you visit during the winter holidays, look out for its light-up, rooftop Christmas tree, which is installed every year.

Hollywood Highlights Tour

The Capitol Records Building is just one worthy stop on a tour of Hollywood’s top attractions. Nearby historic venues include the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood, and the Hollywood Palladium, while the Hollywood Walk of Fame is just steps away. For an alternative Hollywood attraction, the nearby Museum of Death is popular among visitors with more macabre tastes.

Is the Capitol Records Building worth visiting?

Yes. The Capitol Records Building is worth seeing as one of Hollywood's landmarks. Its iconic 13-story design resembles a stack of records and is part of many Hollywood tours. The building is not open to the public, however. It is, however, available to hold premiere events and formal parties.

Can you just go into the Capitol Records Building?

No, the Capitol Records Building is not open to the public. Currently, it is used as an office building, but it still has its recording studios and echo chambers inside. It plays a role in Hollywood tours due to its history and legacy of recording some of the biggest names in music.

Why is the Capitol Records Building so famous?

This circular building is famous for its circular design, looking like a stack of records, and all of the legendary artists who recorded here. Nat King Cole made loads of records here, and it’s often referred to as “The House that Nat Built.” In 2006, it was named a Historical Cultural Monument.

Who has recorded at the Capitol Records Building?

Legends like Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Nat King Cole, the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, and others have recorded in the Capitol Records Building. Les Paul also built eight cavernous trapezoidal echo chamber rooms 30 feet below the building to create reverb and sound like a cathedral recording instead of a studio.

Was the Capitol Records Building built to look like records?

No, the Capitol Records Building was designed to be a circular office building by 24-year-old Lou Naidorf. It’s 13 stories, which was all the zoning laws would allow in 1956 when it was completed. It just coincidentally looks like a stack of records on a turntable that went on to record iconic musicians.

Can I book a tour of the Capitol Records Building?

Yes, you can book a tour that stops outside the Capitol Records Building, but unfortunately, you cannot tour the inside. Bike, walking, bus, and helicopter tours all make stops outside this iconic building, where guides tell you all sorts of tales about the legends who recorded here.