The word treasure conjures up deep emotions and excitement in just about everybody. We literally have a trove of cultural treasure within our city. It is displayed in various venues around town. Perhaps as a classic car that resembles a fine piece of sculpture. Or 50,000 cigarettes arranged to look like a Bengal tiger. From the classic exhibits at the Getty to the performance art at MOCA, Los Angeles seems to cover every aspect of art interpretation. Although some of our treasure remains buried for now, the annual dig at Pit 91 at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum continues to reveal new relics of the past.

The curtain is set to rise on the much-anticipated new crown jewel of Wilshire Boulevard. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will feature movies, props, sets, equipment and profiles of the women and men who have shaped the industry for more than 100 years. With a target opening date set for early 2020, the city anxiously awaits the new treasure chest of movie history to be revealed.

Venturing on to the culinary arts, Musso & Frank celebrates its 100th anniversary this month as the oldest restaurant in L.A. Yes – have a martini! See page 56. The BLVD at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel has one of the hottest new chefs in town. Cory Burgan is truly a gastronomic innovator, see page 6.

Get out of the zip code and head to Santa Barbara. The historic El Encanto Hotel has recently undergone a $130-million upgrade and restoration. It boasts a terrific restaurant and magnificent views overlooking the Pacific. El Encanto positively lives up to its name.

Rick Caruso’s fabulous new property, the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, features incredible grounds and amenities with a fine dining experience that feels like the lido deck of a luxury liner.

Theater is a big part of our cultural wealth and Los Angeles is home to iconic venues including the Pantages, El Capitan, The Wallis, Ford and Saban theaters. See page 78 for upcoming performances.

So ladies and gentlemen, take your seats – the show is about to begin!

Michael and Karen Villalpando

Publishers