The historic Hollyhock House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed between 1919-21. (photo courtesy of Hollyhock House)

Earlier this month, the proposed Los Angeles city budget cuts raised concerns that the historic Hollyhock House would lose its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a status it gained in 2019. To maintain the distinction, a location must have four dedicated full-time staff members. Hollyhock House currently has only two, with two positions vacant. The two vacancies and one of the full-time staff positions were initially put on the chopping block in the proposed budget.

Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, 13th District, said on May 21, however, that the potential crisis had been averted, and the positions had been restored to the budget.

“We’re proud to report that after working with colleagues on the Budget Committee, funding to restore Department of Cultural Affairs staff was included in the updated budget,” Soto-Martinez said. “[May 22’s] vote will finalize those restorations and help protect L.A.’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

“When the full City Council and the mayor approve this action, we will look forward to continuing to maintain our commitments to the community, visitors and the UNESCO World Heritage Committee,” said Daniel Tarica, general manager of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. “We value the support from Los Angeles City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez for sustaining cultural continuity, fostering inclusive historical narratives, and investing in the social and educational site for the public to visit.”

Hollyhock House, situated on Barnsdall Art Park in East Hollywood, generates its own income through tours. According to Soto-Martinez’s office, it requires about $1.36 million annually to operate both the house and the park, but it was discovered it generates about $5 million per year. This revenue is now accounted for in the revised budget, which will be voted on by the City Council on May 22.

Hollyhock House was built between 1919-21 by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright for heiress Aline Barnsdall. It has been open to the public as a museum since 1976. The discovery that Hollyhock House, which is also listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, might lose its UNESCO status was met with widespread concern in the community. There are only two other UNESCO sites in California – Yosemite National Park and Redwood National and State Parks.

“Hollyhock House is a one-of-a-kind historic place for many factors, and the only in Los Angeles to have achieved this prestigious level of global cultural heritage recognition, making it the city’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site to date,” Los Angeles Conservancy president and CEO Adrian Scott Fine said. “While the city’s budget is still in motion, we’re confident the funding for the Hollyhock positions will be restored, keeping this historic place open to the public.”

Hollyhock House is also funded through the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation, which will host its annual Barnsdall Fridays Wine Tastings starting on June 6. The series will continue each Friday through Sept. 26, excluding July 4. The events will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. and allow guests the opportunity to indulge in Silverlake Wine, enjoy food trucks, DJ performances and art galleries, all while supporting the historic site. Tickets are $45 or $80 with a tour of Hollyhock House.

For tickets and other information about the house, visit barnsdall.org or hollyhockhouse.org. Barnsdall Art Park and Hollyhock House are located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd.