102. How Well Do You Know Hollywood? Part 3

Part 1 asks of all the places in L.A. where do the majority of tourists wish to visit?  That's right!  Hollywood.  There is only one Hollywood.  And it's in L.A. baby!

Part 2 schools you about hopping onto the Metro Red Line from the Hollywood/Highland (#1 tourist spot in Hollywood) station to Vermont/Sunset station for Barnsdall Art Park and all it has to offer including Hollyhock House.

Part 3's spot light's on hopping the Metro Red Line from Hollywood/Highland station to the final red line stop, North Hollywood (NOHO Arts District), Lankershim/Chandler Boulevards.

Why?

Well if you think of Hollywood/Highland as the place dedicated to movie magic, what you will find a block and a half south of the final Metro Red Line stop at 5220 Lankershim Boulevard is a place dedicated to TV magic.

Since the early 90's, 5220 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood has been host to the building which houses The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS).  The property includes what one may consider a free outdoor museum also known as Hall of Fame Plaza.

The plaza features bronze sculptures, base reliefs and wall sculptures depicting television pioneers who have been inducted into TV's Hall of Fame.

The sculptures include incredible detail and were created with the intent of capturing personality all while being magnificent from any angle, as you will note the example in the photo of James Garner from behind.  The piece de resistance of the Plaza is a water fountain topped with a 27-foot Emmy Award statue.  Also in the photo are the Desi Arnaz/Lucy Ball full size bronze sculptures.  Desi joined Lucy in August, 2009.  Wonder if someone has some "'splainin to do" for their tardy union.

When your SoCal Gal visited the Hall of Fame Plaza, she was a little surprised to find a pedestal for Bea Arthur, but no bronze sculpture.  Maybe someone confused the bronze with Bea's association with the Golden Girls and was hoping to really score big with a cash for gold submission.  Who knows?

Any whoo...I have a feeling what the Hall of Fame Plaza intends is for us to admire the art...not take it with us.  There is plenty to admire.  And no doubt you are sure to find a depiction of one of your TV favorites at the Hall of Fame Plaza.