Explore Pershing Square – A park in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

Pershing Square is in an exquisite, intimate, one of a kind park located in the center of Downtown Los Angeles. Originally named La Plaza Abaja (The Lower Plaza), it features an open and elevated ayan-style amphitheater, a grove of orange trees (that pay tribute to Los Angeles’ agricultural roots) and is home to many attractions, events, concerts, art exhibits, and a variety of themes throughout the year.

During World War I, Pershing Square was used as a reception venue for the Army. It provided a public forum much like London’s Hyde Park Corner; it was a key figure for public speakers during that era. On November 8, 1918, the park was formally named Pershing Square in honor of the World War I general John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing. A general in the United States Army, he led the American Expeditionary forces to victory over Germany in World War I.

Pershing Square takes up a one-square block radius and sits on 5th Street (to the north) 6th Street (south) Hill Street (east) and Olive Street (west). One of the main architecture designs that initial grab the attention of oncoming visitors is the large fountain located in the southern half of the square.

On a side note:

Pershing Square also serves as a major location for television shows, films, and private parties.

In 1989, Pershing Square went through one of its first major renovations with the help of the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Department of Recreation and Parks of Los Angeles. In February 1994, the park was redesigned by Architect Ricardo Legoretta and landscapist Laurie Olin and now sits in its current state.

Pershing Square is known to Angelinos for its annual community events and exhibits. It host a six-week summer concert series with free music during the summer, films and events four days a week, a Farmers Market, the Winter Holiday Festival, Outdoor Ice Skating ring in the fall (November through January) and Food Truck Friday which offers visitor lunch throughout the week.

Pershing Square is no stranger to big name acts; some of the artists who have performed on the downtown stage include: The Fixx, The Bangles, The Psychedelic Furs, The Electric Light Orchestra and 10,000 Maniacs.