theobscuredistillery Archives

Chill Out: Circa’s Playbook to Beat the Heat

Immerse yourself in air-conditioned comfort while exploring some of LA’s most intriguing interactive experiences and cultural attractions, many not far from Circa. One of LA’s most talked-about shows, Hospital of Emotions is a pop-up exhibition inside a real hospital. Now open, DATALAND is the world’s first Museum of AI Arts and digital ecosystem where human imagination meets the creative potential of machines. Experience magical storytelling along with your cocktails at The Obscure, or learn how to create your own unique perfume at The Institute for Art and Olfaction. Explore your favorite museums to discover exciting new exhibitions, like Mummies 3D Secrets of the Pharaohs at the California Science Center, and extend your science adventure in their IMAX theater. Here’s our playbook to beat the heat this summer!

Hospital of Emotions near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Hospital of Emotions 2131 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90057

One of LA’s most talked-about immersive experience, Hospital of Emotions is a temporary pop-up exhibition inside a real hospital. For a limited time, a building within the St. Vincent Behavioral Health Campus in Los Angeles is transformed into a living museum of emotions. 70 artists from diverse creative fields have taken over the venue and transformed it into an immersive artspace exploring the full spectrum of human emotion. At Hospital of Emotions, each emotion becomes its own hospital department, from joy and love to fear, anger, hope, sadness, gratitude and resilience. The exhibition is presented by the curatorial and creative team of House of Art and Dreams, together with ROYVA and St. Vincent Behavioral Health Campus.

Museum of AI Arts immersive experience near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

DATALAND The Grand LA 100 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Now Open! DATALAND is the world’s first Museum of AI Arts and digital ecosystem where human imagination meets the creative potential of machines. In a building that dreams across five multi-sensory galleries, DATALAND explores a new form of museum where data becomes pigment, and art continuously evolves in real time, shaped by human interaction, machine intelligence, and the vast but invisible information that shapes our world. Machine Dreams: Rainforest, DATALAND’s inaugural exhibition is an exploration of the inherent intelligence of nature. Powered by the Large Nature Model, a foundational AI trained on one of the most extensive permission-based datasets of the natural world, this exhibition opens a dialogue between human presence and the memories of Earth.

The Obscure Distillery immersive experience near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Obscure 1356 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013

The Obscure distillery utilizes immersive storytelling and its magical atmosphere to transport patrons to a completely different realm. As you sip on potent concoctions, your host will tell you captivating tales that plunge you further into the mystique of the experience. Once you’re nicely wrapped up in The Obscure’s eerie embrace, you can explore your surroundings, mingle with your friends, and interact with artists conjuring up intricate illustrations of otherworldly scenes and creatures.

Bubble Planet Experience immersive experience near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bubble Planet Experience 634 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Bubble Planet is an immersive experience in which you’ll surround yourself with bubbles like never before! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology add-on, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses. Discover all kinds of bubbles, interact with them, and take a deep dive into a dreamy environment.

The Institute for Art and Olfaction near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Institute for Art and Olfaction 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012

The Institute for Art and Olfaction is a non-profit devoted to experimentation and access in the field of perfumery and olfactory art. They actualize their mission by initiating and supporting experimental projects with scent, by providing accessible education in their laboratory. In partnership with institutions and community groups, they curate art exhibitions that incorporate scent in their gallery, collect and archive scent books, materials, and perfumes, and raise visibility for independent, artisan and experimental and artistic practices with scent as a whole. The Institute offers a full calendar of educational presentations, and workshops where you can learn about perfume blending and the art of creating your own scent.

Kusama The Souls of Millions at The Broad near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Kusama Infinity Rooms The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Two of Yayoi Kusama’s groundbreaking Infinity Mirror Rooms are in the Broad collection and open to view: The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013) and Longing for Eternity (2017). Yayoi Kusama has consistently created artwork about repetition and the concept of infinity. In 1965, Kusama produced her first Infinity Mirror Room, creating the illusion of infinite space using mirrors. Since then, Kusama has made more than twenty unique rooms. And while you’re at The Broad, don’t miss Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, the artist’s first solo museum exhibition in Southern California, organized in collaboration with Tate Modern, London.

Unearthed Raw Beauty exhibition at NHM near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Unearthed: Raw Beauty Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Marvel at some of the rarest and most spectacular mineral specimens ever discovered. Unearthed: Raw Beauty is a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring some of the largest and rarest mineral specimens ever to be displayed in their natural, uncut form, with some on view for the first time. The specimens, including many from NHM’s own collection, are truly magnificent in scale and create an otherworldly experience. Through an immersive exhibition design, visitors will descend into a world of mystery and wonder to learn about the science behind minerals, crystals, gems, and rocks, emerging with a deeper understanding of the importance and prevalence of minerals in our world.

Mummies 3D Secrets of the Pharaohs exhibition at California Science Center near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037

Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs is part historic journey and part forensic adventure that takes audiences to one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, Egypt. Audiences will journey to the royal tombs of Egypt and explore the history of ancient Egyptian society as told through the mummies of the past. Follow explorers and scientists as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies and provides a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. Turn your visit into an unforgettable adventure – visit Mummies of the World: The Exhibition and watch Mummies 3D on the giant 7-story IMAX screen.

IMAX Theater at California Science Center near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

IMAX Theater at California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037

While you’re at the California Science Center, turn your visit into an all-day science adventure! Visit the exhibit galleries and watch an IMAX movie on the giant 7-story screen. Transport yourself to awesome new worlds and engage your senses in endless colors and soul-stirring sounds. Every element in the state-of-the-art theater is specially designed to create an immersive experience, ensuring movie magic each time the lights go down. The IMAX with Laser projection system will draw you into the action like never before. Coupled with IMAX’s next-generation 12 channel surround sound system, our IMAX Theater brings to life worlds as small as an atom and as vast as the universe. Check website for IMAX movie schedule.

GRAMMY Museum Musical Crossroads near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Musical Crossroads GRAMMY Museum 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Musical Crossroads is a sprawling digital touch table that allows visitors to explore hundreds of artists, singles, albums, decades, and music scenes, and discover what connects them. The interactive experience is a dynamic way for visitors to see and hear music they love—and discover even more great music. Created in partnership with IBM, Musical Crossroads is a 21st century version of the original Crossroads table, which debuted in 2008 when the museum opened. The new version features AI models and IBM watsonx to identify patterns across genres, artists, and eras, and reveal how sounds evolve and influence one another over time.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Bubble Planet Experience

Photo #2: Hospital of Emotions

Photo #3: DATALAND

Photo #4: The Obscure

Photo #5: The Institute for Art and Olfaction

Photo #6: The Broad

Photo #7: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo #8: California Science Center

Photo #9: California Science Center

Photo #10: GRAMMY Museum

Circa’s 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in LA

The heat is on, with no end in sight. Temperatures may be soaring, but if you resist the temptation to hunker down in your air conditioned cocoon, you’ll find a multitude of refreshing opportunities to survive the summer sizzle. From immersive exhibitions to rafting on the LA River, and even an indoor ice skating rink, we’ve rounded up 10 cool ways to beat the heat in LA!

Circa elliptical pool & cabanas at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

1 – Take a Dip

Happiness begins at home! Luxuriate in the resort-like ambiance of Circa’s two-acre rooftop park and amenity collection. Our 75-foot lap pool provides a revitalizing respite from sultry summer weather. Enjoy a dip in the elliptical pool and take a relaxing break in our private cabanas.

LA Underwater Immersive Experience at NHM near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

2 – Experience an Immersive Show

L.A. Underwater: The Prehistoric Sea Beneath Us NHM 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Before it was the vibrant city we know, Los Angeles was underwater for over 90 million years. Dive into NHM’s multimedia-rich, immersive exhibition L.A. Underwater and discover L.A.’s prehistoric past through the stories of nearly 40 fossils that are uncovering the secrets of our submerged prehistory. Many of these fossils were found by everyday Angelenos, from construction workers unearthing over 2,000 fish fossils while working on the Metro line to Museum neighbors discovering a whale skull while digging an irrigation ditch in Lincoln Heights. These locally-discovered fossils are helping scientists understand the topography of the city’s past and present.

LA Kings Valley Ice Center indoor ice skating near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

3 – Skate like a King at an Indoor Rink

LA Kings Valley Ice Center 8750 Van Nuys Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402

The Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center, home of the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, is a two ice surface facility located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. The rink offers everything in relation to ice including hockey, ice skating, curling, broomball, public sessions, sticktime, learn to skate classes, group lessons, private lessons, filming, and special events.

Lucky Strike at LA Live near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

4 – Go Bowling

Lucky Strike at LA Live 800 W Olympic Blvd. Ste. 250, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Just steps away from the Crypto.com Arena, Lucky Strike at LA Live is the perfect place to roll a few frames, shoot some pool, and enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty bites. Featuring 18 premium lanes, tons of screens to catch all the big games, and plenty of tasty cuisine to fuel your fun, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Check out the luxury suite that offers a private setting with four lanes, two billiards tables, and a private bar.

The Velaslavasay Panorama near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

5 – Visit a Museum You’ve Never Heard Of

The Velaslavasay Panorama 1122 W 24th St. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Drawing on the illustrious history of the grand panoramas of the 18th and 19th centuries, The Velaslavasay Panorama is an exhibition hall, theatre, and garden dedicated to the production and presentation of unusual visual experiences and performances, including those of the 360-degree variety, linear moving panoramas, immersive media art, and experimental performance. The Velaslavasay Panorama panoramic exhibition encircles the spectator within a fully enveloping atmosphere; a vast painting of a continuous surrounding landscape, accompanied by sound stimulation and three-dimensional elements, affording the viewer an opportunity to experience a complete sensory phenomenon.

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream at Grand Central Market near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

6 – Chill Out with an Ice Cream Treat

McConnell’s Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

For over 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Social District Farmers’ Market near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

7 – Shop for Fresh Produce

Social District Farmers’ Market 1099 S Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90015

South Park is now the Social District! The Social District Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9AM – 2PM. Farmers bring local fruits, vegetables, and cheese, while foodies bring artisanal breads, small-batch jams, Southern gumbo, hummus, and so much more! Shop handmade gifts like ceramics and body products while listening to live music. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine! Sign up for their newsletter for recipes, vendor profiles, and special events.

8 – Kayak the LA River

LA River Expeditions

Start your urban adventure! LA River Expeditions is the original boating organization on the Los Angeles River. Their 2008 expedition down the river’s 51 miles (from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean) launched LA River Expeditions’ involvement with the LA River revitalization as a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in our community. LA River enthusiasts can book kayak tours in both Los Angeles River recreational zones: Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone and Elysian Valley Recreation Zone.

Escape Room LA near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

9 – Escape the Heat in an Escape Room

Escape Room LA 120 E 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Escape Room LA is Los Angeles’ first and original escape room. Their acclaimed games will transport you into new worlds as you’re immersed in a thrilling experience that you’ll never forget. Escape Room LA has been in operation since 2014 and has hosted tens of thousands of participants, including many Hollywood celebrities including Emma Stone, Halle Berry, Conan O’Brien, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser and more. Working with many of Hollywood’s finest scenic artists and fabricators, the immersive design and production quality of the games is at the highest level to give you the best possible escape room experience.

The Obscure Distillery near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

10 – Step Inside a Mystical Cocktail Adventure

The Obscure 1356 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Circa LA

Photo #2: Circa LA

Photo #3: Natural History Museum

Photo #4: LA Kings Valley Ice Center

Photo #5: Lucky Strike at LA Live

Photo #6: The Velaslavasay Panorama

Photo #7: McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

Photo #8: Social District Farmers’ Market

Photo #9: LA River Expeditions

Photo #10: Escape Room LA

Photo #11: The Obscure

Circa Gets Spooked with LA’s Scariest Halloween Happenings

Get ready to encounter a harvest of horrors this Halloween! We’ve gathered some of LA’s scariest happenings, from ghostly mansions and frightening illusions to a haunted hayride, many not far from Circa. You don’t want to miss Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Gloria Molina Grand Park, featuring 19 stunning altars created by local artists. One of Mexico’s most colorful holidays, Los Angeles has embraced this beloved tradition, honoring the departed spirits of our lives. And speaking of spirits, dare to immerse yourself at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée or try an other-worldly tasting experience at The Obscure Distillery. Check websites for details.

Circa Fright Night

Prepare yourself for a chilling night where your favorite horror villains come to life! Thrill to Special Guest DJ and Frightful Entertainment, Spooky Snacks, and Sinful Cocktails. Get your Photo Op and join in our Villain Costume Contest. RSVP in Resident Portal. Scan QR code to download Circa App. Saturday October 26, 8th Floor Lounge, 8:00PM – 11PM

Grand Park Día de los Muertos Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Experience the vibrant tradition of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día De Los Muertos celebration. This two-week exhibition features 19 stunning altars created by local artists and community organizations. You can contribute to the community altar by leaving a copy of a framed photo, memento, or message to remember someone special.

Gustavo Dudamel Día de los Muertos Halloween concert near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Día de Los Muertos with Dudamel Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nov 1 Gustavo Dudamel leads a festive exploration of Latin American music for Día de los Muertos with the LA Phil, Tambuco Percussion Ensemble, and Los Angeles Master Chorale. Start your festivities with a complimentary pre-concert drink on the Walt Disney Concert Hall rooftop with Drinks in the Garden beginning at 6:30pm. In honor of the Día de Los Muertos with Dudamel concerts, the LA Phil commissioned five local artists to create altars that celebrate Latin American culture, ancestry, and identity. The exhibition will be on display throughout Walt Disney Concert Hall from October 25 to November 3.

House of Spirits Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée Nocturne Theatre 324 N Orange St. Glendale, CA. 91203

House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée is an immersive theatrical cocktail soirée inside an elegantly macabre haunted estate! Enjoy craft cocktails and a night of extravagant entertainment, music, surreal magic, sinister characters, and interactive guest experiences. Freely roam the mysterious haunted mansion and experience a night of haunting entertainment, strange roaming specters, and so much more! Ask the Giant Ouija Board questions as you commune and interact with the spirits of the house. If you feel like digging a little deeper, speak with the inhabitants of the house to reveal a gruesome story that haunts the mansion.

The Obscure Distillery Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Obscure 1356 Palmetto St. Los Angeles, CA, 90013

Let magical spirits guide you through a dreamlike world at The Obscure, the first cocktail bar in California run by a distillery, where spirit-makers and bar tenders collaborate for an unmatched tasting experience. The Obscure intertwines mixology with storytelling to create a bewitching candlelit evening filled with creativity and live art. Guests can drink their way through history and mythology by attending one of two guided cocktail tastings, each pairing three house spirits with three craft cocktails.

Carved Descanso Gardens Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Carved Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Come discover a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route, and even more pumpkin fun! Encounter returning favorites and fresh delights. The new Descanso Railroad will be specially lit for Carved, and a family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs by Chainsaw Jenna will add a touch of playful mischief to the event. You’ll be amazed by luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and “Rhizome” installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere. Rain or shine, Carved shines on.

Haunted Hayride Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Griffith Park 730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Experience the world-famous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – the ultimate halloween event. The Hayride leads to a thrilling adventure of horrors afflicting the town of Midnight Falls, with the Town Square at the epicenter of the festivities. While guests walk around between attractions or hang out to soak in the atmosFEAR, various townsfolk from the Midnight Falls community roam the space interacting with guests and attending to their local business. The Spirit of Halloween comes to life surrounding helpless victims brave enough to board The Hayride.

Nights of the Jack Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Nights of the Jack King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas, CA 91302

Thirty miles northwest of Hollywood, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s a strange and shadowy wonderland that everyone’s been whispering about. This season, Nights of the Jack is back and brighter than ever. You’ll discover Jack o’ lanterns from every mystical sphere and a spook-tacular illuminated light show under the autumn sky. It’s not just an illusion, it’s an experience. Brace yourself with a hot cider or seasonal cocktail from the Spookeasy bar, and fortify yourself with some festive fall treats. Follow the 1 mile trail at King Gillette Ranch, glimmering at every turn with blazing gourds around every corner. Be sure to have your cameras ready and enjoy!

Halloween Horror Nights Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608

Legend has it you should never go alone to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Southern California’s scariest Halloween event. Summon your scream squad and you might survive. Enter eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror. The Terror Tram is back and scarier than ever. Experience scream-filled scare zones and enjoy exhilarating rides and attractions. Whether you want to scream one night or multiple nights, or get the blood-red carpet treatment on an R.I.P. Tour, there are many nightmares to choose from.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Experience Halloween near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Experience Ovation Hollywood 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028

Step beyond the screen and into the Afterlife where everyone’s favorite bio-exorcist, Beetlejuice, is dying to see you! For a limited time, grab your Afterlife Passport and take a seat in the Waiting Room, where you’ll be immersed into the strange world of the Recently Deceased, filled with ghoulish, interactive entertainment, photo ops, and themed food & drinks that are to die for.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Circa

Photo #3: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #4: LA Phil

Photo #5: House of Spirits

Photo #6: The Obscure

Photo #7: Descanso Gardens

Photo #8: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Photo #9: Nights of the Jack

Photo #10: Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo #11: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Experience