Archive and Events
Southwestern Law School has occupied the historic Bullocks Wilshire building since 1995, following the closure of the iconic department store. As demonstrated by the award-winning adaptive reuse and restoration work by and on behalf of Southwestern, the school is dedicated to continuing to support the preservation of this architectural treasure and the legacy of the department store that was once synonymous with the glamour of Hollywood.
To be notified of future salon and Friends of Bullocks Wilshire events, please join our Friends of Bullocks Wilshire mailing list.
Join the Friends of Bullocks Wilshire Mailing List
Since its construction in 1929, the Bullocks Wilshire Building has been a proud part of Los Angeles history. It was designated a Los Angeles Cultural Monument in 1969 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. Today, the Bullocks Wilshire Building is both a beloved iconic landmark for the city and a vibrant academic center for training future leaders of the community. In 1994, Southwestern Law School purchased the landmark Bullocks Wilshire Building from the R.H. Macy Company- an event that marked the beginning of a new era for the law school and the building. Since then, the former department store has undergone extensive restoration and renovation, reclaiming its original art deco glamour in an adaptation that has created a stunning law library, a functioning courtroom, classrooms, offices, and spectacular public rooms for a variety of functions.
Bullocks Wilshire Open House Weekend
Annually hosted in the summer.
Because it is part of the Southwestern Law School campus, the Bullocks Wilshire Building is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis. However, once a year, the building is open to the public for two special events.
Tea and Tour Saturday
Attendees’ travels to the past begin with a docent-led tour of the restored architectural jewel that is the Bullocks Wilshire Building. This fully guided tour includes every major section of the restored building such as rare glimpses at the original walnut-laden office of John Bullock, a prime view of the Bullocks Wilshire tower from the Dean’s private balcony, the southwestern flair of the Salle Moderne, and the chinoiserie of the Coco Chanel Room. Each of tours culminates with a luncheon or high tea - all of which feature specialty items from the original Bullocks Wilshire menu served seated on linen and china in the legendary Tea Room.
Note: This event is by e-mail invitation only. Invitations to the specific events are sent out in advance of the event to the appropriate donor level and will include the ticket price and reservation information. Those who support Friends of Bullocks Wilshire at the Sponsor Level ($100) and above receive early access to registration.
Open House Sunday
This is a great opportunity for the public to leisurely enjoy the treasures of this historic landmark, where our self-guided tour pamphlets will be provided to help you explore the building throughout the day.
The Bullocks Wilshire Salon Series
With the new Bullocks Wilshire Salon Series, the public may once again explore this architectural jewel and reflect on the many ways Bullocks Wilshire has shaped Los Angeles. Each Salon will feature a special guest lecturer discussing a Bullocks Wilshire-related topic, such as Art Deco design and architecture, 20th Century Fashion, or the many Hollywood legends who once shopped here.
**Minimum guest age is 12.
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Past Events
Past Salons
The Architecture and Design Legacy of Jock Peters
featuring Christopher Long,
Author of "Jock Peters, Architecture and Design: The Varieties of Modernism"
Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
In-person at Southwestern Campus
Join us as author Christopher Long delves into the architectural and design legacy of Jock Peters in one of Peter’s greatest masterpieces, Bullocks Wilshire. The event includes a self-guided tour of the main floor, an author talk, a Q&A session, and a light dessert reception, during which Long will autograph books. Participants will also have the opportunity to view a variety of beautiful vintage items from our new Bullocks Wilshire Fashion Archive.
Due to limited spaces, we anticipate that the event will sell out quickly.
Pricing and Parking
The cost of attendance is $75. To be notified when registration opens, send your name, email, and address to Events@SWLaw.edu.
Complimentary parking is available in our parking structure on the day of the event. The parking entrance is located at Wilshire Place and 7th street. Visit www.swlaw.edu/directions for a map and directions.
About "Jock Peters, Architecture and Design: The Varieties of Modernism"
Scholar and historian Christopher Long turns his attention to the German-born architect and designer Jock Peters (1889-1934), a largely forgotten figure of early Los Angeles modernism. His most notable works include the iconic Bullock’s Wilshire store in Los Angeles, the once-famous Hollander department store in New York City, and his dynamic sales office for Maddux Air Lines. This visually rich study captures the varieties of modernism that define Peter’s work—including his film sets for Famous Players-Lasky—and includes never-before-published material from the architect’s personal archive, still in family hands. These remarkable images, alongside Long’s insightful and lively narrative, demonstrate how Peters, despite his early death, managed to leave his mark on the modernist landscape in Southern California at a time when the new style was just emerging.
About the Author
Christopher Long is Martin S. Kermacy Centennial Professor of Architectural History at the University of Texas at Austin. He has published widely on modern architecture and design in Central Europe and the United States. His many books include Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2007); Kem Weber: Designer and Architect (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2014); The Rise of Everyday Design: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain and America; exhibition catalogue, co–edited with Monica Penick (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2019); Essays on Adolf Loos (Prague: Kant, 2019); and Jock Peters, Architecture and Design: The Varieties of Modernism (New York: Bauer and Dean Publishers, 2021).
In 2022, Southwestern established the Bullocks Wilshire Fashion Archives, a collection of more than 200 items sold by Bullocks Wilshire during the years the store existed, 1929–1994.
To view all archive items, please visit our Flickr album.
Donate
If you have an item of clothing or ephemera related to Bullocks Wilshire that you would like to donate, please contact our Archivist at SHalpert@swlaw.edu.