The Great Wall of LA

Been here a couple times when I was living in LA… It’s a great place to visit day or night … If you appreciate art then this is a must see.
It’s about a mile long of walls filled with murals. Take a stroll here with family, your significant other or your pet.
I recommend parking in a well lit area no matter what time of day because although it’s relatively in a nice area, there has been times where I’ve seen several sketchy people hanging around.

If you are a history buff and lover of public art, the Great Wall is a must.
Situated on about two blocks along Coldwater Canyon, the wall goes through Los Angeles history from the pre-​historic era (dinosaurs) to the 1950s.
For more info visit
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Nothing special to me. I appreciate the people who spent the time making the mural, but it’s not much of a tourist attraction, more like street art. I would appreciate it more if the location was not next to a school, and beneath ground level. I would not come again.

This is a classic landmark in the valley. Though the LA river may not flow, this mural is definitely worth checking out. One end to another is just shy of half a mile, so it’s a nice stroll.
Travel north (Burbank to Oxnard) to see California history from beginning to modern day.

A not to miss piece of art and a history lesson as well. Loved that the timeline encompassed the good, the bad and the ugly and lesser known people in it. Did some homework when I got home. Every 4^th grader studying California history should go. Pleasant and short walk. Easy parking along Coldwater.

Truffles had the most fun, definitely going back. Everyone a passed said hello back and the other dogs were gr8. I can’t believe it was so close and I didn’t even know.

So how did I end up here?
My 4^th grader read a book in school and said he wanted to come see it…
This place is pretty neat. It is ½ mile long mural of the history of California.
It is located in a storm wash in Valley Glen between Oxnard Street & Burbank Blvd.
If you have time make sure to check this out.

Cool historical mural of L.A. It covers lots of things I didn’t know, and if you examine it closely, you can find more meaning in the hidden details. If you want to take pictures, I think it’s better to go in the morning, when the sun shines from the east, as the mural is east-​facing.

I like murals and this/​these are pretty amazing! It seems to go on and on forever. I also like what it is about (a timeline of Los Angeles history). The colors are brilliant and the quality of the work is superb! It is definitely worth grabbing your camera and taking a trip down here. No selfies please!

I like murals. I love Great Murals and this Mural is Great! It goes on and on (seems like about and is a timeline of Los Angeles history. The colors are brilliant and the quality of the work is exceptional! If you live nearby, it is worthy of periodic trips to learn more and more about LA history. If you are and out of towner, then allow an hour or so to take a stroll and bring your camera!

This 2,754 foot artwork is one of the longest murals in the world and depicts California history from 20,000 B.C. to 1984. The mural is located in the Tujunga Flood Control Channel on Coldwater Canyon Ave between Oxnard St & Burbank Blvd in the community of Valley Glen.
There is not much for me to say that hasn’t been said by others here but this is a nice little diversion, a pleasant half mile walk along an artwork depicting key moments in history. Start at the south end if you want start at the earliest point in the murals history. Please note that when I was there someone seemed to be living in the large shrubbery on the south end. If you take this stroll in the morning the grass will most likely be wet.
I have posted several closeups of the panels and if you would like to take a virtual tour of the mural click here:
to see a video I took the last time I was there. The video will take you through the entire mural from the south end to the north end. I did exclude several panels of text because it would be too difficult to read while the camera was panning by.

Back when I was taking my California Cultures class at CSUF, my professor would frequently reference the Great Wall of Los Angeles in his teachings since this extensive mural covers so many points in history — especially those that high schools here tend to skip over.
Need proof? While Lee A. and I walked along the fence, a group of teenagers (looked to be about seniors in high school) were heading in the opposite direction, toward us. As we neared each other, Lee and I could hear them addressing the Manzanar section of the mural. Of the six of them, only one knew what it was about and started to explain the Japanese internment as best she could while the others listened with shocked expressions.
The mural has the expected historic milestones (the Chumash, Spanish conquest and the missions, the Gold Rush, the world wars, the citrus industry, Hollywood, etc). But it also includes the assimilation of American Indians, the Chinese Massacre of 1871, the Beats, the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis, the division of the barrios and Chavez Ravine, white flight, the roles of women during the wars, the deportation of half a million Mexican Americans during the 1930s, Israel refugees, and as mentioned Manzanar and the «Go For Broke» Fighting 442^nd.
I mean, so quickly people forget how others were dragged out of their homes, which were bulldozed behind them, and Dodger Stadium was built on the land.
The recent restoration is GLORIOUS. The mural is no longer peeling and the colors are so solid and vibrant. There’s so much to learn from the mural as each moment in history melts into the next.
It’s viewable from the park above the flood control wash. Best to park near Coldwater Canyon Ave and Burbank Blvd, where the mural begins (If you see a prehistoric ground sloth sticking its tongue out at the rest of the mural, you’re in good shape), and walk along the fence, parallel to Coldwater Canyon, toward Oxnard Street.

You have never been to LA if you haven’t seen this mural. The Great Wall of LA by Judith Baca is a perfect example of the critical Chicano muralist tradition.
Painted along a walking path lined with grass and trees, it is also a nice ½-​mile walk for people of all ages and abilities.

Often I get a little envious that most of the historical landmarks that have set identity to this country are found around the East Coast. After my visit to The Great Wall of LA, that envy is no more!
Outside of the cookie cutter history books that are written from one perspective, The Great Wall involved a diverse group of young individuals with their families working with historians, artists and academicians to give an accurate and personal presentation of California/​Los Angeles history!
It cost nothing but a drive to Valley Glen College to enjoy this amazing mural! Not only is there art to be enjoyed but there is a belt of grass along with a pathway around the mural that is great for a little power walk! ha ha Parking is easily available and there is plenty of shade, perhaps in a warm day!
This is a definite treasure of LA. The issues and events that are depicted in the panels are some that are still being fought about in the present time! It is an indescribable feeling learning more that LA is not just a place of aesthetics and money! It is a place of progression and enriching cultures!
You will not regret your visit!

Beautiful work of urban art. A must see for any visitor to L.A. or a resident who appreciates art in the urban environment. It takes more time to drive to it than to walk it, so take the time to check it out.

The previous posters have described this wall very well. I found out about the wall when I was at an exhibit at MOCA at the Geffen. There was a video about its creation that appeared on PBS with Bill Moyers. I Googled the Great Wall and found the address and today I drove out to see the wall myself.
After breakfast in Larchmont Village, I headed up the Hollywood Freeway and was soon parking on the street by parallel to the flood channel. I walked the length of the murals going from newest to oldest near Burbank Boulevard and then I returned.
The colors are astonishing! The talent of the participants is stunning! There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this wonderful art! Go see it. Definitely a 5 star experience!

****#174 of 365 Things to Do in L.A. (
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In Valley Glen, a community of the San Fernando Valley, lies one of the most magnificent murals in Los Angeles – the Great Wall of Los Angeles.
Spanning half a mile along the L.A. River, this mural depicts California history from prehistoric times to the 1980’s. It was designed by artist Judith Baca and painted by over 400 community youths and artists in the 1970s to ‘80s.
You can’t go down into the river and see the murals up close since it’s fenced off, but there is a paved walkway alongside it that lets you see the whole thing.
It is located on Coldwater Canyon Blvd between Oxnard St. and Burbank Blvd. The murals are on the wall of the waterway that faces east.
Visit the link above for a video and pictures of this unbelievable masterpiece!

If you’re a student at Valley College then there is no way escaping this beautiful long mural, especially if you take an art class… I’m pretty sure they will talk about this mural.
It’s inside the wash… so you can’t get close enough to touch it but you don’t need to because admiring it is awesome from a distance. I can’t explain it because you really need to see it for yourself. If you are ever at Valley College and want me to go with you, just let me know because I wouldn’t mind taking a walk beside it. :)

It is a pleasant stroll, to walk beside the Tujunga Wash at this particular stretch, and view the restored mural that is one of the longest in the world. It tells the story of California (with an emphasis on Los Angeles), from the time of the mastadons to the 1970s. I particularly liked the attention paid to the plight of various groups (immigrants, Chavez Ravine removal, plight of the farmworkers, African-​American civil rights movement, Japanese internment, McCarthyishm black list of Hollywood, etc) as well as depictions of the baby boom, rise of suburbia, and the dreams for a future with the then upcoming 1984 Olympics signified by the spirits of the past and the victimized helping the future athletes amid a woman carrying the torch into the future.

I am a Valley College past student… and I know every inch of the campus… as well as this gem… located just steps from the College… bordering Oxnard Street and Burbank Blvd… along Coldwater Cyn. I’m SURE all past & present students have seen it as well 8))
They have a walking path along there… and people are wandering around here and there all thru the day.
Lots of trees
Squirrels
Grass
and of course… THE MURALS
Inside of the wash… down below… all along the far wall… you can see them
So colorful and beautiful
I walked the whole length of the Murals… and took pictures of EACH and every one
I LOVE them!!!
The bridge… as long as I had seen it… was closed… and you couldn’t walk across.
now I see they have BIGGGGG Plans for this area… and I couldn’t be happier. I love that area right there.
The old oak bridge has finally been removed to make way for a new «GREEN BRIDGE»
The «Green Bridge» will be solar lit and composed in part from the debris of the Los Angeles River with interpretive panels along the expanse of the Bridge from which the public can view the River and the ½ mile of mural along its banks.
~~How HOT is that~~
The new Valley College Bridge will replace and existing bridge crossing the Tujunga Wash Flood control Channel.
The bridge will be replaced in the same location between Miranda Street and Hatteras Street on the west side of the Coldwater Canyon Blvd.
The new bridge will function, not only as a point to cross the Tujunga wash but also as a viewing station and interpretive center to view the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural
The total impact of the bridge will be that it will be an instructional site about the river and the history of the diverse people of Los Angeles while it reconnects the two sides of the channel.
YAHHHHHH!!!
I can’t wait to drive over there and see what’s up…
I’m goin over there tomorrow
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is a mural designed by Judith Baca With a length of 2,754 feet, it is credited as one of the longest murals in the world.
If you like Murals… with storys behind each and every one… bring your cameras… and check out this gem in the Valley…