Exposition Park Rose Garden
A historic sunken rose garden in the heart of Los Angeles
Exposition Park Rose Garden is a 7-acre formal garden in Los Angeles, California, known for its thousands of rose bushes and wide range of varieties. Established in 1927, it draws visitors for its floral displays, statues, and as a peaceful spot for gatherings and events.
- Home to thousands of rose bushes and over 200 varieties
- Features four marble statues by sculptor Thyra Boldsen
- Annual pruning demonstrations attract rose enthusiasts
- Located next to major museums and USC campus
- Popular filming location for movies and TV shows
What is Exposition Park Rose Garden?
The Exposition Park Rose Garden is a large, sunken garden featuring thousands of rose bushes arranged in formal beds. Visitors will find a central fountain, four gazebos, and several marble statues at the corners. The garden is surrounded by museums and the University of Southern California, making it a green oasis in a busy urban area. Its wide paths and open lawns invite people to stroll, relax, or take photos among the blooms.
The history of Exposition Park Rose Garden
The land was once part of Los Angeles’s Agricultural Park, used for racing and other amusements until the early 1900s. Plans for a wildflower garden were announced in 1914, but the rose garden itself was planted in 1927, starting with 15,000 bushes of over 100 types. The garden was created as a tribute to Southern California’s climate and love of roses, and has been expanded and protected over time.
What there is to see
The garden is planted with a wide range of rose varieties, which are arranged in carefully designed beds. Four marble statues by Thyra Boldsen, each with a theme related to womanhood and joy, stand at the corners. The site also features gazebos and a central fountain. Roses are maintained through regular care, including annual pruning demonstrations that have drawn large crowds.
When to go
People visit the garden throughout the year for its floral displays, quiet atmosphere, and special events like weddings. It is a popular spot for photography, reflection, and community gatherings. The garden has also served as a filming location for movies and television, making it familiar to many beyond Los Angeles.
Parts and collections
Over the years, the number of rose bushes and varieties has grown, with more than 200 types recorded by the 1980s. The All-America Rose Selection group has contributed their Rose of the Year annually since 1940, adding to the diversity. The garden’s design includes both classic and newer rose varieties.
Why Exposition Park Rose Garden matters
The garden is recognized as a historic site and is valued as a symbol of beauty and community in Los Angeles. Its statues celebrate themes of love and motherhood. The site has faced threats from development, but public support has helped preserve it as a public space. Its presence in films and TV has made it a cultural landmark.
The flowers of Exposition Park Rose Garden
Questions people ask about Exposition Park Rose Garden
Where is the Exposition Park Rose Garden located?
The garden is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, near the University of Southern California and several museums.
What kinds of roses can you see there?
Visitors can see a wide range of rose varieties, with more than 200 types planted in the garden by the 1980s.
Why is the garden considered historic?
The garden was established in 1927 and has been recognized for its cultural and community value, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
What else can visitors find in the garden?
Besides roses, the garden features gazebos, a central fountain, and four marble statues with themes of love, life, and motherhood.
Has the garden appeared in films or television?
Yes, the garden has been used as a location in shows like 'Bones' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' as well as several movies.
Good reading and sources
- Exposition Park Rose Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Exposition Park Rose Garden", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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