The History of LA’s Art Districts: From Skid Row to the SoHo of the West.

If you’ve ever wandered through LA’s Arts District, you’ve probably noticed it has a vibe all its own—gritty, creative, alive. But did you know this now-buzzing hub for galleries, murals, and lofts actually started as a warehouse wasteland?

Back in the 1970s, the Arts District was little more than empty industrial buildings on the edge of Skid Row. But where others saw decay, artists saw opportunity. Cheap rent and wide-open spaces drew painters, sculptors, and makers who transformed these old warehouses into studios and live-work lofts. Before long, a creative community started to take root, quietly laying the groundwork for what we see today.

By the 1980s and ‘90s, word had gotten out. Galleries and cultural spaces began popping up, showcasing not just local talent but also putting LA on the map as a serious player in the contemporary art world. The area became known as the “SoHo of the West,” a nod to New York’s iconic art neighborhood.

Of course, growth brought change—gentrification, rising rents, and a shifting landscape. But the creative spirit remains at the heart of it all. Today, the Arts District is home to some of LA’s most exciting galleries and artists, still evolving but always rooted in its renegade beginnings.

At Baxter Art Odyssey, we love sharing this rich history on our tours because it’s more than just art—it’s a story of vision, resilience, and a city’s creative soul.