Ebell of Los Angeles Women’s Club: Empowering Women Through Community and Culture

I’ve been to the Ebell on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles a few times in the past. It’s a grand old building, but up until I attended its annual open house, I had no idea what it was all about. The Ebell of Los Angeles was founded as a philanthropic women’s organization in 1884 to promote women’s education, support the arts, and culture, and empower its members.

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The current building was constructed in 1927 by architect Sumner P. Hunt. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The Ebell of Los Angeles is still women-led and serves the Los Angeles community by supporting arts organizations and select charities, granting scholarships, and providing a place to network for a diverse array of professional women.

The building itself is often rented out for weddings, seminars, various events, and performances.

Entering the Clubhouse

As you walk through the ornate iron gates at the entrance to the clubhouse you will find yourself in a grand ballroom with an embellished Italian Renaissance-style ceiling. The floor, ceiling, chandeliers, and fixtures are all original.

Weddings are often performed inside with a gliding staircase designed to support the bride as she descends with her long train.

We were treated to dance performances and other entertainment after checking in.

The Art Salon

The elegant Art Salon was one of the first galleries in Los Angeles and is filled with female-centered artwork.  While I was there, there was also a display of vintage costumes, hats, and antiques. The Ebell Costume collection contains more than 800 pieces dating back to the mid-1800s. Each piece is maintained by volunteer members.

The dining room and garden

Down the hall is the dining room. Tables were set up to highlight the charities and arts organizations supported by the Ebell of Los Angeles.

There is also a small stage with burgundy velvet curtains at the end of the dining room that is used for presentations.

Just outside are seating areas overlooking the garden and courtyard.  Receptions, cocktail parties, and ceremonies are often held there.  

Fountain of Honor

At the center of the outdoor courtyard is The Fountain of Honor, which was designed in 1928 by Henry Lion in memory of the sons of Ebell members lost in WWI. The muse was modeled after the designer’s girlfriend as a symbol of hope.

Upper rooms

A guide gave us a quick tour of the building and we were taken upstairs to a small theatre that is used for lectures. We also went into the library where many early 20th-century books are stored. A theatre performance was taking place at the time I was there.

The theatre

Afterward, we walked to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, which is a performance space with over 1200 seats. I had previously attended an Opera competition and an Awards show there. The theatre is one of the oldest in Los Angeles. Judy Garland performed there as a child.

You can view the theatre’s calendar here.

Ebell trivia

Amelia Earhart gave a lecture in the Arts Salon shortly before her final flight.

The Ebell has been used often as a filming location. Some of the shows shot there include Forrest Gump, The Social Network, Gillmore Girls, Benjamin Button, and Mad Men.

It is the oldest women’s facility in Los Angeles and is still operating with the same mission to promote philanthropy, culture, and education.

A full restoration is in the planning stages.

Become a member

Membership in Ebell of Los Angeles is open to women who are interested in helping the Los Angeles community by providing support for charity organizations, awarding grants, and working with non-profits.  The organization also works to uplift and empower women through the arts, education, and service.

You are invited to join it or donate to their causes. For more information, please visit ebellofla.com.

The Ebell is located at 743 South Lucerne Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90005.