The complex was originally founded as the Eastside Brewery in 1897.
The buildings were repurposed as live-work artist studios in the early 1980s under the City of Los Angeles' Artist-in-Residence code.
The site includes over 100 individual studio units, some of which feature massive, multi-story open floor plans.
During the event, many residents open their private living quarters alongside their professional workspaces.
The Brewery Art Walk occurs consistently every spring and fall.
The complex is recognized as the largest singular concentration of artists in Los Angeles.
The Brewery Art Walk is a biannual open-studio event hosted at the Brewery Art Complex, a converted former Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery. It is recognized as the world's largest artist-in-residence community, housing over 300 artists across 20 interconnected industrial buildings. Visitors can explore working studios, galleries, and private lofts that are generally closed to the public outside of these event weekends. The complex occupies 16 acres of industrial-zoned property in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. The site showcases a diverse range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, and functional art. The architecture retains heavy industrial elements, such as exposed brick and steel beams, reflecting its 19th-century history as an industrial production facility. The event is self-guided, allowing guests to walk through the labyrinthine alleyways and studio spaces.
The central courtyard between the large industrial brick silos and the mural-adorned warehouse walls.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the campus involves uneven concrete surfaces and stairs.
Bring a physical map or download the digital directory, as the campus layout is complex and lacks standard grid-based navigation.
Bring cash, as some individual artists may not have mobile payment capabilities for small items or prints.
Do not attempt to visit the residential studio complex outside of the designated semi-annual event dates, as the site is private property.
Open only during two specific weekend-long events held annually in the spring and fall.
Respect private property boundaries; do not enter residential areas unless explicitly marked as part of the public art walk.
