The Art Deco Society returns to the Gallery Bar at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles for our annual Cocktails in Historic Places® holiday tradition of sipping cocktails that sparkle in the light of the hotel's lavish Holiday decor! Festive Holiday Attire encouraged. Gallery Bar at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles

There is no cost to attend, but due to the size of the space, we do require RSVP. This event is limited to members. Members will get an email about this on 11/15.

This gathering is free, but you are on the hook for food and beverage you wish to consume. Traditionally, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members gather once a month in an historic building with a bar, to socialize.

Whether your passion lies in architecture, L.A. lore or simply great cocktails, the Biltmore Hotel is a must-see. The gorgeously ornate landmark has made appearances in countless films and even the Beatles made a pit stop there in 1964 during their first U.S. tour.

When the hotel officially opened in 1923 it was the largest hotel west of Chicago, attaining official historic monument status in 1969. The interior design is spectacular, with frescoed mural ceilings painted in 1922 by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi, known for his work in the Vatican, the White House, the Vanderbilt Hotel and New York’s Grand Central Terminal.

In May of 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded at a luncheon banquet in the Crystal Ballroom where the original sketch for the Oscar statue was reportedly drawn on a napkin. The Biltmore subsequently became home to the Academy Award Ceremony in its early years where notables such as Clark Gable, Walt Disney and Ginger Rogers accepted their awards on the premises.

The Gallery Bar is just to the right as you enter the lobby. Legend has it that Elizabeth Short (aka The Black Dahlia) was last seen alive leaving this area at the Biltmore in 1947, although according to some, she never left. In recent years, a woman in a black dress who was told to leave the mezzanine area walked to the wall and purportedly disappeared. The bar menu features a Black Dahlia martini in her honor.

The Biltmore Hotel is located on Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles, near the 110 freeway, just around the corner from Cicada Club. The Metro Red Line subway stop is just one block from the hotel, across from Pershing Square at Hill St. Paid valet parking is available at the Biltmore Hotel and paid self parking is available at nearby lots, including the Pershing Square Garage across the street.