The Occult Symbolism of the Los Angeles Central Library(Part 1)

Throughout the history of Western Civilization, libraries have been the repositories of nations’ accumulated knowledge and the epicenters of their culture. Central libraries, more than being big buildings containing books, are important landmarks designed with impressive architecture and filled with symbolic art. The Los Angeles Central Library is certainly no exception. An in-depth look at the art found at the Library is quite a revealing one: It describes the occult philosophy of those in power. We will look at the Central Library’s history and the hidden meaning of its architecture.

Built in 1926, the Central Library is an important landmark of downtown Los Angeles. It is the central piece of one of the largest publicly funded library systems in the world, the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL). Most touristic pamphlets describe the building’s design to be inspired by ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival architecture. As we will see, this choice of design is not simply an aesthetic one, it rather recalls the teachings and the symbolism of the ancient mystery schools of Antiquity.  In fact, after decoding the library’s many esoteric features, we can safely say that the building is mainly inspired by Freemasonry, which is, in turn, heavily steeped in ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean mysteries.

The Egyptian Room of a Masonic Lodge attest to the great importance of Egyptian mysteries in Masonic lore.

The Library’s tiled pyramid, two sphinxes, celestial mosaics and other details turn this public space into a true occult temple. Furthermore, the library is definitely built with an elitist state of mind. The true meaning of the art on display seems to be solely intended for initiates of secret societies and not the masses.  Before we examine the building’s most important features, let’s look at the background of its builders.

Elite Architect: Bertram Goodhue

Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, architect of numerous buildings of power.

The LA Central Library was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, a prominent architect who was recognized and hired by America’s most powerful people. His works include governmental and military buildings, churches, libraries and the private houses of politicians.

One of the most recognized elite buildings designed by Goodhue is the headquarters of the Wolf’s Head Society – a secret society of Yale University. Along with the notorious Skull & Bones and Scroll & Key – the two other secret societies found at Yale - Wolf’s Head functions are quite similar to Freemasonry: It is a discreet yet major force influencing one of America’s most elite universities. It has held within its ranks members who went on to become prominent politicians, diplomats, lawyers and athletes.

The insignia of Yale’s Wolf Head Society.

Perhaps Goodhue’s most notable project is the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel of the University of Chicago. Commissioned by America’s most powerful tycoon, John D. Rockefeller, the ecumenical Chapel is used for various religious celebrations. Rockefeller stated that the Chapel was meant to be the campus’ “central and dominant feature”.

The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

The Chapel was designed in collaboration with Lee Lawrie, America’s foremost architectural sculptor. The duo worked on several other important projects such as Nebraska’s State Capitol and the Los Angeles Central Library, the subject of this article.

Sculpture of Bertram Goodhue holding the Rockefeller Chapel by the Rockefeller’s favourite sculptor, Lee Lawrie.

Elite Sculptor: Lee Lawrie

Lee Lawrie

Born in Germany in 1877, Lawrie came to the United States at the age of 5. After learning the craft from some of America’s leading artists,  Lawrie collaborated with Goodhue on several projects and became America’s leading sculptor. His unique style and his knowledge of occult symbolism, ancient mysteries and Masonic principles apparently made him the elite’s artist. Some of his high-profile commissions include: the allegorical relief panels of the United States Senate, the Louisiana State Capitol, the statue of George Washington at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C and the Harkness Tower of Yale University.

Lawrie’s statue of George Washington at the National Cathedral. Notice the Masonic Square and Compass behind him.

Lawrie’s most recognizable works are however displayed at the Rockefeller Center.

Lawrie’s Wisdom, above the main entrance of 5, Rockefeller Center, NY. The sculpture, depicts a gnostic demi-urge holding a Masonic compass.

 Another important piece conceived by Lawrie at the Rockefeller Center is the statue of Atlas.

Lee Lawrie’s Atlas at Rockefeller Center.

Atlas is used by the ruling class as a metaphor “for the people who produce the most in society”, and therefore “holding up the world” in a metaphorical sense. Not surprisingly, Atlas is associated with some of the most important works of fictions describing the point of view of the elite.

Fritz Lang’s Metropolis and Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: two classic works of fiction describing the vision of the world’s occult elite. Both work’s promotional material feature Atlas, a metaphor for the elite “upholding the world”.

Knowing that Goodhue and Lawrie produced symbolic architecture for America’s most prominent tycoons, politicians and institutions, would you be surprised if the Central Library contained the same?

For a few days, I'm going to publish the second part about the Central Library.