The LAX Theme Building is the site of our LAX panoramic view.  The observation deck on top of the building is open during daylight hours, 7 days a week, and is accessible via its own elevator in the lobby.  (The lobby entrance is on the east side of the building.)

The Theme Building was part of the $50 million over-all Los Angeles Jet Age Terminal Construction project which began in 1960.  On December 18, 1992, the Los Angeles City Council designated the Theme Building a cultural and historical monument.

    Architects and Engineers--A joint venture by Pereira and Luckman, Welton Becket and Associates and Paul R. Williams; Landscape Architect-Robert Herrick Carter
    General Contractor--Robert E. McKee

Steel Fabrication--Began in March 1960 and was completed in June 1960. Built and erected by Kaiser Steel’s Montebello Fabricating Division. Fabricated sections include: four upper arch sections (each 10 tons and 105 ft. long); four lower arch sections (each 39 tons and 107 ft. long); four horizontal legs (each 38 tons and 83 ft. long); tension and compression ring (33 tons and six ft. high).

Transportation--Steel sections were shipped to the site by truck during light traffic hours due to the size of the pieces. In the case of the arches, dollies were used with the arch forming the body of the truck.

Steel Erection--Tension and compression ring was erected on August 2,1960 and placed on the central column 70 ft. above the ground and helps support the restaurant and observation deck. Two large cranes (3O ton and 80 ton) were required for the job. Installation of the arches was completed on December 12,
1960. The lower sections are welded to the horizontal legs, which are attached to the central core; the upper arch sections are in turn welded to the lower arch sections and a top weldment.

Parabolic Arches-Giant steel arches, including horizontal legs which tie them to the round central core of the building, weigh a total of 348 tons. Arches were erected in two segments - lower section 107 ft. in length, and upper section 105 ft. long. Arches meet 135 ft above the ground.

Central Core--Reinforced concrete core is 85 ft. high and 30 ft. in diameter. It contains three passenger elevators and one freight elevator servicing the restaurant and observation deck.

Facilities-The Encounter Restaurant, with its space age interior and spectacular exterior lighting designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, opened January 1997. The
renovation of the restaurant and its lighting, was completed at a cost of $4 million. Spectacular food and views of aircraft operations are available from the restaurant. A separate observation deck is open daily during the daylight hours. The building is surrounded by lush gardens and the courtyard features aviation-related plaques and murals.

Construction Highlights--This was the first time supporting steel arches of this design were used. An unusual amount of steel falsework was constructed prior to
erection of steel; three temporary 80-ft. towers were constructed to support the arches; each tower was equivalent in height to an eight-story building.  Approximately 900 tons of structural steel was required for the entire building. Construction began in April 1960 and was completed in August 1961. Cost $2.2
million.

Source: Los Angeles Department of Airports Public Affairs: 310-646-5260