-
June 2025 by Aitana Blose
Good idea to open such an artistic book store with quite a selection.
I just don’t like the smell here that mixes painting, and formaldehyde.
I know there are so many restaurants, cafes surrounded, but still thinking why there is not a coffee shop inside a book store? Why a book store can not be more spacious, and having a space to read? I just did quick browsing. I like the books. Each one is so unique. But I don’t feel comfy to stay.
I think I do have a higher expectation when comes to a book store.
Such a big city, just have sooooo many restaurants. But not even a huge book store?
People stay in their phones, posting fake, and dramatic photos or videos.
No place that we can feel comfortable to nurture our brain in the useful books? Soo sad!
Whenever I open TIKTOK seeing those stupid people getting their attention in several ways? I just asked myself WTF? Does this advanced technology make us more superficial? Not saying reading books will definitely make us profound. Nothing wrong to be fun.
It is just too much mental trash on social media.
We need a huge library in a modern way in LA?
Can some rich people help us?
-
March 2025 by Michele Shi
I love this book store!!! So much to look at in a unique space. Could spend hours here easily
-
February 2025 by Cam
The staff here are unbelievably rude. I stopped by to browse a few books for reference, only to be told I had to leave my bag outside. What kind of store enforces a policy like that? No surprise the place is always empty. I understand their policy but it’s not an excuse for being rude, after all it’s a bookstore not a louver museum
-
January 2025 by Brian Sing
top of class
-
June 2024 by David Northway
best art/design/architecture bookstore I’ve been to in LA
-
June 2024 by Pierce
Very elegant for architecture landscape
-
March 2024 by Graham H.
Amazing selection and great staff. Arcana truly have something for anyone looking for books on the arts.
-
February 2024 by Michael Lam
Great place to feel retro
-
January 2024 by Bruna Imai
Great art-related book selection, but didn't have the best experience. The white man with glasses in the front was a bit rude. Not in his requests, which was all fair and I respect that (like leaving the water bottle in the entrance and not taking pictures of the inside of the book content), but in his annoyed tone of voice. I'd like to think it's just his way of speaking.I found this place because I was walking my bike home - I had a flat tire. I was dressed in my workout clothes and carrying my water bottle and helmet around, I stayed there for a long time taking photos of the book covers I liked (to add to my wishlist), didn't buy anything because I'd had to walk my flat tire bike home, and in the end I asked for the restroom (it's outside, with a code). He showed me the restroom and the code a bit irritated already, and when I grabbed my water bottle he asked me if I was leaving with an annoyed tone of voice.I'm a petite Asian woman. Sometimes I wonder if I were a white man I would receive the same attitude, but I will assume it's not the case.They have great books and recommendations on display and the shelves are excellent! Not sure if I would come back just to walk around, but for sure when I need to buy a book as a gift to my fellow artists.
-
December 2023 by Soojung Park
Most entertaining book store for those who love art, design, architecture, etc and they have a variety of unique and rare books! Their stuff is very well organized especially given the wide range of printed materials they carry. I pay a regular visit even thought it’s a bit out of my way, and it’s totally worth it. Go give it a try!
-
December 2023 by Laura Rose Marino
Extremely knowledgeable, patient and helpful book shop owner. Helped me find the perfect gift. They have an incredible selection. I’ll be back soon!
-
December 2023 by F W
Good photobooks. But rare ones are very expensive and overpriced compared to other stores. That spoils some of the fun of going there.
-
December 2023 by John Aitken
THE best bookstore for books on Art, Architecture, Pop Vulture, Theatre and much more. Browse for hours.
-
December 2023 by Justin M.
This is a really great bookstore, probably everything one could ask for in the genre of art books, coffee table books, etc. It's just such a wide selection, and deep in each category. I wasn't able to spend a few hours there like I wanted, I was in and out. But I did manage to pick up a couple books (Steely Dan, '70s cinema.) And even if you don't buy anything, it's a magnificent spot to browse after a burger at Father's Office, or after buying a couch at Room and Board. Not necessarily in that order, obviously. Go your own way.
-
September 2023 by Kareena M.
- Very rude owner / manager - Weird / uncomfortable ambiance, unlike a lot of other bookstores in the area - Interesting book selection
