In this photo, we’re looking north up Culver Blvd at the Culver Hotel at the intersection with Washington Blvd. This photo was taken in 1938, and we can see how the 6-story triangular-shaped hotel must have stood out. So I’m guessing that when it opened in 1924, it must have been visible for miles around. Conveniently located between MGM and the Selznick studio, it has played host to many film personalities, including most notably, the performers who played the Munchkins in “The Wizard of Oz.” That movie was filmed between October 1938 and March 1939, so it’s possible that they were guests when this photo was taken. (Source: Culver City Historical Society)
This is roughly how that view looked in June 2024. The streetcar tracks on left are gone and that part of Washington Blvd on right now closed to traffic, but leads to what is now Amazon’s studios.
I went by there a lot in 1977-80 and even saw them filming around this hotel one morning on my way to work. It was a scene from Under the Rainbow, having to do with the “Munchkins” involved in staying at that hotel while filming The Wizard of Oz. That area was very unused/undeveloped in those years. It’s now quite an attractive and people/tourist friendly area; at least right before the pandemic it was. I’m not sure about that nowadays.
It’s even nicer these days. Very pedestrian friendly with easy parking.
Even though I grew up in Culver City, I never have been inside the hotel. Maybe some day. Not too far away was Mary Ellen Donuts which was much more interesting to me as a kid.
The hotel has recently had a gorgeous makeover. The restaurant there is very classy so you should treat yourself some time!
Cool! I’ll look into that!