Observation deck at LAX Theme Building set to reopen to public

The observation deck of the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport reopens to the public on Saturday, July 10 after being closed for almost nine years. Authorities closed the deck after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Theme Building’s signature arches make it look futuristic, but the historic landmark was built 50 years ago. Its observation deck offers a 360-degree view of takeoffs and landings at LAX and beyond. That’s why authorities decided that leaving it open was a security risk after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In 2007, the airport began a three-year $12.4 million makeover of the Theme Building after a 1,000 pound piece of stucco fell off one of the upper arches. The signature arches of the 50-year-old historic landmark hold up the space-aged Encounter restaurant, which has remained open during most of the renovation. In May, UCLA seismologists tested the earthquake retrofitting that was part of the renovation.

City officials and airport staff held a ribbon-cutting reception Friday on the observation deck. Congresswoman Maxine Waters arrived on the deck just after landing at LAX on a flight back from Washington.

Keep up with LAist.

If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.

Subscribe

"I’m proud of this airport and I’ve had the opportunity to welcome many of my colleagues coming in and out of this city from time to time, and I can remember the days when I brought them up here," Waters said. "I brought them to the restaurant and they are just overwhelmed with what they see and what they experience here in this city and at this airport, and of course, we brag about it an awful lot. "

New security measures will be in place when the Observation Deck reopens, including inspection of personal belongings before visitors enter the nonstop elevator for a quick ride from the lobby to the Observation Deck.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the extra security measures will allow the observation deck to welcome visitors once again.

"People can come here to see planes from all over the planet. These planes make LAX a gateway to the world," the mayor said. "When I look at these planes, I see revenue for the City of Los Angeles."

The revenue comes from trade and tourism, not visitors to the observation deck. Admission to the deck is free, Saturdays and Sundays – 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.