📍Los Angeles | Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade in Pasadena is a replica of the original London arcade—a “fake” historical site, but oh-so-instagrammable! 😍✨ Built in 1980 as part of Pasadena’s urban revival plan, this charming shopping arcade became a key part of the South Lake Avenue commercial district. Stanly Sirotin, president of Classic Project Corp., acquired the land for development. Inspired by the famous Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly, London (which dates back to 1819), Sirotin aimed to bring a slice of British elegance to Southern California. The original arcade in London—commissioned by Lord George Cavendish and designed by architect Samuel Ware—is a protected Regency-style landmark with royal heritage. Stretching 180 meters long, it houses around 40 shops, while Pasadena’s version features about 12. To authentically recreate the London original, Sirotin hired architects who had worked on post-war restoration projects in the UK. The result? Beautiful curved glass storefronts, spacious skylights, decorative wood moldings, and gold leaf details—all echoing the 19th-century elegance of the London Burlington Arcade. Despite its beauty, the arcade struggled commercially after opening. It changed ownership in 1983, and by 1984, half of its storefronts were vacant. 😮 Today, you can enjoy cozy spots like Float and Mandarin coffee shops, grab boba at Oinkmoo, explore qipao and kimono boutiques, visit a baby store, or even stop by a tailor. 🧋👘☕ Forty years after its opening, Burlington Arcade still offers a little escape to London—right in the heart of Pasadena. Have you visited? What’s your favorite spot inside? Share below! 💭❤️ Burlington Arcade 📍380 S. Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 🅿️ Free Parking ⏰ Opening hours vary by store #CulturalSites #WorldTravel #LA #COTD #DailyLife #UrbanExploration #HistoricalArchitecture #PhotoSpot #ExploreLA #London