Goethe Institut

in a tiny little spaced, tucked in the back of the E! building on wilshire is one of the little surprises that make los angeles so special. it’s an amazing place to visit, for a film series, etc., if you want to witness/​learn something you wouldn’t elsewhere.
but, the biggest draw for me, is the turtle pond. directly behind the building you might notice a small grassy area, a gazebo, children’s playground and a pond. the pond is full of turtles that climb the rocks to bask in the sun. it’s a remarkably peaceful place and a great way to spend a lazy sunday or tuesday morning.

German cultural institute located in the south side of mid-​Wilshire area for twenty years, and is one of 125 branches in 76 countries. A small to mid-​size space, with a library of books, dvds and videos which they lend out free. I looked at a selection on the amazing but notorious Leni Riefenstahl. There is also a theater space here. Music, lectures, theater, exhibitions, film, dance, etc usually at nominal fee. 3.5 stars rounded up.
They also produce special events such a fashion show at UCLA, a downtown rave with five DJ’s from Berlin, a play at the Odyssey Theater, Bauhaus photography at Cal State Long Beach, Designed in Germany at the Pacific Design Center, etc. Catered munchies from local german businesses, like Melrose Baking Company and Vienna Café. Some very nice looking people, english is used here, but not aways. Garage, validated.