Italian Cultural Institute of LA

Best place to learn Italian! Super fun and engaging classes that don’t make you take quizzes and tests. People are really there to learn because they love the culture and the language. Not just for grades. I highly recommend! All the teachers are also very sweet and genuinely care about each student.

The institute is a sort of ‘hidden gem’ amongst the many buildings in Westwood, and is conveniently located next door to a parking garage (which is inexpensive). The institute offers free events (donations are accepted); exhibits, films, and music on Italian culture and history. My aunt and I decided to check out the institute, since we are of Sicilian heritage.
I would have rated the institute five stars based on the lovely music alone, instead of a mediocre three stars; however, due to a rude Italian staff member (who receives one star), it brings down the overall review. Please allow me to explain why.
We arrived at approximately 3 pm to view the «Cinema Paradiso» exhibit. At 7 pm, the event itself was to begin, but they close at 5 pm in order to prepare for the event. They inform guests to arrive early for the event at 7, because due to their overbooking, even though you make a reservation, you may not get a seat. When we arrived at 3 pm, the exhibit was empty except for the two of us, and we lingered and viewed the exhibit for about an hour. My aunt had to use the restroom right before we were preparing to leave, so she put her items down (handbag, umbrella and coat) on an empty table inside of the exhibit. I waited there while she was using the restroom, and a tall male staff member came over to me and said brusquely «are these your items?» — pointing to my aunt’s things. I said «no, they’re my aunt’s… she is using the restroom.» He then said «there’s a Peet’s Coffee shop down the way» — in other words it’s time for you to leave (even though they weren’t supposed to close for another hour). He was very rude and made me feel like I was not welcome there. I informed him «we are going to leave when my aunt comes back from the restroom. And I already know about Peet’s Coffee… we saw it as we were driving up here.» He walked away, and when my aunt returned, I told her what he said, so we left and went down the street to Denny’s diner for coffee; they were very kind and gracious when we told them we were just there for coffee… they didn’t seem to mind us hanging out. The staff were very friendly so we left a large tip.
When we returned to the institute at 6:30 pm, a small line was beginning to form for the event. We took our place in line behind an eclectic mix of people; everyone from older Italian folks, to Jewish lawyers, to artsy students. A sign on the door said «Open at 6:45 pm.» I had to use the restroom very badly, after having drank four cups of coffee at Denny’s… so I opened the door and went inside. That same rude male staff member said «We don’t open until 6:45.» I said «I know, I just need to use the restroom. I’ll come back out and get in line when I’m finished.» He replied «you can’t use the restroom, they’re being cleaned» — which was clearly a lie. Again, no manners or class… not a nice way to treat your guests. I walked back outside and took my place in line next to a very nice gentleman. He heard me talking to my aunt and asked me what happened. When I told him they wouldn’t allow me to use the restroom, he looked annoyed and said «that’s ridiculous… I’ll go inside with you.» So he accompanied me inside and told the rude staff member that I was going to use the restroom… the staff member didn’t balk this time. By the time I was finished in the restroom, they had opened their doors because when I came out, there was a line waiting to get inside.
Before the event, refreshments and wine were served, and there was a barista making coffee drinks. Guests were mingling, talking, eating and drinking for about an hour before the event was to begin. My aunt and I didn’t partake in any of the refreshments, but she did give them a small donation. We chatted with a few of the guests there, and found various reasons for their attendance. One guest was trying to learn the language. Another guest was of Italian and wanted to learn more about the culture. When the event was to begin, guests were led into the theatre. I noticed that same rude staff member telling guests not to bring in ANY beverages. I noticed that his manner was rude and abrupt, and off-​putting, so it wasn’t just me he was rude with… I take it from his behavior that he is easily annoyed by us Americans. As a side note, my aunt recently visited Sicily, and she said the Southern Italians are very welcoming and hospitable. Perhaps this Italian staff member could use a lesson or two of good Southern Italian hospitality? It might make his job more enjoyable if he were more easygoing and hospitable to the guests, and not treat us like we’re a nuisance.

The events here are spectacular. As an initiative by the Italian Government, this Institute is well-​positioned to offer unique experiences. The staff are wonderful, and I drop by every so often to converse in Italian and get a feel for mia terra perduta. I wish I could go back to Italy every day, but I’ll have to bank on the Italian Cultural Institute to keep my spirits up.

It’s always a pleasure to attend The Italian Cultural Institute and experience something new about my ancestry. «Between Miracles» was the first Nino Manfredi film I’ve seen and the opening night of his retrospective with his widow doing a Q and A. The cocktail reception included plenty of foccacia and two flavors of lemoncello after the lasagna dinner. The only inconvenience was the lack of A/​C during the screening.

the instructors are fantastic. The classes are small and they are very good at teaching italian. Tip: Parking is free under the building.

I’ve been taking their Italian language course for the last 4 months. It has been such a pleasurable experience. I’ve had 3 different instructors so far, and they have all been excellent. I was looking for an Italian class because I wanted to be able to speak some basic Italian on my upcoming trip to Italy, but I was not willing to take class at SMC 4 times a week and go to the language lab! After all, it’s been more than 10 years since I graduated college, lol. Then I found IIC online. Each quarter lasts 10 weeks, classes meet once a week (except in summer intensive program where they meet 2x a week), and only cost $ 320. Sweet, I was sold.
I’ve been enjoying the classes here so much that I’m actually going to stick with learning Italian beyond my trip! Most of the classmates I’ve met so far are either working professionals or retired people. So even if you’ve been out of school for some time and not sure about going back to «class setting,» you wouldn’t be stressed at this institute. No test, no grades, just fun atmosphere. If you’re looking for a good Italian class, look no further!

This is one of Westwood’s lovely hidden gems. My boyfriend took me here on our first date — there was a performance by an Italian violinist playing on a Stradivari. The theater was extremely small. We ended up having to sit up really far back on a balcony where we couldn’t see a bit of the stage. But that was okay because we just wanted to listen to the music. I very glad that the Italian Cultural Institute puts on events like that. I like how it’s sort of quiet and hidden, unlike so many other grandiose performances in LA.

So hidden in Westwood Village hardly anyone knows of this place. The Institute is run be the Italian government in an effort to bring the best in Italian Culture to the US. All classes even membership are super reasonable. There are Italian Language classes, cooking classes, Movie Screenings, Concerts, Art Showings… all featuring the best Italian Artists. You never know if Andre Boccelli will be singing or Danny Diveto will be eating at one of the dinners. This is a who’s who of Italians but accessible to everyone.

Calling ALL divas, fashionistas and Italophiles!
Westwood’s best-​kept secret is beckoning YOU!
Feed your head.
Feed your soul.
Escape from the city’s/life’s red-​dust!
But you gotta do it before April 23, 2010, cuz the Maria Callas installation — «A Woman, a Voice, a Myth» will go away. (It’s free unless you want to make a $ 10, suggested donation.) American born, both the Greeks and Italians claimed her talent.
Think fame, fortune; unrequited love all in the cold eye of the paparazzi and gossip columnists. Left me somber if it weren’t for the costumes and jewels.
But wait there’s more if you can’t schedule this; check their website
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Many free events, as well as, fee-​for– service classes to enjoy.
Istituto Italiano di Cultura can help you learn Italian through literature, song, opera or just enough to get you by as a tourist.
I was intrigued by their «Great Chefs of Los Angeles» class. What foodie could resist a «fast-​paced [culinary short course taught by a top Italian, LA chef with] appetizers, full meal, and dessert all of which [you’ll] make during the session»? It’s cheaper than dining out at a mere $ 100 per person.
I musta been Italian in another life!

I just arrived from a movie screening at the Istituto Italiano de Cultura. Located in the heart of Westwood, it is sure to be an experience to remember. In the center of the Institute, is an open aired veranda where you can see the stars above to accompany your wine and cheese. It was gorgeous. I am glad I attended the screening of «The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio», which was a documentary of the multicultural musical stylings of immigrants in that area of Rome. It was a beautifully produced film and I was very happy to be invited to go by our new friends at the Consul General’s Office. Many thanks to the gracious hosts for their hospitality.

wtf, no reviews for the istituto yet? peccato!!!
nestled amongst the greenery, ugg-​toting sorority girls & schmooty pooty hotels of westwood is one of LA’s true hidden gems, sure to please the most discerning of italophiles & rock the worlds of italophiles-​to-​be. their events change weekly & range from lectures to film screenings to art installations to classes to concerts to lessons on hand gestures to to… capito?
kidding on the last one. *shakes pinched fingers*
my visits to events here have been mostly fun (a screening of ‘kinky boots’), often interesting (alessandro baricco’s one-​man play, ‘novecento’) & occasionally surreal (a mod art installation inspired by dante’s ‘divina commedia’, further surrealified by the presence of david schwimmer, mr. ross-​from-​friends himself, running around, setting up &… hitting on girls. no joke!)
best part? most of their offerings are free! gratis! gratuito! & often accompanied by refreshments, i.e., booze! i kees you on both cheeks!
worst part? w-​wood parking!