Congregation B'nai B'rith
Also known as: Wilshire Boulevard Temple
Why it's listed
Wilshire Boulevard Temple, at 3663 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, is a synagogue complex built in 1928-29 on a site that was then a residential area far west of downtown. Its octagonal, steel-framed sanctuary is topped by a copper-clad concrete dome rising 130 feet, with marble bands, mosaic patterns and a 20-foot rose window. Inside, a 320-foot mural frieze and three large lunette paintings by Hugo Ballin, donated by the Warner Brothers, depict Jewish history. Congregation B'nai B'rith, the city's largest and oldest Jewish congregation, traces its roots to 1851 and moved here from earlier synagogues. It led Reform Judaism on the West Coast and its members helped found hospitals, charities, a library association and the first Chamber of Commerce. The design draws on Byzantine models from the eastern United States, with Romanesque touches. Additions from 1963 are included in the boundary but are not considered historically significant.
Significance in brief: It is the house of worship of the city's largest and oldest Jewish congregation, whose roots in Los Angeles go back to 1851, and it was a center of Reform Judaism on the West Coast. The congregation had a lasting effect on Southern California through social service and humanitarian work. The building combines Byzantine and Romanesque features and holds the Warner Murals by Hugo Ballin, described as the largest mural scheme of its time in a permanent religious building in the western United States.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 81000154, listed December 21, 1981. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 3663 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | December 21, 1981 |
| Reference number | 81000154 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1928-1929 |
| Architect / builder | Herbert M. Baruch Corporation/A. M. Edelman and S. Tilden Norton |
| Architectural style | Byzantine synagogue style with Romanesque elements (rounded archways, stained glass) |
| Areas of significance | Art, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as in excellent condition and occupied; the 1963 additions are noted as altered but do not contribute to significance. The temple remains an active place of worship and religious school. |
| Acreage | 1.5 |
| Coordinates | 34.06245, -118.30393 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 81000154.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q2362291
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.