Skip to Content
Art

The Rebirth of Chinatown’s Legendary Mountain Bar

mtnbar

Mountain Bar was a pioneering space in Chinatown frequented by artists, gallery owners, and anyone who really liked the color red. The space closed in 2012, but it's now being reborn at TIF SIGFRIDS and open during special evening hours for a variety of events including film screenings, DJ nights, variety shows, and more. Original owner/creator Jorge Pardo is rebuilding the bar as an installation project. The first screening will be Eyes Without a Face (Georges Franju, 1960). Read the complete information below, along with another in-progress shot.

The Mountain Bar, originally founded by Jorge Pardo and gallery owner Steve Hanson in 2003 was situated in Chinatown, a center for art activity in Los Angeles at the time. With numerous galleries and artist’s studios in close proximity, the intention was to create a meeting place that might foster meaningful exchange and as an artwork take into consideration relational concerns.

In 2009, Pardo created the upstairs bar (Untitled 2009), that would become home to The Mountain School of Arts (a free school initiated by artists Eric Wesley and Piero Golia). Constructed on the site that was once Pardo’s studio, the piece was treated as a VIP lounge, not open to the public and functioning as a mixed purpose space. In addition to The Mountain School of Arts, various lectures, performances, and film screenings took place over the course of the next three years.

B0wb4BsJwkGhAc7S4_sPOoLxWKokjf0X7EXO1IFSXbs

Originally intended as a ten-year project, the Mountain Bar officially closed in 2012. Throughout it’s lifetime, the upstairs bar (Untitled 2009) housed lectures and presentations from artists and curators including Dan Graham, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and many others. As the activity that happens within each piece is important to all of Pardo’s work, Untitled 2009, tells a very lively past.

From July 26 - August 10th, The Mountain Bar will be installed at TIF SIGFRIDS and open during special evening hours for a variety of events including film screenings, DJ nights, variety shows, and more.. Ffollow us on Facebook or check the website for an updated schedule.

Please join us Thursday, July 24th as Joe Sola presents: Eyes Without a Face (Georges Franju, 1960). Programming begins at 8, with a special introduction to the film by Jan Tumlir. Hope to see you!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

The Evil Cooks Open Their First Brick-And-Mortar In ‘Hell Sereno’

After being a pop-up taquería since 2018, Evil Cooks' now has a brick and mortar business a few blocks away from their original front yard location, featuring their infamous taco creations like their 'McSatan' and 'Rock Lobster.'

November 13, 2024

Nine L.A. Restaurants That Will Do Thanksgiving For You, From Pupusas to ‘Chinese Turkey’

From 12-hour-roasted brisket in East L.A. to a Thai feast in Atwater and Chinatown’s famous Chinese Turkey, have a stress-free Thanksgiving and buy your dinner this season at these L.A. restaurants.

November 12, 2024

This Weekend: Thai-Salvadoran Sandwiches, Asado Negro Tacos, and New Westside Korean

Plus wild caught Maine lobster rolls, Guatemalan garnachas on a lake, and a favorite for tacos al vapor.

November 8, 2024

L.A.’s First Cochinita Pibil is Legendary and Still Amazing, 52 Years Later

“Cochinita is my fountain of youth,” jokes Marc Burgos, the second-generation owner of this pioneering panaderia. At 50 years old, he is younger than his father’s pioneering Yucatán bakery, the first in L.A. to offer cochinita pibil tacos. 

November 7, 2024

The 24 Best Tacos Al Pastor, Adobada, and Árabes In Los Angeles

Is al pastor L.A.'s official taco? Judging by the sheer amount of crispy-edged trompos dotted around every single corner of this beautiful city, we can certainly make that argument. Here is our vetted list that took us nearly two decades to compile. ¡Provecho!

November 7, 2024
See all posts