A Forest For The Trees
Los Angeles, California
EXTENDED THROUGH DEC. 11
About The Show
Discover a secret forest of magic, music, and wonder—with captivating illusions of fire that you can control with your hands, trees you can talk to, water you can walk on, and multisensory storytelling, all hidden within a 28,000-square-foot space in downtown Los Angeles. Born from an extensive collaboration with Atlantic journalists, tribal leaders, environmental scientists, and an all-star team of artists, A Forest for the Trees is an unforgettable immersive experience that will inspire audiences of all ages to reimagine their relationship with the natural world.
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Mastercard cardholders receive exclusive benefits, including 10% off show tickets and a one-month digital trial subscription to The Atlantic. For every ticket purchased, two trees will be planted in support of Conservation International and Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition.
By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that all attendees over the age of five are required either to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours before your visit, and you agree that you will not attend if you are not feeling well, are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last five days. Additionally, visitors must wear a mask at all times while indoors at A Forest for the Trees. For more information, including options if you are unable to attend due to COVID-19, please review our COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy.
The Atlantic will make a donation to Conservation International, a 501(c)(3), equal to four dollars ($4.00), the cost of planting two trees, for every ticket purchased to A Forest for the Trees.
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Event Address
A Forest for the Trees is built around a commitment to meaningful sustainability, upholding that promise by sourcing materials ethically, collaborating with local urban-wood-recycling organizations, and giving surrounding communities a voice in the show. Supporting this mission is Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, an initiative aiming to restore 100 million trees by 2025 in partnership with Conservation International. For every ticket purchased, two trees will be planted. Learn more about the Priceless Planet Coalition here.
Photo Gallery
Photo by Aaron Mendez
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Photo by Aaron Mendez
Photo by Aaron Mendez
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Reviews & Press
“Most of the new genre of multimedia experiential work doesn't privilege content. This is the first project I've seen in this format that begins with a deep sense of meaning and purpose.”
– Michael Govan, LACMA
CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director
“Step into a magical and immersive forest installation.”
“A can't miss experience.”
“A stunner.”
– We Like L.A.
“Creator and director Glenn Kaino wants to push audiences to reimagine their relationship with the natural world. Kaino called this project his most ambitious yet.”
“A theatrically staged walk in the woods…meditative, thought-provoking, educational, healing, and even spiritual.”
“A Forest for the Trees was such a beautifully immersive experience. I loved every moment and had chills throughout the entire experience.”
– Darlene D.
“This was an amazing exhibit for our family to enjoy…This is a must for those in the LA area.”
– Ariel F.
“It was such an amazing experience…Each exhibit was unique and captivatingly beautiful.”
– Violet K.
“Highly recommend this experience! Informative, creative and supports conservation efforts and local tribes.”
– Bijal P.
“The project is wonderful. Sculpture, robots, original music and of course the trees. We're so lucky to live in this town and get a chance to experience cutting-edge art that makes you think. Highly recommend!”
– Robbie B.
“Breathtaking and moving experience!!! …Can't wait for my friends to experience A Forest For The Trees :)”
– Janeth M.
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The Atlantic has told the story of America’s wilderness for over 150 years. Now, Mastercard cardholders can get unlimited access to the journalism that inspired A Forest for the Trees—plus the latest in science, climate, and more—with a 30-day free trial.
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See All PlansThe Team
Over the last year, an interdisciplinary collective of artists, musicians, tribal leaders, and environmentalists has been working together to bring A Forest for the Trees to life.
Original Artwork by
High Seas
Created and Directed by
Glenn Kaino
Composer
David Sitek
Executive Producer and Dramaturg
Vance Garrett
Producer
Laundi Keepseagle
Director of Culinary Arts
Minh Phan
Memory and Memorabilia
LEHI THUNDERVOICE EAGLE
Featuring
JESSE WILLIAMS
BREANNE LUGER
Kittie Harloe
Priscilla Ahn
Alice Smith
Joel McHale
Rodney Mullen
Max Maven
Additional Art
KIRILL YERETSKY
SHIZU SALDAMANDO
Executive Producer
Brad Girson
Karuk Tribe Consultant
BILL TRIPP
Curator
KATHLEEN FORDE
Editorial Consultant
ROSS ANDERSEN
Lighting Design
ADAM BLUMENTHAL
Sound Design
BRIAN HSIEH
Graphic Design
POLYMODE
Technical Consultant
CHRIS GABRIEL
Executive Producer
THE ATLANTIC
SUPERBLUE
VISIBILITY
FAQ
Where in L.A. will the show be held?
The show will be held in Downtown Los Angeles at the Ace Mission Studios at 490 S Mission Road.
When can I visit A Forest for the Trees?
General Hours
Thursday, 2–9 p.m.
Friday, 2–9 p.m.
Saturday, 12–7 p.m.
Sunday, 12–6 p.m.
What are the different ticket options?
Individual tickets range from $15.50 to $37. Prices range according to the date and ticket type purchased. All dates will offer adult and child (age 6-14) options. Children under 6 are free. Mastercard cardholders receive exclusive benefits, including 10% off show tickets and a one-month digital trial subscription to The Atlantic.
Does every individual need a ticket?
Every individual who is 6 years or older will need a ticket to enter.
What is your refund/exchange policy?
Tickets are nonrefundable. We do accommodate exchanging tickets under certain circumstances (at the discretion of management), but only when inventory allows.
Is the show suitable for all ages?
A Forest for the Trees is suitable for visitors of all ages.
How is A Forest for the Trees keeping sustainability in mind?
The wood and trees used in A Forest for the Trees were sustainably salvaged from logging depots in California by West Coast Arborists and Angel City Lumber. Additionally, the gift shop and culinary experience are rooted in sustainable practices. A focal point within the show is the symbolic resurrection of an iconic 144-year-old tree from nearby Olvera Street felled by a recent storm, which, along with other trees from the Los Angeles area, was sourced with the assistance of Angel City Lumber, whose mission is to reconnect Angelenos with nature by producing wood products from the trees they have lived with in their neighborhoods.
Conservation International, a leading global conservation nonprofit and 501(c)(3), will plant two trees for every ticket sold in support of Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition, giving people an opportunity to contribute to preserving the planet through reforestation.
Are the only trees in the universe on planet earth?
Probably not.
Is photography allowed?
Photography for personal use and for sharing on social media is encouraged. However, if you will be using professional equipment, or if you will be using the content for commercial purposes, you must make arrangements in advance. No flash photography is permitted out of respect for the experience of other patrons.
The show may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you agree to be recorded and grant The Atlantic permission to use such recordings for editorial, publicity, or other purposes.
How can I interact with the art?
Although we encourage exploration at the show, we do not permit running and climbing on the works.
Will there be strobe lights/intense lighting?
There may be some flashing and moving lights in certain moments and environments.
Will there be food and beverages available to purchase?
Yes. The food and beverage program is directed by celebrated chef Minh Phan of porridge + puffs and PHENAKITE, the latter of which earned its first Michelin star and was named Los Angeles Times restaurant of the year in 2021, and is a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist.
Will there be a gift shop?
Yes. The on-site store is conceived and curated in collaboration with the Thunder Voice Hat Co., whose work explores conditions of memory and the sacred, carrying on the lineage of sustainable, handcrafted Native fashion emerging through unique collaborations between Indigenous cultures.
Will there be parking on site?
Yes, there is parking available.
How can I get a one-month digital trial subscription to The Atlantic?
Use a Mastercard to purchase a ticket and receive a one-month digital trial subscription to The Atlantic. To begin your trial, follow the prompt after you complete your purchase. Note: this offer is valid for new and returning subscriptions only.
What is your late admittance policy?
Please arrive at your ticketed entry time. Late entry is at A Forest for the Trees’ discretion, dependent on availability.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay to buy tickets?
Some users may encounter an error when using Apple Pay or Google Pay to buy tickets. Please use an alternative payment method, if so. Contact us at boxoffice@aforestla.com if you have any additional issues.
What’s the event COVID-19 Policy?
To mitigate risks associated with COVID-19, the event reserves the right to implement health restrictions in line with government guidelines, warnings, or guidance at any time and to communicate these to visitors on the event website or in person at the event site. Visitors experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, or who have recently been in contact with a person experiencing symptoms, are asked not to attend the event. Additionally, visitors must wear a mask at all times while indoors at A Forest for the Trees. View our COVID-19 policy here.
Is A Forest for the Trees wheelchair accessible?
The entrance to the show and the inside of the show are accessible and meet ADA standards. Our entrance, lobby, and restrooms are accessible and navigable by wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and crutches. Currently, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or any other mobility aids are not provided. Some areas further into the show may require additional navigational guidance from our docent staff, who are always available to help our participants have a great experience.
