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DTLA 2025 Highlights & 2026 Outlook

Wednesday December 17, 2025

As we reflect on the past year, there is much to be excited about in DTLA. And looking forward, next year is shaping up to be even more promising. Here are some highlights from 2025 and things we are eagerly anticipating in 2026.

2025 Highlights

Becoming A World-Class Destination: LA Convention Center

The Los Angeles City Council approved a $2.6 billion expansion and modernization of the LA Convention Center, adding 190,000 square feet of new exhibit space and a 98,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom. Construction is already underway, positioning Los Angeles for the best and brightest events and DTLA as the host with the most, attracting more tourism and generating economic benefits for Downtown, the city, and region.

Residential Goes Bigger: Two Massive Properties Open

Two milestone residential projects came online in 2025. Alloy, the first high-rise in the Arts District, delivered 475 apartments, plus office and retail space, setting the stage for future vertical growth in the neighborhood. Olympic & Hill, rising over 760 feet, became the tallest residential tower in DTLA’s evolving skyline. The building’s wrapped podium units reflect a more pedestrian-oriented design approach to the streetscape as well.

Let's Play Two: Dodgers Celebration Returns to DTLA

DTLA was once again the heart of the city’s celebration as more than 175,000 fans filled the streets to honor the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title, reinforcing DTLA’s role as the region’s central gathering place for significant civic moments. Following the event, over 20% of attendees - almost 40,000 people - went out to local restaurants, bars, and retailers, providing a big boost to the local economy.

Restaurant Renaissance: Eclectic New Arrivals

DTLA’s foodie frontier took off in ever more adventurous directions with several high-profile openings. VACA (pictured), the much-loved Spanish-tapas spot from Chef Amar Santana, chose Beaudry DTLA for their second location; Casa Ipanema’s Rio-inspired cuisine and cocktail flair added new vibrancy to the Financial District at the historic Millennium Biltmore; Boichik Bagels' acclaimed New York–style offerings fit right in at the iconic Bradbury Building on Broadway; and Berenjak brought its modern take on Tehran’s traditional kebab houses to the Arts District.

Coming in 2026

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Opening in 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be the first institution dedicated to storytelling through images across cultures, eras, and media. With a collection spanning fine art, photography, illustration, cinema, and digital works, the museum aims to explore how images shape society. Its arrival expands Exposition Park’s cultural cluster and enhances DTLA’s appeal as a world-class destination for arts & education.

DATALAND

Dataland, led by artist Refik Anadol, opens in spring 2026 as a 25,000-square-foot immersive museum exploring the intersection of art, AI, and data. Featuring five galleries and a reimagined Infinity Room with AI-generated scents and global nature datasets, the experience blends technology, creativity, and sustainability. Designed as a living ecosystem for public engagement, Dataland positions DTLA at the forefront of digital culture and next-generation artistic expression.

Metro D Line Extension

The first segment of Metro’s D Line Extension will open in early 2026, adding three new Wilshire Boulevard stations and creating a faster, more direct rail connection between Downtown and the Westside. This substantial mobility upgrade will improve commuting, expand access to Downtown destinations, and support future growth. The project reinforces DTLA’s role as the region’s transit hub, enhancing its long-term connectivity and competitiveness.

FIFA World Cup

While the matches will be played in nearby Inglewood, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring global energy and huge audiences to DTLA, which will play host to watch parties, fan events, and increased visitor activity tied to games at SoFi Stadium. The tournament provides a valuable operational rehearsal for the 2028 Olympics, offering a chance to refine crowd management, hospitality coordination, and event readiness at an international scale.