Hennessey + Ingalls

Huge selection of art books on a myriad of subjects. Plus a varied collection of clearance books.

This is NOT a Barnes and Noble, instead a creative little book shop nestled in a breezy corner of the Arts District 💙 We only stopped in Hennessey + Ingalls for short period of time because it wasn’t until we got there that we realized it was a shop dedicated only to books about architecture, arts, photography, magazines, fashion and more, a lot more. While we didn’t find the book we were looking for, discovering this shop was an even better find. Hennessey + Ingalls is a GEM in the Arts District. They have a beautiful and modern location with easy parking on most days. They categorize everything very well and have wide selections to choose from. I was very happy to see that there were a lot of well-known books and also a lot that were more niche and unheard of for the most part. While wandering around the store, I also saw some selections of cards, notebooks, tote bags and other stationary items for sale. My favorite part was actually the small children’s section. The books there feel handpicked and filled with books about history, niche topics and just some general feel-good books. I think that there’s something for everyone here and well-worth visiting time and time again! Notes - Street Parking - Affordable prices - Easy to find - Niche selections of books

The bookstore itself is 5 stars but the customer service could consider major improvements. I called because they looked close, no big sign that indicates open from a far. I’m used to them having it wide open. Totally understand if it’s for safety. But a nice sign could really help since parking can be limited. I don’t want to waste my time and energy if they changed hours without any notice. I called and the conversation was peculiar and not in a good way. It was bizarre and a lot of what was said was unnecessary. It was quite strange. I then went in and was not even acknowledged, no hello, no nothing. Seemed like they could care less. It was one hour before closing. I felt like I was a ghost to the guy at the front. I didn’t even bother to say good bye back. That was poor customer service. The bookstore itself is phenomenal though. I would love if they have maps, architectural plans, and things like that, too.

Spectacular bookstore, hands down my favorite bookstore i dare say WORLDWIDE. Incredible selection across different types of art and timelines. I will be back.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of shopping at Hennessy & Ingalls in downtown LA, and I couldn’t be more impressed! I was looking for a rare out-of-print book, CONCEPTiCONS, which was written by my son. Not only did they have it in stock, but they also made the entire process seamless. I had them send it as a gift to the chair of the New Haven department where I teach and the director of learning as a special Christmas present. Their customer service went above and beyond—sending the book with a thoughtful note and ensuring everything was taken care of perfectly. I’ve always appreciated the bookstore’s incredible selection, but this experience really made me a loyal customer. If you’re looking for unique, hard-to-find art books or just need excellent service, I highly recommend Hennessy & Ingalls. They truly make book shopping an unforgettable experience! It’s disheartening that, despite my son being an accomplished author, a friend once suggested he stand in front of Home Depot and wait for labor work. It’s amazing how many people fail to understand the harmful impact of condescension and stereotyping. This kind of bias is on full display by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who recently preached to Trump about “crop pickers.” It’s sad to see such ignorance and judgment on public display.

Awesome book store with loads of architecture books and special LA finds

Great art and design bookstore. Couldn't get my wife to leave without first buying 5 books. Look for the sale section where books are between $2-$5

Great location and plenty of books to choose from. Validation will get you two hours free. Great service. Very knowledgeable staff. Definitely coming back.

Always a thrill to look for architecture books and staff is still knowledgeable just like 20 plus years ago. Though it's sad to see younger generation rely less and less on print , I wonder how all the great readings are being done these days. It's ironic that the younger generation is unfamiliar with many historic and academic authors but I guess this is all part of the tech movement , who knows.

Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore could always be relied upon for beautiful coffee table books. What's even more impressive is that we saw some beautiful ones with beautiful prints for less than $5! The hubs suggested we use pages form from the book as framed artwork for the walls. Great idea!!!... but NO. Why would you hurt an innocent book like that?! Appropriately located across the street from the SCI-Arc in DTLA's Art's District. AND... it anchors one end of the farmer's/creatives pop-up market.

It really doesn't get much better than a specialist bookstore, especially one largely dedicated to art and architecture. In fact, the only comparable bookstore I'm aware of is in Culver City near the studios, so that makes Hennessey & Ingalls the masters of the LA Arts District. First, this is a huge store, chock-full of new and used books, as well as out of print ones, and a large rare books section. Once I worked in the used book market, and I could tell immediately upon entering, and while browsing, that this shop is truly the real deal. Essentially, it's a giant, well-curated trove of art related books big and small, but if you're in the know, most art books are quite large and heavy. In order to sell books here you're going to need a helluva collection and in tip-top condition (i.e. No moldly basement books, no dust bunnies, missing dust jackets, and especially NO Fucking self-help, mystery, best sellers, or romance novels). None, what you need are art, photography, and related subjects in excellent condition, preferably out of print, and uncommon is a plus. Then, you must schedule an appointment with the owner, so call ahead to see how that works. I found the prices to be fair considering how expensive such books tend to be, I'm sure they have periodic purges and some used books are remarkably inexpensive and often given the "Brodart treatment', which is a mylar cover to protect the old dust jacket, that also enhances the appearance of the older books. In short, I suggest checking them out.

Beautiful store with so much to discover! I went in to stock up on journals and enjoyed the rows and rows of art, photography, and architectural literature. A place that you could just browse all day and find new things to get into. It's also very open and airy. Will definitely be back as it's walking distance from my new loft in Arts District.

Although didn't buy anything But it's good to take a look Spacious open space Tons of restaurants around here Love it

One of the most impressive aspects of this bookstore is the staff's extensive knowledge of art and photography books. They seem to have an incredible depth of understanding when it comes to finding specific titles or authors, making it easy for anyone to track down that elusive book they have been searching for. Moreover, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages browsing and exploration. It's always nice to feel welcomed and appreciated as a customer, and Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore definitely deliver in that regard. It's heartening to see such a beautiful and well-curated bookstore thriving in a time when many traditional bookstores are struggling. For artists, in particular, it's vital to have access to specialized books that are not always easy to find. Hennessey + Ingalls serve this need perfectly. In conclusion, I can say with confidence that Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore is a treasure trove for book lovers and artists alike. Their knowledgeable staff, friendly atmosphere, and fantastic selection of books make it a destination that anyone interested in photography should definitely visit. Thank you,

*COVID update* I got ice cream at Van Leeuwen and decided to take a stop here. Masks were required and also worn by staff. They had hand sanitizers by the register, which also had those glass shields installed. (I don't remember seeing those pre-COVID. I also feel like they added more shelves and inventory.) The bookstore is clean and neat. Everything was organized by sections like art, photography, interior design, etc. Books were organized by author alphabetically for the most part. They had several shelves of books on sale, but most of those looked used to me. I couldn't tell for sure. As I was leaving, I realized they were about to close in 15 minutes. I was surprised they didn't try to give us warnings that they were closing soon to try to kick us out.

Yikes. The grumpy, older man there is quite the moron, and terrible for the book community. I frequent this place, mind you, cos it's down the street and usually has the more niche fashion magazines i enjoy. I go one day and do some perusing, including finding witchcraft, occult, and demonology based books, which i thought was a strange selection for this bookstore, and with me being a witchcraft practitioner i know this store typically wouldn't have that material. So because of this wild find, i figured to ask if they had anything Bell Hooks related, which i figured they wouldn't, but what's to hurt in asking? I go up to the counter and kindly ask for such; his response? "You know this is an art-book store, right?" (After not even knowing who Bell Hooks is - embarrassing) My response: "You guys have a whole section on witchcraft and occult. That's not considered 'art....' Thanks anyway." Good thing The Last Bookstore is just up the street, and is always filled with more than enthusiastic bookworms who work there and won't begrudgingly try to condescend patrons ( while making a whole scene in front of other customers). Guess someone else's treasure was my trash

Hennessy + Ingalls Books LA Love this book store...it's HUUUGE ;) You can easily spend a lot of time here looking through books, naughty literature ..yes hours!

The store is having a grand reopening today and they're returning to their regular hours (11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily). Per L.A. guidelines, everyone must wear a mask inside the store. Plexiglass shields have been installed near the registers, and there are designated markers on the ground re: where people should stand when waiting to check out.

Lots of interesting books on photography, art, design and architecture. If you need reference books on those subject, a good place to go.

Located in a nice building, other than that. Zero stars, employee doesn't acknowledge you if you don't fit the trendy LA art district description. I was browsing books next to the counter and he wouldn't even dare to look at me but once the stereotypical "trendy" person was in sight he'd rush to make conversation. I will say there's tons of books, mostly coffee table books, overpriced

This is a great specialty bookstore located in the Arts District in DTLA. They have a great selection of books specializing in Art, Architecture, and Photography and some are original print. They also have a small selection of kids books and greeting cards.

This is a wonderland of incredible books. You can get as specific as books about BUTTONS in their fashion section or books on simply CHAIRS. I came come with exactly what I wanted because Wes, at the cash wrap, took my babbled question and went out into the stacks and came back with perfect book options.

Love visiting this bookstore when I'm in LA visiting friends. Specialty bookstore with specific topics, magazines and stationery and great place to spend some time browsing.

If you love art and architecture, you'll love Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore. I used to visit this bookstore quite a bit when it was located in Santa Monica where I worked for a number of years. Since then it's move twice and now located at One Santa Fe. Definitely a specialty bookstore which is a rare thing these days. I've always loved architecture, structures, and engineering. Here, I'll find my favorite iconic architects; Santiago Calatrava, Jose Rafael Moneo, Thomas Mayne, Gehry, Tadao Ando to name a few. You'll spend hours here if you're an art and architecture lover.

Great bookstore in the Arts District in DTLA. Has been around for years but this is their new location. Specializes in Art and Architecture books, but also has books on design, graphics, interiors and related subjects. Wide selection, beautifully displayed. Open, airy, lots of natural light. The only room for improvement on our recent visit was the friendliness of the staff, which I would give 2*. Otherwise the experience was 5* all the way. Valet parking available and cute restaurants and other interesting shops nearby.

I'm in love with this bookstore. Sure, it's situated in an obnoxiously gentrified area of L.A.'s arts district with an eyesore of an apartment building hovering over it, but I can forgive it if only for one thing: Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore. They specialize in art books of the best kind: tantalizing, hypnotizing, rare, out of print, used and quality selections. It gives you the feeling that only minds who truly care about what you consume have curated this magical book kingdom. My favorite section? The back room. It's filled to the brim with older, out of print rarities that are impossible to find anywhere, even online. They cover all parts of the world, from ancient times to now. My only gripe? I've almost exhausted all of their Mesoamerican/Prehispanic sections, so I hope they restock on that department soon. Yes, it's a very specific niche, but if anybody can do it, it's Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore.

This is a great bookstore. Sure, people are using it sort of how they're using Best Buy to take a look at technology, touch it, and then seek out cheaper sources elsewhere online... same as with Books, many go to bookstores only to browse but not buy, and the end result was R.I.P. to retailers like Borders, B.Dalton, Crown, etc., and as consumers we can only blame ourselves for not supporting the brick and mortar retailers when they're gone and we crave a safe haven for literature. With that, I do emphasize supporting local merchants like Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore. They carry a wide variety of titles, some imports, many rare, as well as niche titles. They can only exist if you buy, and not treat it like a library. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter much if you can find the books cheaper elsewhere at times, and what you're paying for is the convenience of access as well as customer service. The staff here are very wonderful and friendly as well as helpful. I went to a book signing at this location, and where or how else is a person to meet celebrities for autograph sessions... ??? You can pay a premium online on sites like eBay via hiked up values as collectibles. With that, it's these seemingly intangible x-factors like the special events that are the value adds to a retail book store, as they're proving a unique service. The event was for a signing by Taiwanese artist, James Jean on 11/01/15 and the event was well organized, and lasted from 2pm to 5pm, satisfying every attending customer. The store even provided refreshment beverages and light snacks too, complimentary. Parking isn't that tough, there's lots of parking lots within the City of Santa Monica that offers 90 minutes FREE parking in covered building structures, as well as meters, as well as local residential areas (but be warned, my last parking ticket was for $65 a few years ago due to neglect of fully understanding and reading the parking sign, limitations and restrictions in this area). This is a nice large bookstore, down the street from Barnes & Noble in Santa Monica around the 3rd Street Promenade on Wilshire Blvd where it nearly ends near the water towards Ocean Park, so there's lots of great things to do in the area as well.

Cool spot! Not many places like this left in the country where you get independently-owned vibes, knowledgeable staff, and a variety of topic-centric books.

H+I is one of my favorite bookstores in LA - between the beautifully bound art books, children's selection and delightful selection of used/vintage books (always a great find lurking on those shelves) they have it all. I usually go there to buy gifts for others and end up getting something for myself, as well because I simply cannot resist.

Huge art bookstore, ideal for walking around before or after lunch at ediBOL. And they have some of the best greeting cards ever.

Such a great selection. Organized by category and last name of architects, designers, painters, etc. Take a look at their greeting car selection too. You'll find some beautiful simplistic designs and some witty design remarks. I can buy so many books from here that it would be dangerous. Parking is pain in the butt like many have recognized, but again just put in the extra effort to circle the block. You'll end up spending hours in this store anyways.

Okay, here's the thing. This place is really awesome and absolutely blew my mind - I'd never seen a bookstore that was solely dedicated to the arts! As a graphic designer myself, I was absolutely in awe of the selection of books just for graphic design! It was so much fun to peruse the selection of books. HOWEVER - It is really, REALLY pricey. Let me preface by saying that I'm all about supporting the arts and small businesses, which is why I left with two books for $110 bucks instead of opting to purchase the exact same books on Amazon for...wait for it...$51. Yes, that's right. Instead of saving SIXTY DOLLARS I supported this small bookstore and bought them there. And yes, I googled the prices of the books while I was still in the store before I bought them there. Breakdown - one book was selling for $40 bucks. It is $9.41 on Amazon. The other was $60 bucks and was being sold for $42 on Amazon. (Then add tax) I had a really hard time making that decision and to be completely honestly I probably won't do it again (I'm an artist - not exactly wealthy!). To top it off, I felt like I was doing a nice thing by not leaving and getting my books on Amazon, but the lady at the cashier was a total jerk and didn't seem to care about my presence one way or another. I was not greeted at any point of my being in the store for 20-30 minutes and I was probably only one of 2 people in the store. In summary, I would totally be back after my haircut a few doors down to peruse, but I likely won't buy again unless I can't find it anywhere else.

Stumbled upon this amazing bookstore in the arts district when I went to attend another event. It's located right across SCI-Arc, an architecture building and school it seems. It's an art student's little haven as it's filled with books related to all sorts of art fields like typography, landscape architecture, graphic design, illustration, painting, etc. I couldn't find enough time to browse through all the books, but I did find a book that I almost immediately fell in love with: Visual Storytelling: Infographic Design in News. The price was actually really affordable $40.00 for a hardcover, so much cheaper than school design textbooks. Definitely a hidden gem for anyone who loves to read to check out, help support the local book stores!

I love this bookstore. It has everything I want when I need a book related to art + design. 1) Friendly and knowledgeable staff. 2) Good selection 3) Most importantly, validated parking. This is a great place to spend two hours hopping from the bookstore to the market, coffee shops, etc. My wallet hates this place though.

This is an amazing bookstore! If you're a reader, you're going to love this place. They have a great system of setting up their books via genres and are overflowing with books. One of my favorite things about this particular store is that they carry re-vamp versions of books, where book covers are made minimalistic or romantic that you can collect. The staff here are so knowledgeable and friendly and do their best to help you find what you need. They also have beautiful cards here as well as really cool knickknacks that can be given as a small gift! These knickknacks are clever and can definitely appeal to the younger generation 12-25. Even if you aren't a huge reader I would suggest just stopping by to look at how beautiful the store is! - J

I've been to this bookstore a couple of times. They mostly have architecture and design books so I can never find what I need. However, its really organized and the staff is really helpful. Bookstores are making a comeback!

One of my all time favorite bookstores. This place is amazing. High quality. It's not cheap though. Whenever I wander in, I find so many new books that I was unaware of but must buy. Great photography book selection. They're known for their architecture books. Art books, etc. If you're on (or near) the 3rd Street Promenade, I highly recommend stopping in for a look around.

Design nerd's DREAM. This place is amazing. Great selection and very well-organized. My mom loves this place as well. Parking is a little tough, but it's absolutely worth making a trip out here.

Whoa! All the best art/design/architecture books in one place and it's not a university architecture library!! While I prefer the indie off beat Arcana around the corner, I will definitely come here if I can't find what I need there. Spacious, brightly lit, and well organized - you have found art/design/architecture book browsing heaven. Has lots of books in more obscure categories. I was looking for an out-of-print book, but they were able to order it - so I'll be coming back here soon! Drool....

This is where I want to live in LA! The book selection is amazing and youll likely walk out with more than you intended to buy. The staff is "meh" but I'll give this place 5 stars just cause Ive been a fan since I discovered it years ago. Hennessey + Ingalls FUN FACT: You can see this place in its original 3rd street location in the movie "HEAT" with Robert DeNiro. He's chatting it up with the girl who he later plans to escape with. ;-)

This is my favorite bookstore, hands down! I love this place. I've been coming here for years and it's my Achilles heal. It's so hard to leave without a book. I come here for inspiration before I start a design project, and I wish my book collection looked like this bookstore. Maybe one day when I become a famous designer and can afford all of them. If you want a comprehensive store on design books of all sizes, and all subjects, this is the place to go. The bookstore rarely has a sale, but when they do, that's the best time to buy books, or if you have money to burn.

Talked with the owner who's family started the business 50 years ago, great energy and wonderful store. Friendly staff. Love the location as well. Definitely a must to return.

This is the best art bookstore I have ever been in. It is perfect for browsing. I always visit if I am in Santa Monica. And I always feel I should buy something. A business such as this should be supported. It performs a valuable function that no chain bookstore is able to, and that neither used bookstores not the internet can either. If you have any interest in art or design, it is worth stopping in.

Wonderful collection of art, design, architecture, & fashion books. Get your creative on here!

I used to go here as a kid--first at their Westwood location, second on the Promenade, now at their Wilshire outlet. The Promenade location was where me and my artsy friends rode our bikes to. We were kids on an allowance with only enough money to buy hot dogs and slurpies at the convenience store. It was a wonder they didn't kick us out. But because they didn't kick us out, I am a loyal customer. I just this weekend came in to purchase a gift and they made the experience so easy, guiding me through selections for a very specific purchase for a discerning friend. The level of customer service is impeccable and the profile they create in the curation of books gives them a distinct personality: I knew exactly where to go to get this gift and so many other gifts in the past. I highly recommend a visit to this store, either to browse or to buy. They are knowledgeable in a way that big book stores are not. The staff has been there forever, too. This means they can help expedite the selection procedure if you are involved in a focussed search. Barnes and Nobles and that kind of store just doesn't measure up!

Best art bookstore I know of. I know of none better in London, Paris, or New York .. let's all support them. Buy a book today :-)

**FAVORITE BOOK STORE. LIKE EVER.** O-MEE-GAWD. Finally, a jizz-worthy specialty book store on: Art, Architecture, and Photography. Layout is: Colorful, Simple, and Beautiful. I could stand there and flip through pages ALL DAY LONG. It was: Peaceful, Enjoyable, and Enlightening. Solid selections. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Hennessey & Ingalls Art and Architecture is my favorite Santa Monica bookstore. I have known this Santa Monica book store every since it's days on Third Street Promenade... which was before Barnes & Noble, The Apple Store, and Starbucks moved in on the block. Back when, 3rd street was home to great bookstores like Hennessey and Midnight Special (no longer). Luckily, Hennessey survived and moved to Wilshire Blvd. Hennessey & Ingalls Art and Architecture store offers history books, coffee table books to every book imaginable that is related to architecture, interior design, art, and photography. From books on Bauhau architecture, Richard Neutra to Frank Gehry... Hennessey & Ingalls Art and Architecture Bookstore has it all. I am a fan of this store. I love perusing and buying wonderful books from this store. May this store never go out of business. It's too good.

Book selection was nice but as I was leaving an employee made very rude comments towards me for no apparent reason.

No matter how battle-tested your resolve may be, no matter how sensible your shopping habits or restrained your impulse, you will fail here. Do you hear me? You. Will. Fail. Whatever you do, don't take cash. And while you're at it, go ahead and lock up the credit cards and the book of checks. This, dear reader, is where window-shoppers go to die. I went in here for a postcard once, and left with an arm-full of weighty tomes. Things I didn't even need--a few design books, a Rex Ray monograph and something about scrapbooking? It's just strange. I'm pretty sure they pump something into the air here. Either that, or its simply the intoxicating effect of the single-greatest collection of art and architecture books in all of Southern California. One of the two...

"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" is not enough for this amazing bookstore. Book selections are brilliant without a doubt. They have a collection of a walking wikipedia in architectural designs, film photography to digital era, small apartments to huge country living etc. One really unique thing I like about this place that makes it even more special is the fact that on their price tag, the put an original price and a mark down if it was second hand or on sale. They put a second chance for the book to relive a life with a new owner, continue to inspire and keep the sense of wonder going. If you like to see celebrities, this might be the place to spot them. My first visit, I saw Pierce Brosnan. Apparently, three bags of books were too much for his muscles. So he drove up his Aston Martin and made the cashier carry it out for him. Hennessey + Ingalls, you are too kind.

H+I is top drawer. This place is like an art fag's wet dream. Its this art fag's wet dream, at least. There are rolling hills forever of art, architecture, design, and fashion books. In the front there's a section of novelty gifts, mags, calendars, diaries, and such. There's a bathroom "for customers only" which is just as immaculate as the rest of the store. Things are nicely organized and tidy. There's a good range of prices, from affordable to "Holy crap, is it made of gold?" They even have a used books section. Its very small and the selection is pretty dated and may have been used at masturbatory material in the past, but you have to take your chances with marked-down items. Like fish. True, there's no real homey feel. Like, you're not invited to sit and sip your coffee whilst you flip through an unpaid for catalog of Matisse's lesser works, but they don't bitch at you if you curl up in the fetal position in the middle of the floor with some warm and fuzzy Duchamp. As with the rest of Santa Monica, parking is gonna be a little of a hassle.

Who doesn't love art and architecture? One can spend hours and hours browsing. There's a great selection of architectural design--I wanted to buy them all, if my collection weren't so big already. Friendly staff, great selection, and in SM. You can even take a date here. Nice & safe place for the nerdy.

I LOVE this bookstore! I really enjoy browsing fashion, interior design, and architecture books here... A while ago, I bought a bunch of "white lines" notebooks from here, and they were the best notebooks I've ever had. So, I just went back to get some more. I'm glad they still carry them! I will continue to come back here for my favorite notebooks ever! I park in the meters over by Sur La Table and then walk over here. (Also, I had originally checked Amazon for the notebooks I liked, but I didn't see any in stock, so I came here for them!)

The 3rd Street Promenade pretty much makes me want to impale myself on a sharp object, so what the HELL is this fabulous bookstore doing nearby? I'm thinking that H and I made the move off off of the Promenade for the same reason. Anyway, the most complete and thorough collection of art, architecture, photography, and obscure pop culture books around. Even if you don't have the bucks to buy one of the beautiful books or THINK you have no interest in architecture, you should drop by and explore. I promise you, you'll be in there for awhile.

This is a wonderful place, As an architect there are few places to go on the westside to accomplish such a selection. You end up going in and wanting to study everything but what you came looking for, and it really gets you to want to start doing more with your time. You find a good mix of history, theory, contemporary architects, so many How To books, patterns, graphics, it is very much endless. Nice to browse but for me rare to buy. Parking is tough but it's santa monica...

Even though I have only been here once, It was love at first sight when I walked into this bookstore :) The selection of art, graphic design, photography, architecture, fashion, and industrial design books is intense!!! I could probably spend a lifetime just browsing!