tours for usc

A Self-Guided Tour to USC’s Campus

By: Kathryn Aurelio ‘25

It’s that nail-biting time of year when you’re anxiously awaiting college acceptance letters in your inbox. If you’re ready for your congratulatory cardinal and gold confetti or if you’re a newly admitted Trojan, use this article as an expertly curated guide to escort yourself on an actually useful tour of campus. Trust me, these are the places I wish I would’ve gone the first time I visited the school.After my acceptance in the Spring of 2021, COVID-19 was still rampant, and tours weren’t available. While I appreciated my family following me around while I wandered campus, I had little sense of place or direction. If you can’t make a scheduled campus tour or would rather explore for yourself, here’s the must-see spots from a current student.

Before I dive into the tailored paths based on your future home school, here are some “basic” USC staples:

Tommy Trojan, Traveler, and the Ronald Tutor Campus Center (RTCC)

Gallantly posed in the heart of campus, the bronze Tommy Trojan warrior statue (NOT our official mascot) is a popular symbol of the university. During football and basketball rivalry weeks against crosstown rival UCLA, you can spot this statue wrapped in tape guarded 24/7 by the Trojan Knights. 

Fun fact: if you search “ Tommy Cam ” you can spot the statue (and yourself) on a live stream!

Diagonally across, you can spot USC’s actual mascot Traveler (the horse), posed behind a babbling fountain. Both are great picture spots for your first family photo sporting victory “peace” signs.

While in the area, visit the Ronald Tutor Campus Center for your pick at a variety of food and refreshments. 

Pro tip: download the USC Campus Dining app for mobile ordering! Also, rest your feet in a grand “dome” ceiling campus center at the Steven Kathryn Sample Hall (SKS).

Doheny Library

Of all the libraries on campus, Doheny takes my top spot among the libraries as the best package deal for my Harry-Potter-esque/academia dreams, quiet (but not too quiet), and warm lighting. All you need is an ID (any government issued ID will work) to enter as a guest and view the ornate studying space from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Outside the library is a picturesque fountain and shrubbery spelling “USC” when the flowers are in bloom during the spring. An alternative library viewing option is the Hoose Library of Philosophy, which is similar in atmosphere with a smaller footprint.

USC Village (and Hecuba)

Renovated in 2017, the 15-acre extension of USC houses eight residential halls, including McCarthy Honors, and many places to dine and shop. Some highlights of the dining options in the area include Trader Joe’s, Mediterranean food from CAVA, and coffee/pastries from Dulce. Also, in the center of the village, lies Hecuba, the majestic Queen of Troy guarded by USC Helenes during rivalry week. 

Fun fact: you can also view Hecuba on “ Hecuba Cam ”!

School of Cinematic Arts (SCA)

Whether you’re a Letterboxd fanatic or just watch movies and TV as background noise, every visit should include USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, one of the best film schools in the nation. The elegant Mediterranean-style architecture that resembles a fancy film lot was constructed largely from a $175m donation from alum George Lucas, of Star Wars and Indiana Jones fame. Walk the halls inside the buildings for iconic movie posters and memorabilia that USC alumni have worked on.

Now that you’ve visited these general must-sees, here’s a quick overview of paths to follow based on your particular interests or future major. Use the building codes provided to find them on USC’s digital map to get an idea of your path through campus.:

Lover of Adobe, narrative writing, and oat milk lattes (Journalism, PR, Communications, Theater, Dance, Music, Film, etc.)

The entirety of the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) buildings

Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN)

This is “New” Annenberg with the 4-story tall screen and media center

Annenberg School for Communication Building (ASC)

Affectionately referred to as “Old” Annenberg, home to the Career center

Roski’s Watt Hall (WAH) & Harris Hall (HAR)

Fisher Museum of Art

Art and Architecture Library

Iovine and Young Hall (IYH)

Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center (KDC)

Norris Cinema Theatre (NCT)

The Music Complex (TMC)

Ramo Hall (RHM)

McClintock Building and Theatre (MCC)

Scene Dock Theatre (SCD)

Soon-to-be School of Dramatic Arts (SDA)

This is currently  the location of the United University Church (UUC))

The Networker

LinkedIn Aficionado (Business, Economics, Finance, PR, Communication, etc.)

Marshall’s Hoffman Hall (HOH), Bridge Hall (BRI), the Accounting building (ACC), Popovich Hall (JKP) and Jill and Frank Fertitta Hall (JFF)

Mudd Hall (MHP)

The Student-Athlete

alarm clock set for 5 a.m.?

Cromwell Track & Field

Heritage Hall (HER)

John McKay Center (JMC)

Colich Track & Field Center (CTF)

Physical Education Building (PED)

Marks Tennis Stadium (MTX)

The Future President

Academic Paper Dissector and future USG candidate (Political Science, Law, Public Policy, etc.)

Social Sciences Building (SOS)

Musick Law Building (LAW)

Lewis Hall (RGL)

Verna and Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD)

The Tech-nically Savvy

A.I. your favorite topic of discussion? (Computer Science, Engineering, Iovine and Young, etc.)

Salvatori Computer Science Center (SAL)

Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB)

Tutor Hall (RTH)

Rapp Engineering Building (RRB)

Seaver Science Center (SSC)

Science & Engineering Library

Olin Hall (OHE)

Vivian Hall (VHE)

USC Iovine and Young Hall (IYH)

The Study Bug

Those in Dornsife STEM and takers of GE classes

Leavey Library (LVL)

Taper Hall (THH)

Zumberge Hall (ZHS)

Grace Ford Salvatori Hall (GFS)

The best tour is one that is adaptable with hints of spontaneity–ask current students/passerby for directions, their favorite study spots, and any personal experience they have with USC. Happy exploring!

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Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.

Gender Equity Resources at USC

Usc celebrates earth month.

in-person events, virtual events,  

Info-sessions, campus tours, live chats,  .

We Can’t Wait To Meet You!

There are a number of events for you to learn more, year-round.  Please note there are distinct programs for high school students (First-Year Admission), and transfer students.  If you are able to visit campus, we would love to see you at one of our info-sessions or tours.  If not, please sign up for a virtual event or one of our admission receptions across the country.

Visit Viterbi Experience & Campus Tours

Our on-campus Visit Viterbi Experience sessions are the best way to get to know more about our programs.  This 90-minute session includes an overview of our academic programs and admission process led by a USC Viterbi admission counselor.  Based on availability, each session includes a brief facility or lab tour. Current students are also part of the session to ask questions and learn more about student life (when classes are in session).  Transfer Students: you are welcome to join our Visit Viterbi Experience!  The portion of the presentation regarding admission is geared toward first-year students, as transfer admission is often complex, nuanced, and requires its own session.  However, we have found that many transfer students benefit from visiting campus and learning about our academic programs.  If you would like to join us for an in-depth, virtual transfer advisement session, please see availability below .

Note: the calendar allows you to register for just a USC Viterbi Info Session. If you are interested in a campus tour to accompany this program, please refer to the campus tour portal page .

Reserve Your Visit Viterbi Experience

Please select a date below to check availability.

Can’t make it to campus?  Join us for a Virtual Session!

Virtual info session for first-year admission.

We understand that making it to campus for one of our in-person sessions is not possible for everyone.  On select weekdays and  Saturdays, we provide the same information via a personal, interactive Zoom meeting.

Similar to our in-person events, the meeting is led by one of our Viterbi Admission counselors to cover our academic programs, the admission process and more on student life.  When classes are in session, each meeting is accompanied by two of our current students to share their experiences and answer your questions.

This is not your typical webinar – this is our chance to get to know you!

Virtual Tour of Campus

In the event you are unable to make it campus, we have a virtual tour of campus available. Get to know the campus from the comfort of your home!

Register for an upcoming virtual info session below.

Transfer admission: info sessions & advisement.

Navigating the transfer process can be challenging without support.  Our Info Sessions & Advisement virtual webinars are designed to get your questions answered.  What classes should I take to be eligible for admission?  How can I be a competitive transfer applicant?  How do I navigate the articulation agreements?

We do not want you to “just take GE’s” before you transfer.  We want you to be ready for your engineering or computer science curriculum at USC and be making progress toward you USC degree.  Honestly, it’s more straightforward than you think.

PRO TIP: Review the transfer course plans and understand the articulation history with your current college/university before you attend this session.

Register for an upcoming virtual transfer advisement & info-session below.

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With last year’s big stars headed to the NFL, the next class of Trojans made its debut at Saturday’s spring football game. Take a look at the action on and off the field as the team heads toward fall — and a new conference.

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As USC celebrates Earth Month, take a look at some of the latest Trojan discoveries to address urgent global climate issues.

Spotlight: USC’s Health Sciences Schools

Keck School of Medicine of USC

At the Keck School of Medicine of USC, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals and society by promoting health, preventing and curing disease, advancing biomedical research and educating tomorrow’s physicians and scientists.

• Learn more about medicine at USC

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

The mission of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is to provide education, scholarship and outreach that improves oral, dental, craniofacial and general systemic health and well-being locally, nationally and internationally.

• Learn more about dentistry at USC

USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

One of the top pharmacy schools nationwide, the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences continues its centurylong reputation for innovative programming, practice and collaboration.

• Learn more about pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at USC

USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Through innovative research, education and clinical practice, the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy optimizes people’s engagement in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life.

• Learn more about occupational science and occupational therapy at USC

USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy is committed to transforming how we prepare the next generation of physical therapists to deliver the highest level of care to society. With our longstanding leadership in the field, we are uniquely positioned to develop innovative solutions that integrate our strengths in research, education and clinical service.

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Around the University

‘Defining Courage’

Join the USC Center on Public Diplomacy for Defining Courage , a live docu-theater experience that explores the legacy of the Nisei soldiers — Americans of Japanese ancestry who served in segregated units during World War II. The Nisei were the most decorated soldiers of the war, and yet their accomplishments are unknown to most.

6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30

Bing Theatre

Earth Day Painting

Come celebrate Earth Day (April 22) with table and pot painting, free snacks and music.

Earth Month at USC is a cornerstone initiative within Assignment: Earth and President Carol Folt’s sustainability “moonshot.” Dedicating the month of April to sustainability catalyzes meaningful change, inspiring individuals to take action, adopt sustainable practices, and contribute to a more resilient and equitable future for all.

2-6 p.m. Monday, April 22

USC Peace Garden

USC Kaufman’s Spring 2024 BFA Showcase

The USC Kaufman School of Dance’s BFA dance majors will perform new and existing works of choreography by Kyle Abraham, Bret Easterling, Nina Flagg, Roderick George, Bruce McCormick, Christopher Wheeldon and “Move Ya Body!” — a new “Dance for TV/Camera” experience. Tickets are free, and registration is required.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27

Thinking about USC?

Travel Partners

USC Trojan Travel is proud to work with the very best tour providers and experts in the affinity and alumni tour market. All have a strong history with our program and maintain the high standards expected by our guests.

AHI Travel – AHI Travel is a creative travel company recognized around the world for its design and operation of deluxe international travel programs. For more than 50 years AHI has dedicated itself to providing the very best service, travel experiences and value. Many know of AHI Travel as Alumni Holidays®, the premier operator of deluxe travel programs sponsored by university alumni associations. Indeed, the history of alumni group travel is largely written in the accomplishments of Alumni Holidays. usc.ahitravel.com or 800-323-7373

Gohagan & Company – For more than 35 years, Gohagan & Company has been creating innovative, small group, affinity travel programs for intellectually curious and discerning travelers. Established in 1984, Gohagan & Company’s one-of-a-kind itineraries are the cumulative result of decades of experience in researching, planning and operating travel programs around the globe. Wherever you travel with Gohagan & Company, you will appreciate the attention to every detail. gohagantravel.com or 800-922-3088

Go Next – Since 1972, Go Next has been dedicated to creating and operating high quality, reasonably priced travel programs based on an understanding of its customers’ expectations and service to them. Over the years the company has established a strong base of sponsoring organizations as well as thousands of loyal and satisfied repeat travelers. gonext.com (select USC) or 888-664-0148

Odysseys Unlimited – Odysseys Unlimited is a leader in high quality, affordable small group travel. In the beginning, Odysseys Unlimited created custom-designed tours for some of America’s most prestigious non-profit organizations. They remain committed to developing, marketing, and operating tours of excellent quality at a fair price for both individuals and special interest groups. odysseys-unlimited.com or 888-370-6765

Orbridge – A leading partner to the country’s top alumni travel programs, over 140 alumni associations trust Orbridge to provide the ultimate educational travel experience to their groups. Exclusive alumni departures join together travelers from schools across the country, so you’ll travel with a variety of truly interesting people. usctrojantravel.orbridge.com or 866-639-0079

Sports and Entertainment Travel (SET) – SET is the industry’s leading full-service travel and tour management company dedicated to offering the best in fan travel experiences. It is the mission of SET to provide tours for sports enthusiasts that are priced competitively and offer superior service with integrity and value. uscalumnisportstravel.com or 888-506-4687

The National WWII Museum – The National WWII Museum’s educational travel programs bring the Museum’s tradition of inspiration, excellence, and thoughtful inquiry to travel destinations around the world, with tours designed by leading historians and led by Museum curators and expert local guides. nationalww2museum.org or 877-813-3329 x257

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ABOUT THE CAMPUS VISIT

We are pleased to offer campus tours Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. with an additional 10 a.m. tour available on Mondays and Fridays.  Starting May 13, campus tour times will be limited to 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and subject to current student guide availability.   Some quick information to note before you plan your visit:

Alternative Tour Option If you are interested in a general campus tour and they are not available, or if you would prefer to explore our campus at your own pace, please request information about our self-guided tour .

What are my virtual visit options?  The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Visitor Center are offering a number of virtual events and activities to bring USC to you. Please visit our  virtual series website  to find ways to connect with USC.

Have you already been admitted to USC ?

If so, congratulations ! We are excited to offer special events and visit opportunities for our admitted students, including our signature Admitted Student Day program scheduled for February 3, March 23 and April 6.  To access these opportunities designed for admitted students, please  log-in to your admitted student portal . 

HOW CAN I PERSONALIZE MY CAMPUS VISIT?

The following on-campus options may be available to help you tailor your visit to fit your interests. • General Campus Tour Learn all about Gamecock life during a two-hour campus tour. Each tour begins with a 20-minute presentation covering the admissions process, financial aid and scholarships. Then, guests spend 90-100 minutes exploring campus guided by a University Ambassador.  • Express Campus Tour Guests spend 90-100 minutes exploring campus guided by a University Ambassador, but these events   do not include a 20-minute presentation from Admissions. Express campus tours are recommended for second-time visitors or admitted students, but are open to all. •   Academic Information Sessions   Many of our academic departments offer information sessions, which provide a more in-depth look at specific programs. Please note, the sessions  do not include a tour of campus. Sessions vary in content and typically last 45-60 minutes.  You can see the general schedule by clicking the button below. Any available sessions will appear as options when you register for your visit. •   One-on-One Appointment Requests Appointment requests are limited to rising seniors and transfer students. If your academic unit or student interest group is offering appointments, we will notify you via your personalized visit portal after you complete the registration form for your visit.

• Beginning February 23rd, students admitted to the South Carolina Honors College , can register for an Honors Admit Panel on Mondays or Fridays at 10:15am . 
• Beginning March 22nd, students invited to join the Capstone Scholars Program can register for a Capstone Information Sessions on select Mondays or Fridays at 1:00pm .

To register for these events, admitted students will need to access the campus visit page through their admitted student portal .

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On This Page

Sign up for an in-person walking tour of our beautiful campus, or take a Self-Guided Tour! See our Santa Cruz Area page for more information about our area. For a complete visitor guide, including information on accommodations, dining, activities, and more, see the Visit Santa Cruz County homepage. For families who can’t travel to campus, we continue to offer many virtual options to experience our extraordinary campus environment (see below).

Campus Tours

Join us for a student-led, small-group tour of campus! Our S.L.U.G.s (Student Life and University Guides) are excited to take you and your family on a walking tour of campus. Use the links below to see your tour options.

General Walking Tour

Register here for a tour led by one of our Student Life & University Guides (S.L.U.G.s). The tour will take approximately 90 minutes and includes stairs, and some uphill and downhill walking. Appropriate walking shoes for our hills and forest floors and dressing in layers are highly recommended in our variable coastal climate.

Please note that from April 1 through 19, admitted students and their families will be prioritized for tours. If you are unable to make a reservation during that time, please consider a virtual tour or a self-guided tour . Parking is likely to be highly impacted during the spring season. For a smoother arrival, plan to arrive early, and download the ParkMobile app in advance.

See our frequently asked questions for more information.

Self Guided Tour

VisiTOUR is an app that you can download to your phone for either an in-person or virtual UC Santa Cruz experience! Take a general walking tour, or select your interests to have a route customized just for you! Either way, you can check out videos and photos of different spots on campus along the way. Just text UCSC to 58052, or use the link below.

In-person group tours are offered to high schools, community colleges, and other educational partners. Please contact your admission representative or the tours office for more information.

If your group would like to visit before we can accommodate you or you have a group larger than 75, please utilize our VisiTOUR  tour  for your visit.

S.L.U.G. Video Series and 6-minute Tour

For your convenience, we have a playlist of short topic-focused YouTube videos featuring our Student Life and University Guides (S.L.U.G.s) and lots of footage showing campus life. Tune in at your leisure! Just want to get a quick overview of our campus? Try our 6-minute video tour!

Virtual Tour

Take a campus tour from the comfort of your own computer! Our interactive program is narrated by our own student tour guides, is available in five languages, and includes 360-degree photos.

Festival of Books at USC, Andrew Scott and your ultimate culture guide to the weekend and beyond

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Apparently some lady named Taylor has a new album — or two. We’re still trying to make sense of “Tortured Poets Department,” and the staff here has been noting the growing debate on the topic of T. Swift overexposure. If you’d like to share an amusing haiku on the subject, send it our way ! And then dive into our rundown of the brightest spots on L.A.’s cultural landscape this week ...

Best bets: What’s on our radar

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Our critics and reporters guide you through events and happenings of L.A.

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1. Festival of Books How soul-satisfying to start off with an event dedicated to the art of the written word? The Los Angeles Times’ annual Festival of Books is back for another weekend jampacked with readings, panel discussions and signings. All things literary will be celebrated by more than 550 guests including Maggie Nelson, Jonathan Lethem, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Octavia Spencer, RuPaul, David Mamet and Ariana Madix. If cookbooks are your thing, the chef’s stage is back featuring Nancy Silverton and others. Through Sunday. USC. events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/ — Jessica Gelt

2. TCM Classic Film Festival Movie lovers who thrill to the gentle salt-and-pepper authority of TV host Ben Mankiewicz may have already paid a visit to this festival, perhaps to see the world premiere of the Imax version of David Fincher’s “Seven.” ( “What’s in the box?” Those people know.) The fest rolls on through the weekend and the Hollywood essentials keep coming. Our Saturday picks include a gargantuan presentation of Alfred Hitchcock’s immortal thriller “North by Northwest” at the TCL Chinese; those free on Sunday should dive into John Ford’s peak 1956 Western “The Searchers” at the Egyptian. Through Sunday. Various theaters. filmfestival.tcm.com — Joshua Rothkopf

3. “Prelude to a Kiss” After adapting his beloved, body-swapping play into an Alec Baldwin-Meg Ryan movie , Craig Lucas is transforming the piece into a stage musical, with sweeping, emotional songs by Daniel Messé and Sean Hartley. Hannah Corneau and Chris McCarrell star in the bittersweet romantic comedy as the newlywed couple, with Jonathan Gillard Daly as the mysterious older man who asks the bride for that magical peck. Directed by David Ivers, this new take is making its world premiere at South Coast Repertory, the same theater where the Tony-nominated play originally debuted in 1988 . Through May 4, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scr.org — Ashley Lee

4. “Vanya” Andrew Scott may forever be remembered as the Hot Priest from “Fleabag.” As Tim Ripley in the Netflix series “Ripley,” Scott proves that villainy comes as naturally as vulnerability. And his lead performance in Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” was the best film acting I saw last year. But I will always think of him first as a stage virtuoso, someone whose Hamlet was perhaps the most psychologically exact I’ve experienced. Undaunted by the toughest of challenges, he single-handedly takes on Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece of middle-aged malaise, “Uncle Vanya.” L.A theater lovers will get the chance to see his acclaimed London solo performance in Simon Stephens’ radical adaptation at one of the National Theatre Live screenings courtesy of L.A. Theatre Works. 3 p.m. April 28. UCLA James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall, 235 Charles E. Young Drive East, Westwood. latw.org/hd-screenings — Charles McNulty

5. Hear Now Music Festival The annual new-music fest has its most ambitious program yet with dozens of pieces by composers of string quartets, chamber music, orchestral works, even experimental electronic music. The venues are just as broad, ranging from funky 2020 Arts + Archives in the Westlake district to Frankie in Boyle Heights to UCLA. Among the performers are the Lyris Quartet, Brightwork Ensemble and, boldly stretching geography, the International Contemporary Ensemble from New York. Wednesday through April 28 . Various locations. hearnowmusicfestival.com — Mark Swed

The week ahead: A curated calendar

“Abundance” at L.A. Dance Project Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions is holding a performance art show featuring interdisciplinary work about the lived experiences of people in plentiful bodies. 7-10 p.m. nightly through Friday. L.A. Dance Project, 2245 E. Washington Blvd., L.A. welcometolace.org

“The Hope Theory” Frank Marshall directs playwright-performer Helder Guimarães in this magical immigration tale. Through June 9. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. geffenplayhouse.org

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth The Pacific Symphony performs the Russian composer’s final completed symphony, commonly known as “Pathétique,” which he debuted just before his death in 1893. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org

Bartók and Mozart Inon Barnatan performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 and Karina Canellakis leads the L.A. Phil in Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com

“Challengers” Zendaya plays a former tennis prodigy turned coach working both sides of the net amid the heated rivalry between her husband and her ex (Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor ) in director Luca Guadagnino’s steamy sports drama. Starts Friday with Thursday previews. mgm.com/movies/challengers-2023

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Adam Ant The English Beat opens for the “Goody Two Shoes” singer in a pairing of ’80s British new wave favorites. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. lagreektheatre.com

“The Boy Who Cried Wolf” Aesop’s fable comes to life in this production written by playwright Mike Kenny and created by U.K.-based Tutti Frutti, in which a lonely shepherd longs for a place in his community. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday; 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., April 28. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org

Deadmau5 The Canadian EDM producer and DJ marks a quarter-century of spins. 7 p.m. Saturday. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. hollywoodbowl.com

“H*tler’s Tasters” Rogue Machine presents this dark comedy, inspired by a 2014 interview with 94-year-old Margot Wölk, one of 15 young German women tasked with sampling der Führer’s meals at the Wolf’s Lair. Saturday-June 3. Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. roguemachinetheatre.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

“Reverberations” Robert Rauschenberg and Mark Rothko headline this presentation of highlights from MOCA’s collection that features galleries devoted to abstraction, Pop and conceptual work from the 1950s and ’60s as well as recent acquisitions. Sunday, April 28, through Nov. 29. Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. moca.org

The biggest L.A. culture news

Copper thieves have been at it again, and this time the target hits close to home: The bronze statue of a newsboy accompanying Harrison Gray Otis , owner of a newspaper that would become the Los Angeles Times, was stolen from MacArthur Park. Staff writer Thomas Curwen reports that the bronze was most likely melted down for its valuable copper content and is part of a wave of attacks on public art that one official said was unprecedented in her 27 years with the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Staff writer Kaitlyn Huamani looks at how one organization is trying to commemorate history in a different way: a walking audio tour. California Migration Museum , a program sponsored by the San Francisco-based nonprofit Independent Arts & Media, has produced an interactive tour of the Olvera Street area, exploring the history of the La Placita raid that ultimately led to the deportation of as many as 1.8 million Mexican Americans across the country in the 1930s.

In happier art news, critic Christopher Knight lays out why the Camille Claudel exhibition at the Getty is so magnificent. Check out the review, which tells you everything you didn’t know you should know about one sculpture’s chopped knee .

Classical music critic Mark Swed looks at two phenomena in his world. He reflects on the appointment of 28-year-old Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra — and the hopes and hazards of the classical world’s quest to anoint its next phenom in the footsteps of Gustavo Dudamel.

Swed also looks at Los Angeles Opera ‘s attempts to make opera more accessible , including taking opera our of the opera house. He asks: If Lakers tickets cost more, why does opera still get slapped with the “elitist” label?

Ahead of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival next month, contributor Rachel Brodsky profiled Leslie Liao, who is successfully making the leap from working in the streamer’s HR department to performing stand-up in its L.A. comedy extravaganza .

Other stage news: Director Jon M. Chu will helm a Broadway musical based on Kevin Kwan ’s “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy. Staff writer Alexandria Del Rosario has the deets . Meanwhile, the musical “Sunset Boulevard” was the big winner in London at the Olivier Awards .

The Christian St. Croix play “Monsters of the American Cinema” had its Los Angeles premiere at the Matrix Theatre in a Rogue Machine production. Critic Charles McNulty offers his review of work with intriguing horror movie dimensions .

That’s a good segue to note some news on the film front: Staff writer Mark Olsen notes that the Sundance Film Festival took another step toward leaving its longtime home in Park City, Utah.

In the meantime, Hollywood will keep on Hollywooding, and “The Fall Guy” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt already has folks buzzing a couple of weeks before its opening in theaters. Staff writer Josh Rottenberg has an exclusive on the movie’s amazing practical stunts, which are quite possibly the best argument to add an Oscar category for stunt performers .

And we may have joked about Swift’s new albums, but you can read critic Mikael Wood ‘s take on what sounds like seriously compelling music . And staff writer August Brown has the obituary for Dickey Betts , founding member of the Allman Brothers Band , who died Thursday at 80.

More culture news, briefly ...

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced the 2024 season at the Ford , running at the outdoor stage from July 14 through Oct. 31. Highlights include local rock ‘n’ rollers Airborne Toxic Event , Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company , a 25th anniversary celebration of the Magnetic Fields ’ seminal “69 Love Songs” featuring singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt , a three-concert residency curated by Jazz Is Dead record label and the second annual Noche de Cumbia featuring Reyna Tropical and Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto .

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre has announced that the Tony Award-winning musical “Come From Away” is heading to its stage for a limited engagement May 7-12. This is the show’s second trip to L.A. and its first time stopping at the Pantages.

The American Theatre Guild has announced its 2024-25 Broadway season at Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks . Shows include “The Book of Mormon,” “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” “Clue,” “Mean Girls” and “The Addams Family.”

Los Angeles Opera announced the recipients of its fourth-annual Stern Artist Awards , which go to individuals deemed to have made important contributions to the company’s artistry. The $75,000 award will be split between three honorees: conductor Louis Lohraseb , director Kaneza Schaal and administrator Patricia McLeod .

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Last but not least

Sure, Coachella is cool. But man, Times photographers — they’re the ones who can really rock . Just check out the work of Christina House and Dania Maxwell in our best moments of Coachella photo gallery .

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Jessica Gelt is an arts and culture writer for the Los Angeles Times.

Ashley Lee is a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes about theater, movies, television and the bustling intersection of the stage and the screen. An alum of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Critics Institute and Poynter’s Power of Diverse Voices, she leads workshops on arts journalism at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. She was previously a New York-based editor at the Hollywood Reporter and has written for the Washington Post, Backstage and American Theatre, among others. She is currently working remotely alongside her dog, Oliver.

Charles McNulty is the theater critic of the Los Angeles Times. He received his doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama.

Joshua Rothkopf is film editor of the Los Angeles Times. He most recently served as senior movies editor at Entertainment Weekly. Before then, Rothkopf spent 16 years at Time Out New York, where he was film editor and senior film critic. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Sight and Sound, Empire, Rolling Stone and In These Times, where he was chief film critic from 1999 to 2003.

Mark Swed has been the classical music critic of the Los Angeles Times since 1996.

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USC Tommy’s Tour Calendar Tours for K-8 grade groups have closed for the Spring 2024 semester. Due to staffing availability, Tommy's Tours will not be available for scheduling tours in May, June, July, and August. K-8 grade groups are welcome to visit campus and can register for a self-guided tour from the calendar below.  Groups interested in receiving information for Fall 2024, please submit this form to be added to our mailing list. 

Use the arrows to select future offerings

Commencement Update, April 25, 2024

This update provides information about our upcoming 2024 commencement events. To ensure we host commencement activities and celebrate our graduates safely, we will be implementing additional security measures. These include ticketing of all commencement events taking place on May 8-11 and directing all campus access through specific points of entry.

We are in the process of finalizing details, and all schedules, ticketing processes, and additional materials will be posted on our  commencement  website by Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  Once posted, we will do our best to minimize changes so as not to disrupt your planning.

Events and Schedules:

As in previous years, the university will be hosting dozens of commencement events,  including all the traditional individual school commencement ceremonies where students cross the stage, have their names announced, are photographed, and receive their diplomas.  In keeping with tradition, we will be hosting all doctoral hooding ceremonies, special celebrations, and departmental activities and receptions.

With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially.  As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

We understand that this is disappointing; however, we are adding many new activities and celebrations to make this commencement academically meaningful, memorable, and uniquely USC, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff, the celebratory releasing of the doves, and performances by the Trojan Marching Band.

Ticketing and Safety Measures:

1. Tickets will be required to access campus and all commencement events taking place on May 8-11, 2024.  Graduating students will be able to reserve, free of charge, tickets for themselves and up to eight named guests. Tickets will not be transferrable. There will be an appeal process if more tickets are needed. We will begin reserving tickets early next week.

2. Prior to entering commencement events, we will screen people and bags, using security measures similar to those for attending athletic events at the Coliseum and before entering many other large venues.

3. Please note, we will have a clear bag policy.

4. You should allow more time  — to park, go through security, enjoy campus, and get seated at the various ceremonies.  Commencement ceremonies take place at different times and various locations on or adjacent to our campus.  Guests and graduates will be able to plan their arrival times to meet their own needs. There will be hospitality areas, a variety of places to sit, rest, and hydrate in the shade before and after your ceremony.

Conferring of Degrees:

The most important part of commencement is the presentation of degrees, which will take place at our individual school ceremonies. For those who have never attended a graduation (like many students this year), we’ve created  a gallery of photos from ceremonies of previous years  so you can see how joyful and special these are.

Further Information:

Further information, including detailed maps, parking instructions, ADA accommodations, public transportation, ticketing information, and our code of conduct and expectations, can be found at the  2024 Commencement website . Demonstration and free speech zone policies will be posted, as well, so everyone understands how we will ensure a safe and orderly commencement. This is a one-stop site that will be updated regularly.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make our arrangements for a celebratory and significant experience for our 2024 Trojan graduates.

Former USC offensive lineman sets official visit date with Florida

T he college football transfer portal is wide open and the Florida Gators have dove head-first into it this spring with some solid results. But there is still work left to be done.

The Gators have been focused on 247Sports’ top interior offensive lineman (and No. 7 transfer overall) who entered the portal this offseason, former USC Trojan   Jason Zandamela — an 18-year-old from the 2024 recruiting cycle who is already seeking greener pastures.

According to Swamp247 , he is traveling to Gainesville on Friday for an official visit that will stretch over the weekend.

Zandamela is a native of Mozambique, Africa, and a former rugby player whose first introduction to football came in 2020 when he moved to the United States. While still wet behind the ears as far as experience with the game is concerned, his athletic potential is unquestioned.

Recruiting Summary

As a prospect in the 2024 cycle, Zandamela was rated at four stars and ranked No. 46 overall and No. 1 at his position nationally according to the  247Sports composite  while the  On3 industry ranking  had him at Nos. 118 and 6, respectively.

Follow us  @GatorsWire  on Twitter and like our page on  Facebook  to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former USC offensive lineman sets official visit date with Florida

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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