About NAVEL
NAVEL is a nonprofit artist-run cultural space and events venue located in Downtown Los Angeles’ South Park district. Founded in 2018, it occupies a large, sunny loft at 1611 S. Hope St (2nd floor) near LA Live and the Convention Center (archive.navel.la) (www.navel.la). The venue was originally built out from 2014–2017 by the collective of artists behind NAVEL (www.navel.la). In total the facility is about 3,500 square feet with 14-foot ceilings (archive.navel.la). Beyond the main loft (roughly 2,500 sq. ft.), the space includes a private meeting room, a soundproof music/performance studio and a small green-screen studio (archive.navel.la). According to NAVEL’s materials, the venue can hold about 200–250 people standing or roughly 150 in theater-style seating (and about 100 for seated dinner arrangements) (archive.navel.la) (www.navel.la). Amenities include air conditioning, an event kitchen area, chairs and tables on request, Wi-Fi, a projector and PA sound system (archive.navel.la) (archive.navel.la). The space is wheelchair-accessible and has two (all-gender) restrooms (archive.navel.la) (archive.navel.la).
NAVEL has a distinctly activist, community-oriented mission. The organization describes itself as “a test site for artistic experimentation and curatorial learning,” as well as for mutual aid and economic development (www.navel.la) (opencollective.com). In practical terms, NAVEL provides creative infrastructure and support networks for artist collectives, cultural nonprofits, and small creative businesses. It aims to foster a “regenerative cultural economy” by offering cooperative workspaces, fiscal sponsorship, and funding initiatives (such as its “Queering Capital” fund) to projects aligned with social equity goals (www.mapquest.com) (www.navel.la). As one summary notes, NAVEL is “equitable, collectively-run” and welcomes people from all backgrounds to develop “radical ideas with revolutionary potential” (la2050.org) (lavacoalition.art). The space explicitly prioritizes historically excluded communities — especially queer and trans people, people of color, low-income and disabled artists — by redistributing resources and opportunities to those groups (lavacoalition.art). In short, NAVEL is known not just as a physical venue but as a community hub and platform for underrepresented artists and activists.
Since opening, NAVEL has played an active role in LA’s arts scene. The collective reports it has directly invested well over $450,000 in artists, performers and cultural workers since 2018 (www.navel.la). Through programs like NAVEL Presents and ASSEMBLIES, the venue has hosted hundreds of free or low-cost public programs, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops focused on equity and social justice in the arts (www.navel.la) (www.navel.la). (For example, NAVEL’s 2022 lineup included a spring “Art into Action” Assemblies series and a performance series called “NAVEL presents…” featuring six experimental live shows (www.navel.la) (www.navel.la).) In the past few years NAVEL’s calendar has ranged from art gallery openings and performance art evenings, to community assemblies, film screenings, dance parties, and open-mic discussion salons. Notable events have included socially engaged projects like the protest art gathering “No Justice No Peace” (June 2020) and a collaborative performance series “WYD? + TTZ II” (December 2020), as well as the year-end “A Very NAVEL Holiday Special” in 2021 (archive.navel.la) (archive.navel.la). The programming is eclectic but consistently centered on experimental, interdisciplinary work. NAVEL often emphasizes accessibility, so many events are donation-based or pay-what-you-can, while others charge modest ticket prices (often under $20) to cover costs.
Events and Programming
At NAVEL you can find a wide variety of art and performance events. The venue is used for anything from music concerts and DJ nights to experimental dance, theatre or performance art, poetry readings, film screenings, exhibitions of visual art, crafts pop-ups, and educational workshops. For example, NAVEL has hosted everything from local band shows and electronic music nights to community skill-sharing labs or panel discussions on social issues. Typical audiences include music fans, artists and activists, college students and downtown residents. NAVEL’s calendar often reflects its mission: you’ll see socially engaged themes (such as racial justice, climate justice, or queer culture), collaborative workshops, and fundraisers for community causes. In recent years NAVEL ran a spring 2022 “Assemblies” public program series (with talks and working groups on transitioning to a sustainable creative economy) (www.navel.la), and a performance festival series (“NAVEL presents…”) with six nights of new multi-disciplinary shows (www.navel.la). These examples typify NAVEL’s mix of emergent art, education, and activism.
Most NAVEL events are open to the public. Venues like NAVEL typically announce new shows on their website and social media, often weeks or months in advance. Many events sell tickets online through NAVEL’s site or partnering platforms, while others (especially community gatherings or workshops) are free or donation-based. Ticket price ranges vary: small workshops or community talks are often free, single-artist performances might ask $5–$15, and larger curated shows generally stay under $20–30. Because shows usually have limited capacity, tickets can sell out, so it’s wise to reserve ahead if possible. For many events, register or buy tickets via the NAVEL website and sign up to its email newsletter for reminders. Occasionally there may be last-minute tickets at the door, but that depends on the event and space limits. In general, NAVEL’s vibe is DIY and community-driven – colorful posters and word-of-mouth are common, and the audience tends to be friendly and mixed-age.
As an example of recent programming: in spring 2022 NAVEL hosted Assemblies 2022 (Art into Action) featuring public talks and workshops about “just transition” in the arts (www.navel.la). It also produced six experimental performance nights under “NAVEL presents…” that year (www.navel.la). Back in 2021, it ran a "Virtual Care Lab" series and held a winter holiday party on December 10 (archive.navel.la). Earlier on, in 2020 NAVEL organized events like "No Justice No Peace" (a vigil/art assembly on Jun 1) and art-performance mashups like “WYD? + TTZ II” on Dec 13 (archive.navel.la). These instances show the mix of live music, installation art, community rituals and conversation-circles you might expect. Veterans of the venue note that NAVEL’s programming often has a grassroots, family-friendly feel (respectful of all levels of experience), rather than a strictly commercial entertainment style. All ages are usually welcome, though some late-night or alcohol-served DJ events may be 21+.
Tickets and Booking
Because NAVEL is artist-run, it does not have a traditional box-office counter. To get tickets, the best approach is via NAVEL’s official channels. Watch NAVEL’s website and social feeds for announcements, and sign up for its email alerts or event invites. Ticket sales and RSVPs are generally handled online (often through Eventbrite, Brown Paper Tickets, or a similar platform), or by contacting NAVEL directly. There is usually no phone number or walk-up window to buy tickets day-of; if you want to attend, buy or reserve in advance when tickets go on sale. Popular events often have tiered pricing (for example, standard vs. supporter tickets), and some fundraisers come with packages (like a $50 ticket with a T-shirt or drink token). Check each event’s details for pricing tiers. If a show isn’t sold out, there may be a very limited number of tickets available at the door (cash or card), but don’t count on door sales for busy nights.
Ticket prices at NAVEL tend to be on the lower end. Covered events are often $0 (free) up to around $20. Because NAVEL’s mission emphasizes accessibility, many shows are low-cost. Performances by touring troupes or notable artists might be on the higher side for NAVEL (up to $25–30), but most are modest. On the other hand, panel discussions, classes or fundraisers are often free/sliding-scale. If you apply for a discounted ticket (student, low-income, etc.), bring ID to the door to validate it. Also keep an eye out for NAVEL’s occasional fundraisers or season-passes, which bundle multiple events. Finally, NAVEL sometimes offers free “pay-what-you-can” tickets – literally you can donate any amount at the door (often used for vulnerable communities). Details on all this are in the event listing on NAVEL’s website or Facebook page.
Seating and Layout
NAVEL’s interior is a flexible open loft. There is no fixed theater or numbered seating. Most shows are general admission. The main Performance Hall is one large rectangular room (roughly 40 feet by 60 feet) with a high ceiling. For standing-room shows, the crowd fills the floor around the stage/performance area. For seated events, folding chairs can be brought in; notice that “theater-style” seating caps at about 150 seats (www.navel.la). Some events also use the smaller adjacent room for performances or overflow seating. A few corner areas contain technical equipment (sound/lighting controls) or lounge space, but generally all areas face the main performance zone. Because the space is relatively wide and bright, sightlines are decent from most positions; you don’t have to be in the dead center to see the action.
The best place depends on the type of event. If it’s a loud music show, you’ll be near the center for balanced sound; many people gather just several rows back from the speakers at the front. If it’s a quieter performance or talk, people often spread out, and sitting in the middle of the floor (about 10–15 feet from the stage) gives a good view without blocking others. The venue has two restrooms along one wall – the lines can grow at full house, so many locals avoid standing right at those entrances. Also, if you prefer a quick exit, consider standing along the side aisles rather than squeezed deep in the middle. Otherwise, the room has very few visual obstructions besides occasional pillars, so any spot on the main floor is generally acceptable. Guests sometimes note that because the ceilings are high and the hall somewhat “raw,” the acoustics are lively but not echoey, and bass can be thumped if you’re too close to the speakers—so moderate distance and some separation gives the clearest audio. NAVEL does not have a balcony or mezzanine section; the entire event space is ground-level.
Getting There and Parking
NAVEL’s exact address is 1611 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. It’s in the South Park neighborhood, on Hope Street between 16th and 17th Streets (the same building as some offices/lofts). The best approach is to use that address in your GPS or rideshare app. If you’re driving, note that NAVEL itself doesn’t have its own lot, but there are many paid parking options nearby. In fact, NAVEL’s own information lists “Plentiful Paid Parking Available” (archive.navel.la). There are surface lots and garages all around LA Live, the Convention Center and the surrounding blocks. For example, one surface lot right at 1611 S Hope (operated by Jazz Parking) charges roughly $12 for a couple of hours (www.parkwhiz.ca). Monthly parking in that lot runs about $150 (www.bestparking.com) if that’s of interest. Overnight rates are higher than day rates (plan maybe $15–25 for a full day). If you prefer valet, the JW Marriott (2000s block of Figueroa) has valet parking too. Always double-check signage – some lots are only open evenings or have special event rates. In practice many NAVEL visitors park at the large lots around Crypto.com Arena (LA Live) or the Convention Center and walk a block or two.
Public transit is a great option. NAVEL is within about a 10-minute walk of major rail stops (archive.navel.la). The nearest light-rail stop is Metro Pico Station (serving the A/Blue Line and E/Expo Line). From Pico Station, walk west one block on Pico Blvd and then north on Figueroa; NAVEL will be a block up on Hope (www.cryptoarena.com). Alternatively, take the Metro Red or Purple line to 7th St/Metro Center (exit toward Figueroa St.) and walk south on Figueroa about 5–7 blocks – or catch a connecting bus along the way. Several Metro bus lines also serve Downtown: buses on Figueroa, Flower and Pico can drop you within a couple blocks. (The Moovit route finder lists buses 14, 37, 50, 81, etc., that pass nearby.) If coming from the San Fernando Valley, note that the Metro B (Red) Line ends at 7th/Metro Center as well. Metrolink trains from Union Station have a Crypto.com LA stop one block from NAVEL. In short, you can reach NAVEL by car, Metro rail, or bus – it’s well-connected inside the LA Core.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxi are also easy. The suggested drop-off is on Hope or nearby on 16th Street. Some drivers may first go to the LA Live area (it’s a famous landmark), in which case you’d walk a short block east across Figueroa. If you tell the driver “LA Live (Crypto Arena)” it will get you very close; NAVEL is just north of that. After events, cars are plentiful but note that if a big game or show has just let out at Crypto.com Stadium (formerly Staples Center) or the Convention Center, the streets may be busy. It’s wise to treat the area like any busy entertainment district and double the usual exit time. Many event-goers simply walk the 3–10 blocks to a preferred pickup point rather than wait at curb.
Inside the Venue
When you step inside NAVEL, expect an open, industrial-artsy loft atmosphere. The entry is usually unescorted – occasionally a volunteer or staff member will have a check-in table to scan tickets or check IDs (especially on evenings with alcohol sales). Once inside, you’ll find a large open floor with stage or performance area at one end. The décor is minimalist: high ceilings with exposed beams, some neon or colored lighting rigs (often hung from the ceiling trusses), and a couple of lounge seating areas or booth benches along the walls. The walls may display current art installations or posters. A projector and screen often hang at one side for video or visuals. There is no loud house music in idle mode – the sound comes on only at events. The overall vibe is intimate and DIY; it never feels as crowded as a big commercial club would at the same attendance. If you arrive early, you can usually move around freely, talk with staff or artists, and choose a spot to stand.
For security, NAVEL has only a basic check-in process. Bags and jackets generally are not searched, so you can bring cameras or notebooks (unless event rules forbid photography – artists may ask the audience not to flash or record). The venue does not have a coat check, so keep personal items on hand or draped over your shoulder. If you bought a drink at the venue bar or coffee station, trust that it’s the one you received (no elaborate wristbands or bar-coded tickets here). Bathrooms are through a door in the main hall – there are two unisex/multi-stall restrooms (archive.navel.la). They are fairly small (just a couple of stalls each), so on sold-out nights you might queue for a bit. The floors are concrete so it’s good to wear comfortable shoes.
Concessions are minimal. NAVEL does not have an on-site restaurant or full bar open all night. At many events you’ll find a volunteer-run bar selling beer and wine (cash only) or homemade snacks. Some events charge a small fee for coffee or have water stations, but don’t expect full service. If you want dinner or a big meal, plan to eat before or after the show at a nearby restaurant. (That USMap also hosts food trucks from time to time during big festivals, but otherwise it’s usually outside food only from local kitchens.) One perk is that NAVEL offers free Wi-Fi throughout the space (archive.navel.la), so you can look up information or share photos from inside if needed. Cell service in the industrial loft is okay but can be spotty; having the Wi-Fi helps avoid signal issues.
The atmosphere inside is generally casual and collaborative. Artists or event leaders often mingle in the crowd before and after their shows. Audience members are usually respectful of the creative vibe (loud isn’t allowed unless it’s part of a performance). You might notice that at many shows, organizers will prefix the event with a brief “land acknowledgement” or statement of gratitude – NAVEL events often open with an inclusive or political note. If you attend an experimental workshop or art-crit night, it can be participatory. Overall, inside NAVEL you’ll feel like you’re part of a shared art community, whether it’s a punk show, a poetry night, a tech demo, or a protest meeting. Security staff is usually very friendly; volunteers often help with ushering and cleaning. The one practical note: the location is on the second floor with elevator access, so if you need a wheelchair or stroller, use the elevator by the lobby doors (it’s marked “2nd floor – NAVEL”). Otherwise your experience should be as straightforward as any other downtown club or gallery.
Nearby Amenities
You’ll find plenty to do around NAVEL both before and after a show. Located in a lively downtown entertainment district, the venue is flanked by restaurants, bars and hotels. Directly north on Figueroa is L.A. Live, a major complex of restaurants, movie theaters and entertainment venues next to Crypto.com Arena. There you can choose from spots like Yard House (American pub food), Rock’n Fish (seafood grill), WPizza (casual pizza bar), Tom’s Watch Bar (sports tavern), or upscale dining at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants. Within an easy walk you’ll also find fast-casual places: snack stands and taco shops on Pico Blvd, as well as nearby joints like Broken Spanish (modern Mexican) or Stout Burgers on Figueroa street. If you prefer craft cocktails or microbrews, bars like Conga Room (nightclub/bar under the Marriott tower) and Lucky Strike Lanes (bowl & bar) are part of the L.A. Live district.
South Park and the nearby Historic Core have more local flavor too. One block east on 7th Street is The Perch, a rooftop bar/restaurant with a panoramic downtown view – a popular choice for a pre-show drink (just remember to bring ID; it’s 21+ upstairs). Also on 7th is Hotel Figueroa, an atmospheric boutique hotel with a café and late-night lounge. If you need a quick caffeine fix, the ground floor of the Marriott plaza has a Starbucks, and various sandwich shops dot the surrounding blocks. For late night snacks, popular spots include Corner Bakery or Denny’s near the Convention Center, which stay open late.
There are several hotels within walking distance. The JW Marriott and Sheraton (attached to the Marriott Complex) are literally across Figueroa and a 1–2 minute walk north. The boutique Hotel Figueroa (7th & Figueroa) is a 5-minute walk. Aloft Downtown (1310 S Hope) is just around the corner (14th St.), and the Ace Hotel (formerly Downtown LA) is about 5 blocks west on 7th St. Business and chain options like Residence Inn and Omni also operate nearby in walking range. If flying in, note that LAX is a 20-mile drive away (downtown traffic can make this 30+ minutes). Many attendees simply take an airport shuttle to Union Station or a rideshare directly.
Public transportation, in addition to the nearby Metro rail noted above, means you can also reach NAVEL via regional train (Metrolink stops at Crypto.com Arena station) or local DASH shuttle lines that serve downtown. For late-night transit back out of the area, the Metro A (Blue) and E (Expo) lines stop running around midnight, but there are usually late buses (the 935 Owl) and plentiful taxis/rideshares after shows end.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several things set NAVEL apart. First is its ethos: unlike corporate nightclubs or commercial galleries, NAVEL emphasizes cooperation over competition. It was built and run by creative workers themselves, and that DIY spirit shows in every detail. The interior loft space is unique, with raw exposed brick walls and hand-painted art pieces – it really feels like a lived-in artist workspace rather than a sterile auditorium. This bespoke design was literally co-created by NAVEL’s founders (for instance, Kristoffer Josefsson, Jonas Kesseler, and Caspar Boehme personally designed and built out the space in the mid-2010s) (www.navel.la). You won’t find identical venues in LA; the high-ceiling industrial loft is both raw and airy, with natural light coming in during day events.
Secondly, NAVEL has become known as a cultural incubator. By hosting underfunded or experimental art that might not fit into bigger commercial venues, NAVEL helps push Los Angeles’s creative scene forward. Granting space to points of view often forgotten by mainstream institutions, NAVEL has earned a reputation as a radical and inclusive platform. The Los Angeles 2050 Foundation writes that NAVEL is “equitable, collectively-run” and empowers people of diverse backgrounds in pursuing radical art (la2050.org). NAVEL also actively invests its own funds (over $450K so far) into artists’ projects (www.navel.la). These efforts – along with programs like fiscal sponsorship – have made NAVEL important for artist sustainability. As one observer put it, NAVEL strives to “foster a regenerative cultural economy” by emphasizing mutual aid, skill-sharing and self-sufficiency (www.mapquest.com). In a city known for glitzy art districts, NAVEL is special precisely because it is so focused on solidarity and community.
In terms of experience, many visitors remark on the friendly, attentive vibe. The staff and volunteers tend to be fellow artists or students, and they welcome newcomers warmly. NAVEL events often feel like a gathering of peers; audience members can mingle with performers and organizers over art or community issues. There’s also an atmosphere of experimentation – from guerrilla-style installations to impromptu spoken-word sessions, the unpredictability makes a night at NAVEL exciting. And NAVEL’s role as a hub means you’ll often run into local creatives working on projects: there’s a real sense of networking and collaboration built into the venue’s character. Additionally, NAVEL has made headlines for its progressive mission (e.g. creating the Queering Capital fund), which adds to its mystique as more than just a space – it’s something of a movement. These qualities keep artists and audiences coming back: they love NAVEL’s intimacy and ideals as much as they do its well-kept sound and lighting gear.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: NAVEL is wheelchair-accessible. The lobby entrance has an elevator to the 2nd-floor loft, and the main hall is on one level inside (archive.navel.la). The restrooms are also accessible. If you have any mobility questions or need seating accommodations, you can call or email NAVEL ahead of time (email on their site) or simply ask a coordinator at the door for assistance. Quiet events (like talks or film screenings) usually reserve some front-row seats for easy access.
What to Bring: Dress is casual – jeans and sneakers are typical. The loft can be chilly early in the evening (due to open doors and large space), so bring a light jacket or sweater. Though there is air conditioning, events can still get warm when the crowd is dense. NAVEL does not have a formal coat check or bag check, so carry minimal gear. Small bags are fine, but avoid large backpacks or suitcases. If you have a camera, check the event page: most events allow photography, but some performances (especially intimate or politically-sensitive ones) may ask audience phones to be off – follow instructions given at the show. You can safely bring a notepad or sketchbook if you want to document an event. There are no age restrictions on the space itself, but some individual events have limits (for alcohol or explicit content) and will say so in the event description. If under 18, you might want to confirm in advance whether minors can attend a given show.
Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 10–15 minutes before showtime for good seats, especially on standing-room nights. The door might open earlier (check event info for “doors at 7pm” vs “show at 8pm”). NAVEL shows generally start on time, so late arrivals might wait outside until the next song or piece finishes. If you’re unfamiliar with downtown LA, allow extra travel time for traffic or parking. Weekends and game nights can make the area busier than usual. Also keep in mind that external events (like Clippers games at Crypto.com Arena) can crowd nearby restaurants and streets, so check local game blocks.
Policies: NAVEL is a community-oriented space, so trust and safety are priorities. Weapons, controlled substances (other than moderate alcohol, if served) and illicit activities are prohibited, just as at any public venue. Smoking is not allowed inside (as required by law), though you’ll find a designated smoking area outside. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals. The venue is family-friendly but generally not a drop-in childcare environment – if you bring children, make sure they can handle crowds and noise. Glass containers are not allowed (plastic cups are used for drinks). Most events do allow personal food and non-alcoholic drinks, but keep your area tidy (garbage bins are provided) to help the volunteers who run each show.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available (“NAVEL” network) so you can check the schedule or take calls quietly. Cell service is usable but may be slower inside due to concrete walls. Charging outlets are not abundant, so bring a full battery or a portable charger if needed. If you’re waiting outside beforehand, there are some benches and planters but not a formal outdoor queue area.
Insider Advice: If you want to meet other creative types, hang back after the show to chat with performers – NAVEL folks are approachable. Check NAVEL’s website or social media for community notices or volunteer opportunities; they often post “help needed” for events. NAVEL shows sometimes sell merchandise (T-shirts, CDs, zines) to support artists, so bring some cash if you like that. When the event ends, the staff usually encourages a quick cleanup, meaning they might dim the lights and turn up music to signal the end. At that point, drift out, maybe grab a last drink at the bar if open. Rideshares tend to line up immediately after big shows, so if you’re in a hurry to leave, step outside quickly. Otherwise, feel free to linger a bit and let the crowd disperse.
