YWCA GLA Celebrates Women’s History Month

Black and white photo of a two-story building with arched entrance and multiple windows, surrounded by shrubs and trees, with a few people standing near the entrance.

Black and white photo of a historical lounge room with large arched windows, wooden beams on the ceiling, a fireplace, and various chairs and sofas. Two women are seated on a sofa, and a piano is visible in the background.

Photo source: Historic Hollywood Photographs

A black-and-white photograph of a group of women and girls posing around a large table on a porch, with one woman standing behind and to the side, all dressed in vintage clothing.

A Place for Women, by Women: Behind the Scenes at YWCA’s Hollywood Studio Club

YWCA GLA’s Hollywood Studio Club was the former home to starlets including Marilyn Monroe, Rita Moreno, Barbara Eden, and more. The building was designed by noted California architect Julia Morgan, who also designed Hearst Castle, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the building continues to be a space to support women, as offices for YWCA GLA staff as well as interim housing for homeless women through our partnership with People Assisting the Homeless (PATH).

Hear more from our staff below who are involved with the day-to-day of the building and whose own stories weave into its history.