Philosophical Research Society

“it's okay if the aesthetic appeal of Catholicism wore off. spend some time here, take what resonates, and leave what doesn't... or whatever it is that they say. jokes aside, a beautiful community. they have very cool events, a great library, and a bookstore.”

“An LA gem with a comprehensive esoteric library, diverse programming that includes everything from film screenings to one-on-one astrological readings, and a lovely bookstore/gift shop with something for you and all the weirdos in your life.”

“For those inexplicably drawn to the occult, to the philosophical, to the musings of the physical and metaphysical -- there exists a little place in Los Feliz where such like minded folks gather, and to which you, the patron public, may pay a visit. Go check out their calendar for an assortment of events that are sure to be scarcely found elsewhere. I personally don't take much stock in the metaphysical, but a class with a somatic practitioner, a timely Tarot reading, or a lecture on some arcane spiritual practice tickles a certain something for its own sake.”

“A freaky deaky place for freaks and Deaks! Pretty scholarly and quite nerdy, but they have screenings of very niche films, hold “salons” about death, aliens, surrealism, tarot and more! They also have movement classes, sound baths and French discos. About PRS “The Philosophical Research Society is a Los Angeles-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution founded in 1934 by scholar and prolific author Manly Palmer Hall as a repository of multicultural wisdom sources and a center of learning. With a campus designed by architect Robert Stacy-Judd and later designated a historical-cultural site by the city of Los Angeles, PRS is “dedicated to the ensoulment of all arts, sciences, and crafts.””

“A non-profit that functions both as an immaculately curated screening/event space and also one of the country’s most reputable esoteric libraries. An LA favorite of mine hiding in plain sight on Los Feliz Blvd.”

“The Philosophical Research Society has been LA’s unofficial temple of esoterica since 1934, founded by mystic Manly P. Hall as a shrine to his vast collection of texts. The building itself is a Mayan Revival gem designed by Robert Stacy-Judd, now a designated Historic-Cultural Monument. The bookstore has an incredible selection of titles and tarot decks. Elvis was reportedly a fan and once sent Priscilla there on a fact-finding mission.”

“There's city libraries then there's the Philosophical Research Society's esoteric library. I love to come here on a rainy day and read, study, meditate amongst the philosophical and esoteric books, in a library looking like it's right out of a fantasy novel. I promise they aren't a cult.”

“So much more than a metaphysical shop - a metaphysical destination complete with occult library with public visiting hours, incredible community programming, and yes - a bookstore. LA witches are so lucky to have this resource in their backyard.”