If you've ever walked down Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, you've probably noticed it. It’s hard to miss. A massive, three-story building that looks more like a modern museum than a furniture store. Honestly, RH West Hollywood The Gallery on Melrose Avenue photos often don't do the scale of the place justice. It's 40,000 square feet of pure aesthetic.
Most people think of Restoration Hardware as a place to buy a $5,000 couch. While that’s technically true, the Melrose location—officially called The Gallery—is something else entirely. It’s a public park. It’s a design library. It’s a vantage point. Basically, it’s one of the few places in LA where you can feel like a billionaire for an hour without spending a single cent.
The Rooftop Park: LA’s Worst Kept Secret
Let’s get straight to the point. Most people aren't here for the linen-swatched armchairs. They’re here for the roof.
The rooftop park and conservatory is the crowning jewel of the building. We're talking 10,000 square feet of greenery, heritage olive trees, and decomposed granite paths. It was actually part of a deal with the City of West Hollywood—to get the building permits, RH had to provide a public space.
It works.
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When you take the elevator up, the doors open to a view of the Hollywood Hills that is, frankly, ridiculous. You see the Pacific Design Center (that big blue building nearby) and the sprawling hills to the north. There are fire pits, fountains, and even a ping-pong table. And yes, it is all technically for sale—the roof serves as a massive showroom for their outdoor collections—but nobody is going to chase you away for just sitting there and soaking up the sun.
What to Look for in Photos
- The Olive Grove: Look for shots of the century-old olive trees. They give the roof a Mediterranean vibe that feels very "Old World meets WeHo."
- The Crystal Chandeliers: It’s a weird contrast, but seeing massive outdoor-rated chandeliers hanging from steel structures over the gardens is a classic RH move.
- The Architecture: James Gillam designed this space to blur the lines between inside and out. In your photos, notice how the massive windows and loggias make the whole building feel airy.
Three Floors of Design Madness
The layout is pretty intentional.
The first floor is mostly RH Interiors. This is where you find the classic, oversized furniture that the brand is known for. If you’ve seen those "Cloud Sofa" photos on Instagram, they were likely taken here. The lighting on this floor is moody and dramatic.
The second floor houses the RH Interior Design Studio. This isn't just a showroom; it’s where professional designers work with clients. You’ll see walls of fabric swatches, leather samples, and rug piles. It’s a bit more "technical," but still incredibly pretty to look at.
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Then you have the third floor, which transitions into the Rooftop Park.
What’s interesting is that unlike the newer RH "Guesthouses" or the massive galleries in New York or Chicago, the Melrose location doesn't have a full-service restaurant. No RH Rooftop Restaurant here. You won't find the famous burger or the truffled grilled cheese. It’s a "dry" gallery, meaning you’re there for the design and the views, not the brunch. Honestly, that makes it a lot quieter and less frantic than the newer spots.
Why Everyone Takes Photos Here
It’s the lighting.
The way the building is oriented means that during "golden hour," the light hits the rooftop at a perfect angle. If you’re looking for RH West Hollywood The Gallery on Melrose Avenue photos, you'll notice a theme: sunset. The shadows from the pergolas and the glow from the fire pits make it an influencer's dream.
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But it’s also about the symmetry. Gary Friedman, the CEO of RH, is obsessed with balance and proportion. You’ll notice that everything in the store—from the way the pillows are fluffed to the placement of the topiaries—is perfectly symmetrical. It makes for very "clean" photos that perform well on social media.
The Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to visit to snap some shots or just kill time, here is the lowdown:
- Address: 8564 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069. It’s right across from Urth Caffe.
- Parking: It’s West Hollywood, so parking is a nightmare. They offer free valet parking (another part of their agreement with the city), so don't bother circling for a meter. Use the valet.
- Cost: Free. You don't have to buy anything. You don't even have to talk to anyone if you don't want to.
- Hours: Usually 10 AM to 7 PM, but they close slightly earlier on Sundays (6 PM).
Is it Worth the Hype?
Look, if you hate "luxury" vibes or the color greige, you’ll probably find the place a bit much. It is very curated. It is very expensive.
But as a piece of architecture and a public resource? It’s kind of great. In a city where "public space" often means a concrete bench under a bus stop, having a lush, quiet rooftop with 360-degree views is a win.
Most people use it as a "pre-game" for dinner elsewhere on Melrose. You walk through, get some inspiration (or just realize how small your own apartment is), take a few photos on the roof, and then head out.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Go at 4 PM: This gives you enough time to browse the interior floors before the light gets perfect on the roof for sunset.
- Don't bring a tripod: Security is usually cool with phone photos and even handheld DSLRs, but once you start setting up professional gear, they might think you're shooting a commercial and shut it down.
- Check out the Rug Showroom: Even if you aren't buying, the Ben Soleimani rug gallery inside is a masterclass in texture.
- Walk across the street: After you’re done, grab a coffee at Urth. It’s the quintessential WeHo experience.
The best way to experience the Gallery is to treat it like a museum visit. Walk through the vignettes, notice the scale of the lighting fixtures, and spend at least twenty minutes on the roof. Even if you never buy a single piece of furniture, the view of the Hollywood sign from the north corner of the terrace is worth the trip alone.