Artist Sara Velas invites you into the fascinating world of panoramas, 360-degree landscapes once viewed from elevated platforms and originally patented in 1787 as immersive entertainment.

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Her journey began with a tour through Europe in 1999, exploring historic panoramas in unexpected corners of Austria and Switzerland. One year later, a vacant round building on Hollywood Boulevard sparked a vision: The Velaslavasay Panorama. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the museum has found its home in the historic Union Theater in West Adams.

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For this special Coffee Talk, Velas shares the story behind her most striking panoramic installations, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creation, and traces the rich history of this awe-inspiring art form.

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