ARCANA: BOOKS ON THE ARTS opened on the pedestrian mall that preceded the Promenade in 1984, next door to the late, great and ever-lamented Midnight Special book store. A great addition, it moved north on the Promenade some years later, it moved north on the Promenade. Then, a couple of months ago, after 24 years in Santa Monica, it closed again.

After what seems like an eon to those of us who love the store and its unique collection of books, but was actually only a couple of months, it will reopen Tuesday, May 15, in Culver City.

Yes! There were once nearly a dozen bookstores in the Third Street
area. Now, with the departure of Arcana, only Hennessey & Ingalls
remains – thanks to the merchandising wizards in City Hall.

The space occupied so memorably by Arcana will be occupied by
Tesla, the racy $100,000 hybrid automobile. It’s a fitting exchange
for the faux Santa Monica. There go the books. Here come the cars.

And, once again, Culver City is the beneficiary of our municipal
malapropisms. If the trend continues, we’ll have to go to Culver
City to find what we once found right here on our doorstep.

Proprietor and Arcana’s resident genius Lee Kaplan said, “After innumerable unexpected delays, we are thrilled to announce that
ARCANA: BOOKS ON THE ARTS is (finally!) re-opening! Tuesday,
May 15, at 11 AM at the historic Helms Bakery, 8675 Washington Boulevard, Culver City 90232. The entrance is from the parking lot at Washington and Hutchison.

“We’re not quite finished preparing our gorgeous new space
- designed by Johnston Marklee in collaboration with Landlocd –
but we can’t wait to share it with you, so we’re throwing caution
to the wind and opening our doors for the first time on Tuesday.

“Not incidentally, the new Arcana is over twice the size of old
Arcana, with more books, more space, and loads of free parking.
Be the first on your block to check out our newly expanded selection including treasures from our previously mysterious back rooms, as well as a slew of fantastic new releases.

“Feel free to call or write for directions, information, inquiries, or to place an order: 310-458-1499 / sales@arcanabooks.com.

“Thank you for your patience and continued support. We’ll be celebrating in grand style with a party soon!”
ARCANA: BOOKS ON THE ARTS