The Broad
The Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles showcases cutting-edge contemporary art, and the Infinity Rooms are a must—don’t miss the special events; we caught a live painting performance set to music!
📍 Downtown LA
- A contemporary art museum with an iconic honeycomb-like exterior.
- Home to works by Warhol, Basquiat, and Jeff Koons.
- Must-see: Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room (book in advance!).
- Free admission, but reservations recommended.
The Getty Center
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles boasts gorgeous views, beautifully manicured grounds, and lively summer concerts.
📍 Brentwood
- Free entry, but parking costs around $20.
- Stunning hilltop museum with breathtaking views of LA.
- Features European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
- Beautiful gardens and architecture designed by Richard Meier.
- Must-see: Van Gogh’s Irises and the Central Garden.
LACMA
LACMA offers an incredible range of artwork and is home to the iconic Urban Light installation—a must-see in Los Angeles.
📍 Miracle Mile
- The largest art museum in the western U.S.
- Features everything from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces.
- Must-see: Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation (great for photos).
- General admission: Around $25 for adults.
La Brea Tar pits
The La Brea Tar Pits Museum is a fascinating spot to see real dinosaur and ancient animal fossils, with active tar pits bubbling just outside.
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📍 Miracle Mile
- Active Ice Age fossil site where you can watch real excavations in progress.Home to fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves.Interactive museum with life-size animal reconstructions and a 3D film.Must-see: Bubbling tar pits and the Lake Pit, where animals were trapped thousands of years ago.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is a captivating place to explore everything from dazzling gems to towering dinosaur skeletons.
📍 Exposition Park
- Great for families and dinosaur lovers.
- Home to one of the best dinosaur fossil collections in the world.
- Must-see: The Dinosaur Hall and the Butterfly Pavilion (seasonal).
- Admission: Around $15 for adults.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a must for film lovers, with immersive exhibits celebrating cinema history and behind-the-scenes magic.
📍 Miracle Mile
- A must-visit for movie buffs!
- Features props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes film history.
- Must-see: The Oscars Experience and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
- Admission: Around $25 for adults.
Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a sleek, modern tribute to car culture, featuring everything from vintage classics to futuristic concept vehicles.
📍 Miracle Mile
- A paradise for car lovers, showcasing over 300 classic and futuristic vehicles.
- Must-see: The Batmobile collection and the Vault Tour.
- Admission: Around $19 for adults.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington is a serene escape with stunning botanical gardens, a world-class art collection, and rare literary treasures all in one place.
📍 San Marino (near Pasadena)
- A mix of rare books, European and American art, and stunning gardens.
- Must-see: The Japanese Garden and The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough.
- Admission: Around $25 for adults.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is a quirky, mysterious collection of oddities where photography is off-limits, adding to its enigmatic charm.
📍 Culver City
- A mysterious and surreal museum blending fact, fiction, and odd curiosities.
- Exhibits range from ancient superstitions to microscopic sculptures.
- Dimly lit, labyrinth-like rooms create a dreamlike experience.
- Must-see: The tiny sculptures carved inside the eye of a needle and the bat echolocation exhibit.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles showcases bold, thought-provoking works from modern masters in a sleek, urban setting.
📍 Downtown LA
- LA’s premier museum for modern and contemporary art.
- Features works from Rothko, Pollock, and other avant-garde artists.
- Must-see: Abstract and experimental installations.
- Admission: $18 for adults (free on Thursdays!).