Looking for the best Los Angeles museums? Explore world-class institutions like The Getty Center, LACMA, and The Broad. Want to experience Los Angeles museums for free? Many top spots, including MOCA and the California African American Museum, offer free admission on select days. Visiting with kids? Family-friendly Places like the California Science Center and Kidspace Children’s Museum provide hands-on learning experiences.
If you’re done with the Los Angeles nightlife or need a refresher, visiting a museum is a great choice. With so many great museums in Los Angeles, you have the luxury of choosing the one that suits your preferences. We’ve gathered the best of the best in town for you in detail. There’s also a little nugget for you at the end of the post to enjoy.
Best Museums to Visit in Los Angeles
When it comes to museums, there are few places as deeply rich as Los Angeles. Among these great institutions, some stand out. These are the select ones:
- The Getty Center
- The Broad
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Natural History Museum
- California Science Center
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Getting to all of these great museums can get tricky considering how big Los Angeles is. Public transportation is a good choice but has limitations and complications. One of the best choices you can make is to rent a car in Los Angeles for the duration of your visit. This way you’ll be able to check out any museum in any corner of the city with ease.
The Getty Center
Up on a hill in Brentwood, the Getty Center is one of the most renowned Los Angeles art museums and an essential destination if you’re an art lover. The museum has an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and photography, including works by masters such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet.
The architecture of the Getty itself is a masterpiece with elegant modern designs by Richard Meier, while the surrounding gardens deliver breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Location: Brentwood
- Type: Art, History
- Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
The Broad
It’s not always sunny to go to Los Angeles beaches; sometimes you need to get on your creative side on a rainy day. The Broad is one of the best places to experience contemporary art. This museum houses an impressive collection of works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jeff Koons.
One of its main attractions is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room, which provides a mesmerizing immersive experience. Since The Broad offers free admission, it’s one of the best free museums in Los Angeles, though reservations are recommended due to high demand.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type: Contemporary Art
- Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
As the largest art museum in Los Angeles, LACMA has a collection spanning multiple centuries and cultures. From Renaissance paintings to modern facilities, this museum offers a diverse artistic experience. The famous Urban Light installation at its entrance has become a landmark in itself. Photographers and visitors from around the world come to visit this piece of artistry.
- Location: Miracle Mile
- Type: Art
- Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Natural History Museum
For history buffs and science enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum offers a deep dive into prehistoric life, wildlife, and gemstones. Its most famous attraction is the Dinosaur Hall, which features a vast collection of fossils, including a nearly complete T-Rex skeleton.
You might also like the Gem and Mineral Hall, where you can view dazzling gemstones and meteorites, and the Butterfly Pavilion, which comes to life every spring.
- Location: Exposition Park
- Type: Natural History, Science
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM daily
California Science Center
One of the most engaging museums in LA, the California Science Center is known for its interactive exhibits that make science fun and accessible.
The museum’s main attraction is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which gives you an up-close look at a retired NASA orbiter. The hands-on shows cover topics like biology, physics, and engineering, making this one of the best Los Angeles museums for kids.
- Location: Exposition Park
- Type: Science, Space
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
If you’re a Hollywood lover, you will appreciate the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which celebrates the history of filmmaking and the evolution of cinema. The museum shows original movie costumes, behind-the-scenes artifacts, and interactive exhibits with details of the filmmaking process. There’s even a dedicated space for the history of the Oscars with real Academy Awards statues.
- Location: Miracle Mile
- Type: Film, Hollywood History
- Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a blend of literature, art, and nature. The museum holds a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, including an original copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio.
Additionally, its art galleries feature European and American paintings, while the big botanical gardens showcase Japanese, Chinese, and desert landscapes.
- Location: San Marino
- Type: Art, Literature, Gardens
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Free Museums in Los Angeles
You might want to save your dollars for a meal after the museum or just spend less on an experience. Don’t you worry as LA has an abundance of free museums.
Always-Free Museums
Some museums in Los Angeles do not have any admission fees and are open to everyone. These are the top choices:
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is one of the oldest institutions in the U.S. dedicated to keeping Holocaust history. The museum features survivor testimonies, personal relics, and many more programs that educate you about the horrors of World War II.
- Location: Pan Pacific Park
- Type: History, Holocaust
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
FIDM Museum & Galleries
If you’re into the fashion world, FIDM Museum is for you. It shows Hollywood costumes, historical fashion pieces, and textiles from around the world.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type: Fashion, Film History
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Sundays)
Hammer Museum
The Hammer Museum is one of the most unique Los Angeles art museums, focusing on contemporary and experimental art. Exhibits frequently rotate, showing innovative installations and socially relevant works.
- Location: Westwood
- Type: Contemporary Art
- Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mondays)
California African American Museum
This museum celebrates the contributions of African Americans to art, history, and culture. You can find anything here, from the Harlem Renaissance to modern social movements, making it one of the most important museums in LA for cultural exploration.
- Location: Exposition Park
- Type: African American Culture
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Free Museum Days & Discounts
If you dig deep enough in all LA museums, you’re going to find discounts or limited free days. We’ve done it for you and here are some of the best options you have:
Petersen Automotive Museum
This is one of the best car museums in the world and holds a big collection of classic and modern cars. The Petersen Museum’s focus is to shine light on the evolution of the automobile industry and designs, the breakthroughs, and everything in between.
While general admission is required on most days, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers free entry on the last Tuesday of every month.
- Location: Miracle Mile
- Type: Cars, Transportation
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Skirball Cultural Center
The Skirball Cultural Center is one of the most unique Los Angeles museums, dedicated to Jewish history, culture, and immigration stories. One of its most popular exhibits is Noah’s Ark, an interactive experience designed for children and families.
The museum offers free admission every Thursday, allowing you to explore its thought-provoking programs without paying an entrance fee.
- Location: Brentwood
- Type: Jewish History, Culture
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
If you’re a fan of modern and experimental art, Museum of Contemporary Art is the place to be. This museum is dedicated exclusively to contemporary art, displaying works from the 1940s to today. Its collection includes pieces by renowned artists such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Barbara Kruger.
MOCA offers free admission every Thursday after 5 PM.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type: Contemporary Art
- Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Downtown Los Angeles Museums
Nothing beats LA Downtown’s accessibility and diversity. If you want to get a bunch of great museums focused in one area, head to Downtown Los Angeles:
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is where the city of Los Angeles was born. This cultural site is a collection of historic buildings, museums, and presentations that tell the story of the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage.
You can explore Avila Adobe, the oldest house in LA, and the Italian American Museum, which honors the contributions of Italian immigrants to the city.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type: History, Cultural Heritage
- Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM daily
Velveteria
For those who enjoy offbeat and unusual museums, Velveteria is one of the most unique niche museums in Los Angeles. Dedicated to black velvet paintings, this museum has an eclectic mix of portraits, pop culture figures, and bizarre artwork that must be seen to be believed.
- Location: Chinatown
- Type: Niche, Pop Culture Art
- Hours: 12 PM – 5 PM (Friday–Sunday)
GRAMMY Museum
If you love music, you shouldn’t miss the GRAMMY Museum, which celebrates the history of recorded music and the artists who have shaped it. The museum has presentations on legendary performers, Grammy-winning albums, and the evolution of music genres.
You can explore memorabilia from artists like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Elvis Presley, as well as interactive programs that let you mix and produce your own music.
- Location: Downtown LA
- Type: Music History
- Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM daily
Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum tells the important story of Japanese Americans and their contributions to American society. You’ll find everything from immigration history to the detention of Japanese Americans during World War II. The museum’s collection includes photographs, documents, and personal belongings that provide a powerful look at this chapter of history.
- Location: Little Tokyo
- Type: Japanese American History
- Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Los Angeles Museums for Kids & Families
If you’re planning a museum visit with your family, these are the best choices you have:
Zimmer Children’s Museum
Designed specifically for younger children, the Zimmer Children’s Museum presents a hands-on environment where kids can learn through play. The Zimmer is big on creativity, science, and world cultures with programs like an interactive airplane, a miniature city, and art stations.
- Location: Mid-Wilshire
- Type: Children’s Museum
- Hours: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Sundays)
Kidspace Children’s Museum
The Kidspace Children’s Museum is one of the best Los Angeles museums for kids, where outdoor and indoor activities focus on science, nature, and creativity. Kids can climb a giant ant structure, play in water-based activities, and learn about physics in the Physics Forest.
- Location: Pasadena
- Type: Children’s Museum
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
La Brea Tar Pits
For the youth interested in dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, La Brea Tar Pits is an exciting destination. You can watch paleontologists scoop Ice Age fossils in real-time and explore exhibits with mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other extinct species that once roamed what we call LA now.
- Location: Miracle Mile
- Type: Natural History, Fossils
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM daily
International Printing Museum
The International Printing Museum is a unique, hands-on experience where you can learn about the history of books, printing presses, and typography. Kids can try their hand at old-fashioned printing techniques, which makes this a great educational stop.
- Location: Carson
- Type: Printing, Typography
- Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM (Saturdays only)
Los Angeles Museums of Art
For those looking for an artsy and creative experience, LA got you covered. Check out some of the most experimental museums in Los Angeles:
Craft Contemporary
Craft Contemporary specializes in handmade and experimental art, concentrating on contemporary craft, textiles, and sculpture. The museum’s focal point is the rotating exhibits that highlight creative works made from various materials.
- Location: Miracle Mile
- Type: Contemporary Art, Crafts
- Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
Hauser & Wirth is a contemporary art gallery that hosts world-class collections by leading modern artists. It’s housed in a beautifully renovated industrial space with a bookstore, café, and outdoor garden.
- Location: Arts District
- Type: Contemporary Art Gallery
- Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mondays)
The Underground Museum
The Underground Museum, founded by artist Noah Davis, brings works curated by Black artists to the light and focuses on themes of social justice, history, and identity. The museum is a hub for cultural discussions and community events.
- Location: Arlington Heights
- Type: Black Art, Social Justice
- Hours: Check website for updated hours
The Marciano Art Foundation
Held in a former Masonic temple, The Marciano Art Foundation tries to hold the space for contemporary art. The museum features large-scale installations and an extensive collection of post-World War II artworks.
- Location: Wilshire
- Type: Contemporary Art
- Hours: Temporarily closed
Unique & Niche Museums in Los Angeles
Beyond the regular museums you can find in LA, many quirky ones are waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best unique LA museums.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is one of the most mysterious and intriguing museums in LA. When visiting the museum, you’ll be challenged with almost mythical artifacts, and scientifically surreal exhibitions.
Some of its most bizarre sections include a collection of microscopic sculptures that fit inside the eye of a needle, strange medical instruments from the olden times, and an exhibit dedicated to memory and perception.
- Location: Culver City
- Type: Science, Surreal History
- Hours: 2 PM – 8 PM (Thursday–Sunday)
The Hollywood Museum
Hollywood attractions do not end with the amusement parks and cinemas. With over 10,000 pieces of old Hollywood memorabilia, the Hollywood museum is a movie lover’s paradise. The museum has collections that include Marilyn Monroe’s famous dresses, Elvis Presley’s personal belongings, and costumes from classic films like The Wizard of Oz and Star Wars.
One of the most eerie and exciting areas is the Hannibal Lecter jail cell, a life-size replica of the set from The Silence of the Lambs.
- Location: Hollywood
- Type: Film, Pop Culture History
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Wednesday–Sunday)
Wende Museum
This is a one-of-a-kind museum that represents the Cold War era. It has one of the largest Cold War collections with various Eastern Europe and Soviet Union items. You can find reconstructed living spaces from the USSR, or many technological objects from the time.
Beyond its historical significance, the Wende Museum frequently hosts panel discussions, film screenings, and art installations that explore themes of political resistance, surveillance, and global conflict.
- Location: Culver City
- Type: Cold War History
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Friday–Sunday)
Balloon Museum
As you might guess from the name, The Balloon Museum Los Angeles is a unique one among all the LA museums. You’ll be treated to inflatable sculptures, air-powered objects, and balloon-based artwork.
The Balloon museum is a popular name among families or those looking for a fun Instagram post. You can also attend workshops that teach you the dynamics of balloons and how you can make artwork with them.
- Location: Downtown
- Type: Interactive, Installation Art
- Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM daily
Los Angeles Museums List
We’ve gathered all the key information in one place for your convenience.
| Museum Name | Location | Type | Hours | Free Admission? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Getty Center | Brentwood | Art, History | 10 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays) | Yes (Parking $20) |
| The Broad | Downtown LA | Contemporary Art | 11 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays) | Yes (Reservations required) |
| Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) | Miracle Mile | Art | 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Wednesdays) | Select Days (LA County residents) |
| Natural History Museum | Exposition Park | Natural History, Science | 9:30 AM – 5 PM daily | Select Days (LA County residents) |
| California Science Center | Exposition Park | Science, Space | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Yes (Special exhibits may cost extra) |
| Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | Miracle Mile | Film, Hollywood History | 10 AM – 6 PM daily | No ($25 for adults) |
| Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | San Marino | Art, Literature, Gardens | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Select Days (First Thursday of the month) |
| Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust | Pan Pacific Park | History, Holocaust | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Yes |
| FIDM Museum & Galleries | Downtown LA | Fashion, Film History | 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Sundays) | Yes |
| Hammer Museum | Westwood | Contemporary Art | 11 AM – 6 PM daily (Closed Mondays) | Yes |
| California African American Museum | Exposition Park | African American Culture | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Yes |
| Petersen Automotive Museum | Miracle Mile | Cars, Transportation | 10 AM – 5 PM daily | Select Days (Last Tuesday of the month) |
| Skirball Cultural Center | Brentwood | Jewish History, Culture | 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays) | Select Days (Thursdays free) |
| MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) | Downtown LA | Contemporary Art | 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Tuesdays) | Select Days (Thursdays after 5 PM) |
| Wende Museum | Culver City | Cold War History | 10 AM – 5 PM (Fri-Sun) | Yes |
| Balloon Museum | Downtown | Interactive, Installation Art | 11 AM – 7 PM daily | No ($20 for adults) |
Tips for Visiting Los Angeles Museums
You could use some pointers to get the most out of your LA museum experience. These are some tips for you:
How to Save Money on Museum Visits
Many Los Angeles museums offer free admission on select days. MOCA is free on Thursdays after 5 PM, Petersen Automotive Museum on the last Tuesday of the month, Skirball Cultural Center every Thursday, and the Japanese American National Museum on the third Thursday of each month.
LACMA allows LA County residents free entry after 3 PM on weekdays. Some museums, including The Broad, Hammer Museum, and the California African American Museum, are always free.
Students, seniors, and military personnel often receive discounted tickets, so bringing a valid ID can help you save money. If you visit frequently, museum memberships provide unlimited access, guest passes, and discounts on special exhibitions.
Best Times to Visit
To avoid crowds, visit popular museums on weekday mornings or early afternoons. LACMA, The Broad, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures are busiest on weekends. Arriving early is especially important for high-demand exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room at The Broad.
Some museums offer late-night hours, including MOCA and LACMA, which feature special evening events and a quieter atmosphere.
Transportation & Parking
Many Downtown Los Angeles museums are accessible via Metro, making public transportation a great alternative to driving. The Broad, MOCA, and the Grammy Museum are near the Metro B Line, while the California Science Center and Natural History Museum are on the Metro E Line.
Parking near museums can be costly, but some, like LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Academy Museum, have nearby parking structures. Rideshare services and car rentals are also convenient options, especially in high-traffic areas.
Last Words
Whether you’re searching for the best museums in Los Angeles, looking for free museums, or planning a family-friendly visit, LA has something for everyone. In this post, we compiled all the different kinds of experiences you can have with Los Angeles museums. Now, you have all the right information in your hand to go out and explore the history and art in the city.
Plan your visit ahead, find your desired museums, use the city’s transportation system to your advantage, and enjoy your adventure.
FAQ
Which LA Museums Are Free?
Several Los Angeles museums offer free admission, including The Broad (with reservations), Hammer Museum, California African American Museum, Wende Museum, and FIDM Museum. Others, like MOCA, Skirball Cultural Center, and Petersen Automotive Museum, have free entry on select days.
How Many Museums are in LA?
Los Angeles is home to over 100 museums, ranging from major art institutions and science centers to niche and specialty museums covering film, history, and pop culture.
How Long Does It Take to Go Through The Natural History Museum in LA?
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the Natural History Museum, though those interested in dinosaurs, gems, and special exhibits may stay longer.
