While Los Angeles is celebrated as the entertainment capital of the world, it is also a cultural capital of huge proportions, boasting an unrivalled array of world class museums. Los Angeles is home to intellectual and aesthetic delights for visitors of all interests, from prestigious art institutions to museums charting the history, science and many cultures. With so many museums, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones you want to see on your visit to L.A., so here is an article of the top museums you cannot miss.
Instead of dashing from one museum to the next, you’re better off giving these cultural gems their due. But if you’re not in the mood to do much walking, consider hiring a Los Angeles limo service to take you between museums so you can sit back and enjoy the incredible exhibits. A knowledgeable driver can help you put together a museum itinerary that is both educational discovery and visual splendor.
Art Museums
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
A visit to one of L.A.’s standout art museums is not complete without a trip to the city. At the top of the pile is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States. In addition to a large amount of old Western art, from ancient Japanese screens to contemporary America art, LACMA keeps a treasure trove from all corners of the historical planet. Plan on spending lots of time exploring the sprawling collection of several buildings connected together.
Getty Center
For a superb art and architecture mash up, go up to the hilltop J. Paul Getty Center. Before the Getty Center’s remarkable modernist design and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces are revealed, the ride on the elevated tram to the museum provides spectacular views of L.A. European art from illuminated medieval manuscripts to Post-Impressionist paintings are the museum’s collection. Audio guides for the Getty’s world-renowned collection are complimentary.
The Broad
The Broad, which opened in the museum scene of L.A. recently, is a great place to check out if you are looking for an extraordinary display of contemporary art. With its huge central oculus that floods the space in natural light, the striking building is also home to Som’s suggestions for space. An extensive collection of postwar and contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos lie below this skylight. You can expect to see iconic pieces and new names that will make a strong visual impact.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Exciting exhibitions from cutting edge artists make the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) live up to its name. At the Grand Avenue location, painting, sculpture, photography and media arts are sampled in a diverse mix. The Geffen Contemporary is a converted warehouse dedicated to large scale installations and multimedia works. Together these two MOCA venues offer a unique view of the cutting edge of creativity.
Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum, on stylish gardens in Pasadena, will be a hit with those partial to European art. You will find many household names from the Renaissance to the 20th century here, including Rembrandt, Raphael and Monet. Equally impressive, however, is the Norton Simon’s collection of South and Southeast Asian art from 2,000 years.
History and Cultural Museums
In addition to aesthetic masterpieces, Los Angeles teems with museums illuminating history, science and diverse cultures. Among the most popular is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. From towering dinosaur fossils to dazzling gems and minerals, the museum offers an awe-inspiring record of natural history. The Discovery Center features interactive experiences sure to intrigue visitors of any age.
California Science Center
For a high-tech journey into the future, visit the California Science Center, a dynamic learning environment focused on science and innovation. Get inspired by visionary exhibits before boarding the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour for a tour of its intricate interior. This one-of-a-kind spacecraft still looks ready to blast into orbit!
Japanese American National Museum
Those wishing to expand their cultural horizons should visit the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. Through a mix of art, artifacts and personal stories, the museum chronicles the Japanese American experience from their early days as immigrant farmers through their unjust imprisonment during World War II. It is both a sobering and uplifting look at an often overlooked part of American history.
Autry Museum of the American West
The Autry Museum of the American West delves into the history and perception of the diverse peoples shaping the Western U.S. as we know it today. Expect everything from Native American artwork to Hollywood cowboy costumes. The museum also organizes dynamic events and educational programs to engage visitors on deeper levels.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
For a trip back in time, head to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum next door to LACMA. This Ice Age site has been oozing bubbly asphalt for over 40,000 years! The fossilized bones of saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mammoths continue to emerge from the tar, while inside the museum you can see skeletons of these extinct creatures reconstructed from excavated bones. Don’t miss the observation pit where you might witness the next great discovery!
Unique and Specialized Museums
Beyond traditional art and history collections, Los Angeles offers truly one-of-a-kind museum experiences for the intrepid visitor.
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
The Museum of Jurassic Technology blurs the lines between truth and fiction with fantastical displays on arcane topics that are as thought-provoking as they are bizarre.
GRAMMY Museum
Just down the street lies the GRAMMY Museum, the only museum dedicated to celebrating music’s greatest honor – the GRAMMY Award. Interactive exhibits trace the history of various genres while showcasing costumes and instruments from music icons.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Gearheads will go full throttle at the Petersen Automotive Museum featuring 300,000 square feet of exhibit space covering autos through history. The building itself resembles a classic red sports car, while inside you’ll discover a wide array of vehicles from early pioneers to modern supercars, plus an entire floor devoted to Hollywood motion picture cars. Talk about star power!
The Hollywood Museum
For pop culture buffs, the Hollywood Museum is a nonstop thrill. Within a historic Art Deco building lies a labyrinth of memorabilia spanning over 100 years of Tinseltown history. Peruse countless costumes, props, vintage cameras and other artifacts that seem to transport you back in time through Hollywood’s Golden Age right up to today.
Museum of Tolerance
On a more serious note, the Museum of Tolerance uses interactive technology and personal stories to challenge visitors to understand issues of racism and prejudice. Two impactful permanent exhibits confront the Holocaust and the American civil rights movement. The museum offers relevant lessons in an age when speaking up against injustice matters more than ever.
Family-Friendly Museums
Los Angeles has no shortage of kid-friendly museums where families can learn through hands-on play.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
At Kidspace Children’s Museum, kids can climb a treehouse, perform surgery on a giant ear, and explore engaging exhibits fostering creativity. With gardens, splash pads and outdoor programming, families will want to stay and play all day at Kidspace.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
At the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, kids can touch real animal pelts, program robots, conduct science experiments, and have a ball in an immersive environment tailored for young explorers. Catering to kids under 10, the Children’s Museum at Los Angeles focuses on literacy, the arts and world cultures. Through interactive story times, global music and opportunities for creative expression, kids gain an appreciation for communities both near and far.
Zimmer Children’s Museum
The Zimmer Children’s Museum stands out with exhibits teaching kids about global citizenship, cultural diversity and community responsibility. Activities like language lessons, multicultural festivals and charity drives foster social awareness from an early age. Nurture your child’s sense of empathy and unity through the engaging programs at the Zimmer designed just for kids.
Conclusion
From prestigious art collections to illuminating historical records to hands-on science, Los Angeles rewards visitors with an incredible array of world-class museum experiences. Take advantage of the concentration of cultural riches by spending ample time at these inspiring institutions expanding your knowledge and perspective of the world. Consider hiring a Los Angeles limo service to handle the transportation logistics so you can fully immerse yourself in the wealth of exhibits at your own pace.