From contemporary art to natural history, aerospace to cinema, Los Angeles county boasts a wide range of museums that cater to all interests and ages. These museums not only showcase the city’s unique history and cultural diversity, but also provide a window into the latest trends and innovations in art, science, and technology.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The largest immersive museum in the United States dedicated to the history of films and moviemaking. Exhibition highlights include The Art of Making Movies: The Godfather, Black Regeneration, The Oscars Experience and more. Reservations required.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Address: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Website: academymuseum.org
Autry Museum of the American West
A museum that explores the art, history, and cultures of the American West and houses one of the top U.S. collections of Native American materials. Also, its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva people.
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
Website: theautry.org
Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Former battleship is permanently docked as a floating museum. Ongoing exhibit follows the ship’s history through World War II, Korean War and Cold War. Daily 10 am-5 pm; last ticket sold at 4 pm.
Hours: Open Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 250 S. Harbor Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: pacificbattleship.com
The Broad
This architecturally significant museum was built by philanthropists and art collectors Eli and Edythe Broad. It contains over 2,000 spectacular works of contemporary art, including museum highlights such as Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (reservations required in advance), Longing for Eternity, the Andy Warhol collection, and more.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Website: thebroad.org
California African American Museum
With its engaging programs, and community-centered initiatives, the museum sheds light on the rich history, art, and culture of African Americans, from their earliest presence in California to their enduring impact on the state and nation. Through its commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and education, CAAM serves as a vital platform for promoting understanding, celebrating diversity, and fostering meaningful conversations about the African American experience.
Hours: Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 600 State Drive, Exposition Park
Website: caamuseum.org
California Science Center
The museum is renowned for its engaging and educational exhibits, which provide hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. It features interactive exhibits and displays that highlight various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, biology, physics, and more.
Hours: Open Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles
Website: californiasciencecenter.org
The Getty Center
Perched atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center is a true gem of Los Angeles. The museum boasts an impressive collection of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the present. In addition to its incredible artwork, The Getty Center also offers stunning views of the city and beautiful gardens to stroll through.
Hours: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles
Website: getty.edu
The Getty Villa
Nestled on a lush hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Getty Villa is one of the most enchanting museums in Los Angeles. This stunning cultural institution transports visitors back in time to the ancient world, where they can explore the art, architecture, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
Website: getty.edu
Grammy Museum
Dedicated to celebrating the history, art, and impact of music. It features engaging exhibits that showcase the evolution of music across genres and eras, including rare artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia experiences.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: grammymuseum.org
Hammer Museum
UCLA-affiliated venue presents traveling exhibitions and permanent collection. With its diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, engaging public programs, and commitment to accessibility, the Hammer Museum continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire meaningful conversations.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m
Address: 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: hammer.ucla.edu
The Hollywood Museum
In the historic Max Factor Building, steps from the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that showcase 100 years of Hollywood’s entertainment industry.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood
Website: thehollywoodmuseum.com
Holocaust Museum LA
The West Coast’s largest collection of Holocaust-era artifacts housed in an award-winning architectural building. This museum showcases Interactive exhibits, public tours, and Holocaust survivor talks.
Hours: Saturday-Monday, Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Address: 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
Website: holocaustmuseumla.org
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
With its expansive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art, the Huntington Library serves as a haven for scholars, researchers, and art enthusiasts alike. The meticulously curated galleries showcase works spanning centuries and continents, while the botanical gardens offer a serene escape into a world of natural beauty.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 800 W Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: huntington.org
Japanese American National Museum
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, is a testament to the Japanese American experience and its impact on American history. Through its thought-provoking exhibitions, compelling stories, and immersive displays, the museum sheds light on the struggles, resilience, and contributions of Japanese Americans.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 100 North Central Ave., Los Angeles
Website: janm.org
Kidspace Children’s Museum
A dynamic and interactive destination that ignites the imaginations of young minds through hands-on learning experiences. More than 40 hands-on exhibits, programs and events on almost 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor space.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
Website: kidspacemuseum.org
La Brea Tar Pits
Watch paleontologists at work uncovering Ice Age L.A. Among the main attractions are the ever-bubbling tar pits, which make up the world’s most famous fossil-excavation site.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: tarpits.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The largest art museum in the western U.S., with diverse, superb collections housed on a 20-acre campus. Chris Burden’s photo-worthy Urban Light outdoor installation welcomes museumgoers.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: lacma.org
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Grand
MOCA Grand boasts an impressive collection of over 7,000 pieces of art, spanning a diverse range of mediums and styles. From paintings and sculptures to installations and multimedia projects, the museum’s extensive collection is sure to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Hours: Times vary, check website for more details
Address: 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, 90012
Website: getty.edu/grand
Museum of Latin American Art
Leading museum of modern and contemporary Latin American art, a captivating institution that celebrates the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Latin America and its diaspora. It showcases the works of renowned and emerging Latin American and Latino artists, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Address: 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach
Website: molaa.org
Museum of Tolerance
Thought-provoking institution that examines the history and impact of intolerance and discrimination in order to promote understanding, empathy, and social change.Exhibits on prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust, human-rights issues, and Anne Frank’s life and legacy.
Hours: Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 9786 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: museumoftolerance.com
The Natural History Museum
With over 35 million specimens, including fossils, rocks, and plants, this museum is a treasure trove of knowledge about our planet’s history and evolution. It features interactive exhibits, the iconic T. rex skeleton, vast collection of gem and minerals and more.
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, 90007
Website: nhm.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, such as a replica of the Oval Office, Air Force One Pavilion, interactive displays, and collaborative learning experiences like the Situation Room.
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley
Website: reaganlibrary.gov
Skirball Cultural Center
Dedicated to celebrating the history, art, and impact of music. It features engaging exhibits that showcase the evolution of music across genres and eras, including rare artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia experiences.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Address: 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: skirball.org
The Petersen Automotive Museum
This museum houses one of the most extensive collections of classic and modern automobiles in the world, making it a true paradise for car enthusiasts. From classic roadsters and vintage muscle cars to sleek supercars and futuristic concept vehicles, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers something for everyone. Its exhibits showcase the evolution of the automobile, from the earliest steam-powered carriages to the latest electric and hybrid models.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036
Website: petersen.org
Photo credits: Petersen Museum, Anthony Fomin. Getty Center, Ludovic Charlet. Getty Villa, Hester Qiang. MOCA Geffen, charlesdeluvio. Dinosaurs, Crisoforo Gaspar Hernandez & Santonii. Rita Mcbride, Hammer Museum. JANM Pavilion by Paloma Dooley. Tar Pits by La Brea Tar Pits. LACMA Lamp Poles by Joe Byrnes. Anne Frank Gallery by Museum of Tolerance. All other images are courtesy of the businesses.
