October in Los Angeles is a feast for the senses, with the city’s vibrant art scene showcasing everything from blockbuster museum exhibitions to intimate gallery shows. Marvel over vintage cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum, and develop an appreciation of neon signs, light art, and visual culture at the Museum of Neon Art. With over 100 museums to explore in L.A., there are many ways to get your arts and cultural fix.
Here are six must-see exhibits to add to your L.A. bucket list this month. All you need is a sense of curiosity.
JAWS: THE EXHIBITION at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
THE 50-YEAR anniversary of Jaws, Spielberg’s blockbuster, is celebrated at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The first exhibit at the museum to focus entirely on one film, it showcases over 200 artifacts, including actor Roy Scheider’s costume, production designer Joe Alves’ concept art, shark schematics, and a dorsal fin that appeared on-screen. Expect immersive, behind-thescenes storytelling paired with interactive elements that dive deep into the film’s production lore. Suspended as the exhibition’s dramatic centerpiece is Bruce the Shark, the still-surviving 25-foot fiberglass model and the largest object in the museum’s collection. General admission is $25 for adults; children 17 and under are free. The exhibition runs through July 26, 2026. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, academymuseum.org
MOCA Focus: Takako Yamaguchi ⁄ MOCA
THIS EXHIBIT MARKS the 72-yearold artist’s first solo museum exhibition in Los Angeles. Born in Okayama, Japan, in 1952, Yamaguchi moved to the U.S. in the 1970s and developed an artistic practice that blends influences from Mexican muralism, Renaissance art, Nihonga (Japanese painting), and Art Nouveau. Now based in Los Angeles, she presents stylized oil-and-bronzeleaf seascapes that synthesize four decades of motifs: zigzags, spirals, and braids transforming into rain, waves, and mountains. General admission is free. MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, moca.org
Made in L.A. 2025 at Hammer Museum
THE HAMMER MUSEUM presents the seventh edition of its acclaimed biennial that spotlights artists working in the greater Los Angeles area. Featuring 28 participants, the exhibition reflects the city’s complexity, contradictions, and constant evolution. Works span film, painting, performance, photography, sculpture, sound, and video. Each piece, whether a literal depiction or a metaphorical exploration, embodies the spirit of a metropolis that resists a singular definition. These works are conceived in and deeply rooted in Los Angeles while also reshaping how the city is perceived. Admission is free. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, hammer.ucla.edu10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, hammer.ucla.edu
SUPER/HYPER: THE ULTIMATE Automobiles at Petersen Automotive Museum
THIS HIGH-OCTANE exhibit celebrates the artistry, innovation, and performance of the world’s most coveted cars. Featuring rare supercars and hypercars from brands such as Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Pagani, the exhibit highlights cutting-edge engineering alongside breathtaking design. This showcase offers an up-close look at record-breaking speed machines and limited-production icons—vehicles that push the boundaries of imagination, luxury, and automotive excellence. General admission is $21. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, petersen.org
Andy Warhol at The Broad
AN IN-DEPTH Andy Warhol installation showcases 26 works—11 on view for the first time—at the Broad museum. Highlights include Mao (1973), 40 Gold Marilyns (1980), and Liz [Early Colored Liz] (1963), a striking silk screen of Elizabeth Taylor that captures both celebrity allure and personal tragedy. This presentation reflects the museum’s commitment to explore the full trajectory of artists’ careers, offering visitors a rare, immersive look at Warhol’s vision. Displayed alongside works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, and other noted artists the exhibition underscores the museum’s dedication to depth, dialogue, and the enduring impact of contemporary art. General admission is free. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, thebroad.org
Beverly Hills Art Show at Beverly Hills
FROM OCTOBER 18 to 19, four garden blocks become an open-air gallery showcasing the work of 235 artists from around the globe. The free festival celebrates fine and contemporary art, highlighting painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and glass works, all presented by the artists themselves. On site is live music, interactive demonstrations, community exhibits, gourmet food trucks, and a wine and beer garden. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, rain or shine. 9455 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, beverlyhills.org
Read the rest at: ARRIVED L.A. October Issue
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of ARRIVED L.A. and Petersen Automotive Museum
