Top Museum Destinations in Los Angeles

Paige O'Turner
Avid Marketer with a flair for simple living and local explorations.

Growing up, I had fond memories of my father taking me to Museums all over Los Angeles. Every time we hopped in the car, I new that we were going on adventure. He was the male version of Mrs. Frizzle without the frills. Get in and let's go, no questions asked because he was not going to answer them.  That was my dad. It is because of him that I love museums. When you want inspiration or need a safe place to dream, you can find solace in places like the Getty Villa or the Rose Gardens outside of the Natural History Museum. 

LA is by far the dopest place for Museums and I would have to say that New York is a strong contender. When I look for a good museum, I am looking for ease of access, parking, free or low cost of entry, an ever-changing exhibition list, and programming. Many people who live in the city of Los Angeles don't even get to enjoy the programs that are presented in the Museums. There is so much funding and grants that are available to Museums as they are public institutions and receive so much from private donors and federal funds. 

Home of the Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles is the perfect place to explore various art forms all housed in some of the top museums in the world! Be sure to plan a visit to my top 5 Los Angeles treasures below👇🏿 

Broad

221 S Grand Ave,
 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 232-6200
Cost: FREE
Hours: Mon Closed
Tues-Wed 11 am–5 pm
Thurs 11am-8pm
Friday 11 am–8 pm
Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 10 am– 6 pm

The Broad is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum is named for philanthropist Eli Broad, who financed the $140 million building which houses the Broad art collections. The museum offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries.

The California Science Center

700 Exposition Park Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Phone: (323) 724-3623
Cost: FREE

Mon-Sun 10 am–5 pm

The California Science Center is a state agency and museum located in Exposition Park, is the West Coast's largest hands-on science center, admission includes access to the permanent exhibits, such as the Space Shuttle Endeavour and other prominent aircraft and spacecraft, and to various demonstrations. A separate ticket is required for the IMAX movies, most special traveling exhibitions, and special activities that include a climbing wall, motion simulator, and a high-wire bicycle.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

5905 Wilshire Blvd. 
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Phone: (323) 857-6000

Cost: $20

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 11 am–5 pm

Wednesday Closed

Friday 11 am–8 pm

Sat-Sun 10 am–7 pm

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of nearly 140,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences.

Natural History Museum 

of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Blvd.
 Los Angeles, CA 90007 

Phone: (213) 763-DINO (3466)

Cost: $15

Hours: Mon-Sun  9:30am-5:30pm

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States. Its collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts and cover 4.5 billion years of history.

Museum of Contemporary Art

250 S Grand Ave,
 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 621-2766
Cost: $15
Tuesday Closed
Thursday 11am-8pm
Mon, Wed, Fri 11AM–6PM
Sat-Sun 11AM–5PM
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles is a contemporary art museum with programs that engage audiences through an ambitious program of exhibitions, educational programs, and publishing.

Want to learn more about some of the best museums in Los Angeles? 

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