Los Angeles, a city synonymous with the entertainment industry, is also home to a wealth of museums that reflect its diverse cultural landscape. From art and history to science and film, the museums in LA offer something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable museums in the City of Angels.
Perched atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Designed by Richard Meier, the museum is part of the J. Paul Getty Trust and houses an extensive collection of European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as photography from around the world.
The Getty Center is divided into various pavilions, each dedicated to a different period or type of art. Highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s “Irises,” Rembrandt’s “An Old Man in Military Costume,” and the stunning Central Garden designed by artist Robert Irwin. Beyond the art, the Getty Center’s architecture and gardens provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and boasts a collection that spans centuries and cultures. Its campus is an eclectic mix of modernist structures and historic buildings, recently expanded with the addition of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) and the Resnick Pavilion.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works from ancient times to the present, with particularly strong holdings in Asian, Latin American, and Islamic art. LACMA is perhaps best known for its contemporary art collection, featuring works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Barbara Kruger. Outside, the iconic installation “Urban Light” by Chris Burden—a forest of restored cast-iron street lamps—has become a symbol of the museum and a favorite spot for selfies.
The Natural History Museum, located in Exposition Park, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its dinosaur hall is one of the best in the world, featuring a spectacular array of fossils and life-sized models that captivate visitors of all ages. The museum’s extensive collection also includes gems and minerals, insects, and dioramas showcasing the diverse wildlife of North America.
One of the standout exhibits is the Nature Gardens, an outdoor area that invites visitors to explore the flora and fauna of Southern California. The museum’s interactive approach, including the Nature Lab where visitors can engage in hands-on activities, makes it a favorite destination for families and school groups.
MOCA is dedicated to contemporary art, with a particular focus on works created after 1940. Spread across three locations—MOCA Grand Avenue, The Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo, and MOCA Pacific Design Center—the museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and new media.
MOCA Grand Avenue houses the main collection, featuring works by influential artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Geffen Contemporary, housed in a former police car warehouse, provides a flexible space for large-scale installations and experimental art. Meanwhile, the MOCA Pacific Design Center focuses on design and architecture, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of art and everyday objects.
Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, The Broad is a contemporary art museum that offers free general admission to its extensive collection. Located in Downtown LA, the museum’s distinctive honeycomb-like exterior, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, has become a landmark in its own right.
The Broad’s collection features works by some of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Roy Lichtenstein. One of the highlights is Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away,” an immersive installation that transports visitors into a dazzling universe of lights and reflections. The museum’s commitment to accessibility and contemporary art makes it a vital part of LA’s cultural scene.
Also located in Exposition Park, the California Science Center offers a hands-on approach to science education. Its permanent exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from ecosystems and human biology to space exploration. The Science Center is perhaps best known as the home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is displayed in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.
The museum’s interactive exhibits, such as the “Ecosystems” gallery, which features a live kelp forest and a simulated flash flood, provide a dynamic learning experience. The Science Center also hosts temporary exhibitions on topics ranging from ancient Egypt to the science of Pixar, making it a versatile destination for curious minds of all ages.
For car enthusiasts, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the museum features an extensive collection of vehicles, ranging from early 20th-century cars to futuristic concept models. The Petersen’s striking exterior, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, resembles a sleek, modern sculpture.
Inside, the museum’s exhibits explore the history and cultural impact of the automobile. Highlights include the “Hollywood Dream Machines” exhibit, showcasing cars from popular films and TV shows, and the “Vault,” a subterranean gallery with rare and unique vehicles from around the world. The Petersen’s blend of history, technology, and design makes it a unique attraction in LA’s museum landscape.
Affiliated with UCLA, the Hammer Museum focuses on contemporary art and culture, with a mission to provoke dialogue and inspire change. Located in Westwood, the museum is known for its dynamic exhibitions, public programs, and commitment to social justice.
The Hammer’s collection includes works by artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, and Ed Ruscha. The museum also hosts the Hammer Projects series, showcasing new and experimental works by emerging artists. Additionally, the Hammer Museum offers a range of public programs, including lectures, performances, and film screenings, fostering a vibrant cultural community.
Founded by actor Gene Autry, the Autry Museum in Griffith Park explores the history and culture of the American West. The museum’s diverse collection includes art, artifacts, and memorabilia that reflect the region’s rich heritage and the complex narratives of its people.
The Autry’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from Native American history and culture to the myth and reality of the cowboy. Highlights include the “Art of the West” gallery, showcasing paintings and sculptures by Western artists, and the “Western Frontiers” exhibit, which explores the impact of westward expansion. The museum’s immersive approach and emphasis on storytelling make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
Los Angeles’ museums offer a rich tapestry of art, history, and culture, reflecting the city’s diverse and dynamic spirit. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a history buff, or a science geek, there’s a museum in LA that’s sure to captivate and inspire you. Each museum, with its unique focus and collection, contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of this iconic city.