Los Angeles is a city that boasts an impressive array of museums for all types of interests. From art to history to science, there is something for everyone.
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which museums to visit. That's where we come in.
In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the best museums in Los Angeles.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, these museums are must-see attractions that offer fascinating insights into various aspects of human history and culture.
Our list includes a mix of well-known museums and some hidden gems that you may not have heard of before.
We've done the research and the legwork so that you can easily plan your next museum visit. So, let's dive in and explore the best museums that Los Angeles has to offer.
1. The Getty
The Getty is a renowned museum that is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
With its multiple buildings and galleries, visitors can explore a wide range of art forms such as paintings, sculpture, textiles, drawings, and more. The museum's architecture and gardens are also a sight to behold.
One can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and indulge in delicious food at the restaurant and cafes. The Getty app provides an informative tour guide for visitors.
Although the parking fee is $20, the museum entrance is free. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend hours at The Getty and still not cover everything.
2. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a top-tier museum that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural world.
With over 35 million artifacts, the museum covers a wide range of topics, including anthropology, paleontology, and mineralogy.
Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, live animal galleries, and classic taxidermy halls.
The museum also features an extensive collection of dinosaur bones and prehistoric mammals. A visit to this museum is a must for anyone interested in the natural world.
3. Petersen Automotive Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. With three floors of exhibits, visitors can marvel at a vast collection of vintage and modern cars from all over the world.
The interactive displays and games make it a fun destination for families with kids.
The Vault, a separate admission area, features hundreds of cars parked without plaques, which can be explored with or without a guide.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions, such as the James Bond 007 movie cars and Tesla exhibition. The knowledgeable staff ensures visitors learn something new about cars and their history. Don't miss out on this amazing experience!
4. California Science Center
California Science Center is a must-visit museum for science enthusiasts. The star attraction is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is truly amazing to see up close.
The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, making it a great place to visit with family and friends.
The admission to permanent exhibits is free, and there is an additional fee for special exhibits and the IMAX theater. The museum is well-maintained and has a gift shop for visitors to take home souvenirs.
The food options are also diverse, with a food court and food trucks available. All in all, California Science Center is a great place to spend a few hours exploring and learning about science.
5. Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball Cultural Center is a contemporary museum that offers a unique insight into Jewish history and culture. The exhibits are exceptionally well-curated with a range of artifacts from the 20th century, including photography, paintings, weavings, and ritual metallic art.
The museum is a must-visit for both tourists and locals alike, with plenty of parking available and a beautiful environment to walk around.
The Noah's Ark exhibition is a fun and interactive experience for kids, while the Leonard Bernstein exhibit is incredibly well-created with a surprising amount of personal artifacts.
The Skirball Cultural Center is a peaceful retreat that offers many events, courses, readings, and talks.
6. Medieval Torture Museum
The Medieval Torture Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the darker side of history.
This museum is filled with exhibits showcasing the brutal methods of torture used in medieval times. The displays are realistic and interactive, making it a truly immersive experience.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and there is even an audio tour available for those who want to learn more.
If you're brave enough to handle the gruesome subject matter, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
7. The Los Angeles Museum of Love
The Los Angeles Museum of Love is an interactive museum designed for couples to connect and learn more about each other.
This unique experience offers a variety of fun activities and exhibits that prompt thoughtful conversations and create lasting memories.
The atmosphere is peaceful and inviting, making it the perfect place for a date night or romantic outing.
The museum is constantly updating its exhibits and activities, ensuring that each visit is a new and exciting experience. Highly recommended for couples looking to deepen their connection and have a fun time together.
8. FIDM Museum
The FIDM Museum is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. With exhibits that change regularly, visitors can always expect to see something new and interesting.
The museum has a great gift shop, and the displays are well curated and accessible. The costumes, many of which are from current TV shows and movies, are beautifully designed and created.
Admission is free, making it an easy and affordable way to spend an afternoon. The museum is small, but packed with good stuff, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.
Whether you're a die-hard fashion fan or just looking for something fun to do, the FIDM Museum is definitely worth a visit.
9. Museum of Social Justice
The Museum of Social Justice is a must-visit for anyone interested in sociopolitical and artistic exhibits.
This museum/gallery features rotating exhibits that explore themes and topics relevant to revolutionary politics.
Students from Angeles Workshop School love the activist artists showcased here. If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and check out the thought-provoking exhibits.
It's a great way to spend a few hours and gain a deeper understanding of social justice issues.
10. USC Fisher Museum of Art
The USC Fisher Museum of Art is a hidden gem that should not be missed. With a diverse permanent collection of over 1,800 objects, the museum offers a range of art from old masters to contemporary works.
The exhibitions are always interesting and educating, and the current small collection of highly contemporary art is spectacular.
The beautifully curated exhibits and events provide a wonderful feel, making it a must-visit and a real adventure. The museum is small and intimate, and the Charles Arnoldi exhibit is fantastic.
Plus, the exhibits are normally topical and modern, and free of charge to visit. If you're looking for a unique and educational experience, the USC Fisher Museum of Art is definitely worth a visit.
11. Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA)
Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Italian Americans in the United States.
The museum's permanent collection is full of informative displays that highlight the contributions of Italian Americans to Los Angeles.
The museum also features rotating exhibits that showcase different aspects of Italian American culture. Visitors can attend language classes and events at the museum as well.
Admission to the museum is free, so it's an affordable way to spend an afternoon learning about an important ethnic community.
12. Flight Path Museum & Learning Center
Flight Path Museum & Learning Center is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts.
The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from airlines that have flown in and out of the airport. Visitors can step inside a vintage aircraft and learn about the history of LAX.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the visit informative and enjoyable. The museum is conveniently located on the runway, offering a front-row view of planes taking off and landing.
Best of all, admission is free, making it accessible to all. Donations are accepted to help maintain this gem of a museum.
13. Museum of African American Art
The Museum of African American Art is a cultural landmark that showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
The museum is housed in a beautiful old building that adds to the overall experience. Visitors can enjoy free admission and explore the cozy space that changes exhibits periodically.
There is also a small gift shop attached to the museum for those who want to take home a piece of African American art.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit a great educational experience. The museum is a must-see for anyone interested in African American art and culture.
