Top Public Museums in Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, offering a sprawling 20-acre campus dedicated to art history. Visitors can wander through diverse collections spanning from ancient to contemporary works, including masterpieces by Picasso and Chagall, alongside thought-provoking interactive displays. The atmosphere is vibrant and engaging, with numerous outdoor installations like the iconic Urban Light, perfect for photo opportunities. Beyond its extensive galleries, LACMA also hosts a variety of screenings and concerts, creating a dynamic cultural hub that captivates art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. It’s a truly enriching experience for those seeking deep artistic immersion in the heart of Los Angeles. [0]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Perched atop a hill in Brentwood, The Getty Center offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Gabriel Mountains. This world-renowned free museum is a masterpiece of art, architecture, and landscape design, showcasing American and European art, sculptures, and meticulous manicured gardens. The visitor experience begins with a scenic tram ride up to the cultural center, setting a tone of serene discovery. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of pre-20th-century European paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts. The tranquil Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, provides a stunning oasis for reflection, making The Getty an unforgettable destination for beauty and inspiration. [2]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Step into a world of prehistoric wonders and biological diversity at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This vast and welcoming museum is a cornerstone of Exposition Park, home to an extraordinary collection of over 35 million artifacts. Highlights include impressive T. rex skeletons, an engaging insect zoo, and extensive exhibits covering the natural and cultural history of California and the wider world. It’s a fantastic destination for families and curious minds of all ages, offering immersive displays that bring science and history to life. The museum fosters an atmosphere of discovery, encouraging visitors to explore the planet’s past and present. [1]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ❌ Free parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking
• ❌ Free street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking
• ❌ Free garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

The Broad is a dazzling contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles, recognized by its distinctive honeycomb-like facade. Offering free admission to its permanent collection, The Broad houses an extensive array of postwar and contemporary art, featuring iconic works from artists like Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Andy Warhol. The museum’s ‘vault-and-veil’ architectural concept provides a unique viewing experience, seamlessly integrating storage and gallery space. Visitors often marvel at immersive installations like Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Infinity Mirrored Room’. The atmosphere is dynamic and thought-provoking, inviting contemplation and discussion, making it a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts and those seeking cutting-edge cultural experiences. [3]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Ignite your curiosity at the California Science Center, a family-friendly institution in Exposition Park offering free admission to its permanent exhibits. This engaging museum is home to a myriad of interactive displays covering ecosystems, the science of life, and the ingenuity of human innovation. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Space Shuttle Endeavour, offering a rare and awe-inspiring glimpse into space exploration. Beyond its main exhibits, the center also features an IMAX theater and a fascinating aquarium, providing diverse learning opportunities. It’s an ideal destination for curious minds of all ages, promising a day filled with educational fun and scientific discovery in a vibrant and accessible setting. [5]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating

Perched on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood, the iconic Griffith Observatory offers unparalleled views of the Los Angeles basin, including Hollywood and the Pacific Ocean. This historic art deco landmark from 1935 is not just an observatory but also a public museum of space and science. It features a high-tech planetarium with captivating shows, engaging exhibits on astronomy and physical sciences, and public telescopes for stargazing. The atmosphere is majestic and educational, drawing millions of visitors annually. It’s a perfect spot for both scientific discovery and enjoying one of the best scenic outlooks in the city, making it a truly unique and inspiring public institution. [6]

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Delve into the Ice Age right in the heart of Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. This unique site is one of the world’s most famous ongoing fossil excavation sites, where natural asphalt has trapped countless animals for millennia. The museum showcases remarkable fossil remains of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures, all unearthed from the very grounds outside. The atmosphere is one of active discovery, with visible excavation pits offering a live glimpse into paleontological work. Coupled with a recreated prehistoric garden, the museum provides an immersive and educational journey back in time, captivating visitors with the ancient history beneath modern LA. [9]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ❌ Free parking lot
• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ❌ Free street parking
• ✔ Paid street parking
• ❌ Free garage parking
• ❌ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

The Petersen Automotive Museum is a gleaming temple to automotive history and design, housed within an architecturally stunning building on Museum Row. It features one of the most diverse collections of cars, motorcycles, and trucks in the world, ranging from rare vintage vehicles and iconic movie cars to cutting-edge concept designs. The museum offers an exhilarating journey through the evolution of the automobile, celebrating innovation and speed. Its interactive exhibits and meticulously restored vehicles create an immersive experience for car enthusiasts of all ages. The atmosphere is polished and captivating, making it an essential visit for anyone fascinated by the art and engineering of motor vehicles. [13]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Immerse yourself in the magic of cinema at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to the art, science, and history of moviemaking. Located on Museum Row, this modern institution celebrates the diverse stories and innovations behind films from around the globe. Visitors can explore iconic props and costumes, delve into the creative processes of filmmaking, and experience interactive exhibits that bring the silver screen to life. The museum’s state-of-the-art theaters host a dynamic program of screenings and discussions. It’s a truly captivating destination for film buffs and aspiring filmmakers, offering an unparalleled look behind the scenes of Hollywood. [14]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Service options

• ✔ Offers Takeout

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating

Though technically located in San Marino, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a quintessential Los Angeles experience. This expansive complex is a cultural oasis, housing world-class art galleries, rare book collections, and meticulously curated botanical gardens spanning 130 acres. Visitors can explore a breathtaking array of themed gardens, from the serene Japanese Garden to the vibrant Desert Garden. The art galleries feature significant European and American art, while the library boasts invaluable historical manuscripts. The atmosphere is one of tranquil beauty and intellectual discovery, offering endless opportunities for exploration and reflection amidst stunning natural and artistic surroundings. [7]

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Transport yourself to ancient Rome at The Getty Villa, an extraordinary museum modeled after a 1st-century Roman country house. Located in Pacific Palisades, this captivating institution is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The villa itself is a work of art, with stunning architecture, serene gardens, and tranquil fountains that evoke a sense of classical antiquity. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts, including sculptures, jewelry, and pottery. The atmosphere is one of peaceful contemplation and historical immersion, offering a unique cultural escape just a short drive from the bustling city. [11]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Situated in Westwood, the Hammer Museum is an intellectually vibrant and culturally significant institution affiliated with UCLA. It is renowned for its diverse exhibitions, which include both a permanent collection of historical works and special exhibits of cutting-edge contemporary art. The museum fosters a dynamic atmosphere, often presenting challenging and thought-provoking installations that spark dialogue and engagement. Beyond its visual arts, the Hammer is a hub for free public programs, lectures, and screenings, making it a lively community resource. It’s a place where art, ideas, and people converge, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of global art and culture. [12]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom