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Hammer Museum: A Hub for Contemporary Art

Explore groundbreaking contemporary art at the Hammer Museum in Westwood Village, Los Angeles, with free admission to exhibitions, film screenings, and thought-provoking public programs.

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The Hammer Museum, affiliated with UCLA, is a dynamic art museum and cultural center in Westwood Village, Los Angeles. Founded in 1990 by Armand Hammer, it has evolved from showcasing his personal collection to becoming a leading venue for contemporary art and innovative public programs. Known for its artist-centric approach and progressive exhibitions, the Hammer offers a diverse range of experiences, including film screenings, lectures, and musical performances. With free admission, the Hammer makes art accessible to all, fostering a vibrant intellectual and creative environment. Its location near UCLA and a major business district enhances its role as a cultural bridge, drawing students, locals, and international visitors alike. The museum's architecture, blends original designs with modern renovations, creating a unique and engaging space for exploring art and ideas.

A brief summary to Hammer Museum

  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the museum's diverse exhibitions and collections without worrying about ticket costs.
  • Check the Hammer Museum's website for a schedule of upcoming events, including film screenings, lectures, and musical performances, all of which are free.
  • Visit the museum's courtyard, a vibrant space for outdoor events and gatherings, and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
  • Explore Westwood Village, the neighborhood surrounding the museum, with its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
  • Consider using public transportation or biking to the museum, as parking in Westwood Village can be limited and expensive.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    For those arriving via public transport, Metro provides bus and rail transportation to the Hammer Museum. Take the Metro Expo Line to the Westwood/Rancho Park stop, then transfer to a bus heading north towards Westwood. Several bus lines, including the Metro Local 20 and Rapid 720, stop on Wilshire Boulevard near the museum. A single Metro fare is $1.75.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Hammer Museum is located at the corner of Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards. Convenient self-parking is available under the museum. Parking entrances are located on the east side of Westwood Boulevard (northbound) and on the west side of Glendon Avenue (southbound), between Wilshire Boulevard and Lindbrook Drive. Rates are $8 for the first three hours with museum validation, and $3 for each additional 20 minutes, with a $22 daily maximum. There is an $8 flat rate after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. Valet parking is available on Lindbrook Drive for $15.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to reach the Hammer Museum. Simply provide the driver with the address, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Drop-offs are easiest on Lindbrook Drive, on the north side of the Museum between Westwood Boulevard and Glendon Avenue. Expect to pay between $10-$20 for a ride from surrounding areas like Beverly Hills or Brentwood, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Westwood Village or on the UCLA campus, walking to the Hammer Museum is a straightforward option. From UCLA, head south on Westwood Plaza until you reach Wilshire Boulevard, then turn right. The museum will be on your left. From anywhere in Westwood Village, navigate to the intersection of Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards. The museum is located on the southeast corner.

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Discover more about Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum stands as a beacon of contemporary art and culture in the heart of Los Angeles' Westwood Village. Established in 1990 by Armand Hammer, the museum initially served as a repository for his extensive personal collection, featuring Old Master paintings and drawings. However, under the stewardship of subsequent directors, particularly Ann Philbin, the Hammer has transformed into a dynamic institution renowned for its commitment to contemporary art, emerging artists, and thought-provoking exhibitions. Located on the bustling corner of Westwood and Wilshire Boulevards, adjacent to UCLA, the Hammer Museum enjoys a prime location that bridges the academic world with the broader Los Angeles community. Its architecture is a blend of the original Edward Larrabee Barnes design and more recent renovations by Michael Maltzan Architecture, creating a unique and engaging space. The museum's once-insular design has been reimagined to be more welcoming and accessible, with a new entrance that enhances its visibility and connection to the surrounding urban landscape. The Hammer's collection is diverse, encompassing both historical works and contemporary pieces. The Armand Hammer Collection features European and American paintings, drawings, and works on paper, including pieces by Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Van Gogh. The UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, housed at the Hammer, boasts over 40,000 prints, drawings, photographs, and artists' books, ranging from the Renaissance to the present day. The Hammer Contemporary Collection, inaugurated in 1999, focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on works by Southern California artists. The museum's exhibitions are a major draw, showcasing both established and emerging artists. The Hammer is known for its "Made in L.A." biennial, a survey of contemporary art in the Los Angeles area. The "Hammer Projects" series highlights the work of emerging artists, often providing them with their first solo museum exhibition. Past exhibitions have included retrospectives of Victor Hugo's drawings, surveys of Black Mountain College, and explorations of Latin American women artists. Beyond its exhibitions, the Hammer Museum offers a wide range of public programs, including lectures, symposia, film screenings, readings, and musical performances. These programs are designed to spark meaningful encounters with art and ideas, fostering a vibrant intellectual and creative nexus. The Billy Wilder Theater, a state-of-the-art cinema within the museum, hosts film screenings and discussions, while the museum's courtyard provides a space for outdoor events and gatherings. The Hammer Museum's commitment to accessibility is evident in its free admission policy, which has been in place since 2014. This policy ensures that art is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including workshops, tours, and family days. The Hammer's location within Westwood Village, a vibrant commercial and residential district, adds to its appeal. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the museum with exploring the neighborhood's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The museum is also within walking distance of the UCLA campus, making it a popular destination for students and faculty. The Hammer Museum's transformation over the past three decades is a testament to its commitment to innovation and engagement. From its origins as a repository for a private collection, it has evolved into a leading center for contemporary art and culture, fostering dialogue, challenging perspectives, and inspiring creativity. Its free admission, diverse programming, and prime location make it an essential destination for anyone interested in art and ideas.

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