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LACMA: A Los Angeles Cultural Icon

Explore millennia of art at LACMA, the West's largest museum. Discover iconic installations, diverse collections, and enriching programs in the heart of Los Angeles' Museum Row.

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The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States, stands as a beacon of culture and artistic expression in the heart of Los Angeles. Situated on Museum Row, amidst the bustling Miracle Mile, LACMA boasts a diverse collection spanning continents and millennia. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum offers a rich tapestry of human creativity. Its iconic outdoor installations, like "Urban Light" and "Levitated Mass," have become synonymous with the city itself, drawing visitors from around the globe. LACMA is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant hub for art, education, and community engagement, constantly evolving and adapting to reflect the dynamic spirit of Los Angeles.

A brief summary to Los Angeles County Museum of Art

  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-6 pm
  • Friday 11 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays after 3pm for free admission if you're an L.A. County resident.
  • Don't miss the outdoor installations like 'Urban Light' and 'Levitated Mass,' which are free to view and offer great photo opportunities.
  • Check the LACMA website for the schedule of free live music performances, including Jazz at LACMA on Fridays.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance, especially if visiting during peak season, to guarantee entry and avoid potential sell-outs.
  • Take advantage of the free guided tours to gain deeper insights into the museum's collections and exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several Metro bus lines serve LACMA, making it easily accessible by public transport. The Metro Local 20 and Rapid 720 buses on Wilshire Blvd, and the Metro Local 217 and Rapid 780 buses on Fairfax Ave, stop within half a block of the museum. From the Wilshire/Western Station on the Metro Purple Line, transfer to the westbound Local 20 or Rapid 720 bus. From the La Cienega/Jefferson Station on the Metro Expo Line, transfer to the northbound Local 217 bus to Fairfax Ave and Wilshire Blvd. A single Metro fare is $1.75, which includes up to two hours of transfers. A TAP card is required to ride the Metro; these can be purchased at vending machines at Metro stations or online for $2.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach LACMA via Wilshire Boulevard or Fairfax Avenue. From the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10), take Fairfax Ave north 2 miles to Wilshire Blvd. From the Hollywood Freeway (US-101), take Highland Avenue 3.5 miles south to Wilshire Blvd, then turn right and proceed 1 mile west. Parking is available at the Pritzker Parking Garage on 6th St, just east of Fairfax Ave. The cost is $21, but reduces to $13 after 8pm entry. Other nearby parking options include the Petersen Museum and Museum Square, but these may have varying rates. Metered street parking is also available on 6th St and Wilshire Blvd, typically costing around $1 per hour. Be sure to read all signs for parking restrictions.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    For a convenient final approach, taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout Los Angeles. Simply request a drop-off at the museum's main entrance at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. A short ride from nearby areas like Beverly Hills or Hollywood typically costs between $15-$30, depending on traffic and distance. Note that during peak hours, surge pricing may apply. The most convenient location to drop off a guest who may have limited mobility is on Wilshire Blvd.

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Discover more about Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a sprawling complex that embodies the artistic soul of Los Angeles. Since its establishment as an independent institution in 1961, LACMA has grown into the largest art museum in the western United States, housing a collection of over 150,000 objects that span 6,000 years of artistic expression from around the world. LACMA's journey began as part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art, before separating to focus solely on art. In 1965, it moved to its current location on Wilshire Boulevard, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Museum Row. The initial complex, designed by William Pereira, has since expanded with additions by renowned architects like Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, Bruce Goff and Renzo Piano, reflecting the museum's continuous growth and evolution. Today, LACMA's campus is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of the David Geffen Galleries, designed by Peter Zumthor. This ambitious project, slated for completion in April 2026, will consolidate the museum's permanent collection into a single, state-of-the-art building. While construction is underway, LACMA's exhibitions are showcased in the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) and the Resnick Pavilion, ensuring that visitors can still experience the museum's diverse holdings. LACMA's collection is encyclopedic, encompassing a vast range of cultures and artistic periods. Highlights include: * **Asian Art:** LACMA boasts one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections outside of Asia, with significant holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese art. The Pavilion for Japanese Art, designed by Bruce Goff, is a masterpiece in itself, housing a stunning array of Japanese paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. * **Latin American Art:** From pre-Columbian masterpieces to contemporary works, LACMA's Latin American art collection showcases the rich artistic traditions of the Americas. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Rufino Tamayo. * **Islamic Art:** LACMA's Islamic art collection is one of the most significant in the world, featuring a diverse range of objects from across the Islamic world, including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and manuscripts. The collection highlights the artistic achievements of Islamic cultures from the 8th century to the present. * **European Art:** LACMA's European art collection spans from medieval to modern, with strengths in Italian Renaissance, Baroque, and 19th-century French painting. The collection includes works by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet. * **Modern and Contemporary Art:** LACMA's modern and contemporary art collection features works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Ed Ruscha. The Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) is dedicated to showcasing this collection. Beyond its extensive collections, LACMA is known for its iconic outdoor installations, which have become landmarks of Los Angeles: * **Urban Light:** Created by Chris Burden, "Urban Light" is a mesmerizing installation of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around Los Angeles and restored to working order. The lamps create a luminous grid that has become a popular spot for photos and gatherings. * **Levitated Mass:** Michael Heizer's "Levitated Mass" is a monumental sculpture consisting of a 340-ton boulder suspended above a 456-foot-long trench. Visitors can walk beneath the boulder, experiencing a sense of awe and wonder. LACMA is committed to education and community engagement, offering a variety of programs for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and family activities. The museum also hosts live music performances, film screenings, and other special events. LACMA's location on Museum Row places it in close proximity to other cultural attractions, such as the La Brea Tar Pits and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, making it easy to combine a visit to LACMA with other cultural experiences. Whether you're an art aficionado or a first-time museum visitor, LACMA offers a captivating and enriching experience that will leave you inspired and enlightened. With its diverse collections, iconic installations, and commitment to education, LACMA is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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