Top 8 art museums in Los Angeles that you can’t miss

Top 8 art museums in Los Angeles that you can’t miss

These are the best art galleries in Los Angeles that you should visit

If you plan on visiting Los Angeles, don’t miss out on stopping at least one of the city’s art museums. Exploring art in Los Angeles is your ticket to discovering the city’s creative pulse that beats through its busy streets, late-night concerts, and top art galleries.

Los Angeles art museums go beyond frames on a wall – they’re interactive contemporary exhibits at The Broad, and Hollywood memorabilia at the Hollywood Museum that showcases the art of movie-making. This LA-centric guide will lead you straight to the 8 best art museums in Los Angeles so you can experience the city’s creative energy, which is one of the best things to do in LA.

Best art museums in Los Angeles

Immerse yourself in a world of art at LACMA

Stand beneath the glow of "Urban Light" at LACMA, featuring over 200 vintage street lamps.

1. Immerse yourself in a world of art at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is among the largest and best art museums in the U.S. The museum hosts over 150,000 works, from classical and contemporary to large-scale installations. Seeing the lights when it's dark out is one of the best things to do in LA at night.

Highlights:

One of LACMA’s most famous artworks is Chris Burden’s “Urban Light,” an outdoor piece featuring over 200 street lamps from 1920s and 1930s LA.

Address and opening hours:

5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM; Friday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Explore the County Museum of Art

Discover inspiring contemporary art displays at MOCA

At MOCA, contemporary artworks challenge and inspire.

2. Discover inspiring contemporary art displays at MOCA

LA's Museum of Contemporary Art houses over 5,000 works from famous modern artists such as Basquiat, Warhol, Pollock, and Lichtenstein. The museum often hosts retrospective exhibitions, allowing you to encounter artists and their creations in greater depth.

Highlights:

The Rothkos Room, a space dedicated to paintings by abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, features colorful canvases that can inspire all ages.

Address and opening hours:

250 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; Thursday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

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Find European paintings, a vast garden, and and rotating exhibitions a the Getty.

3. Explore classic masterpieces at the Getty

The Getty's collection of classic masterpieces is often regarded as the best art galleries in Los Angeles. Throughout its grand building complex, you can see artworks by Manet, Rembrandt, Titian, and many others. Entry to the museum is free but subject to timed-entry reservations.

Highlights:

For a uniquely LA collab between nature and art, Getty's Central Garden is a living sculpture designed by artist Robert Irwin that changes with the seasons.

Address and opening hours:

1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90049. Open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

Explore the Getty Center museum

Best interactive art museums in Los Angeles

Walk among thousands of lights and reflections at The Broad

Get lost in the mesmerizing Infinity Mirror Rooms at The Broad.

4. Walk among thousands of lights and reflections at The Broad

The Broad is one of Los Angeles' most dazzling museums, featuring an extensive collection of contemporary art with over 2,000 works from Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Basquiat. The museum's architecture and design are an artwork in itself.

Highlights:

The Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama let you experience another world as you are surrounded by a seemingly endless space of reflections and lights.

Address and opening hours:

221 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; Thursday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Explore the Broad Museum

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Experience accepting an Academy Award on stage at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

5. Learn about the art of movie-making at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Dive into the rich history of film at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where the magic of cinema comes to life. This museum offers a comprehensive look at the art and science of movie-making, celebrated through interactive exhibits and significant cinematic artifacts.

Highlights:

You can feel the thrill of accepting an Academy Award on stage at The Oscars Experience.

Address and opening hours:

6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Tuesdays.

Explore the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The best alternative museums in Los Angeles

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You can see Michael Jackson's one and only "Thriller" jacket at the Grammy Museum.

6. Explore the glitzy history of music at the Grammy Museum

Visit the Grammy Museum to experience the enduring power and evolution of music. This dynamic museum features interactive and multimedia exhibits that delve into the music-making process, the history of award winners, and the cultural impact of music.

Highlights:

Explore one-of-a-kind memorabilia from Michael Jackson’s influential career, including his iconic leather jacket from his “Thriller” music video.

Address and opening hours:

800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Explore the Grammy Museum

Gain insight into the making of Tinseltown at the Hollywood Museum

Costumes, props, and memorabilia from the golden age of Hollywood to contemporary cinema make up the Hollywood Museum.

7. Gain insight into the making of Tinseltown at the Hollywood Museum

Set in the Art Deco Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum showcases a diverse collection of over 10,000 items of Hollywood from its early years to what it has become today. The collection features costumes and props from movies, TV, and awards shows.

Highlights:

Costumes on display include Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar dress, Elvis’ bathrobe, and Rocky’s boxing gloves.

Address and opening hours:

1660 N Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA, 90028. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Discover the best art museums in Los Angeles

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Los Angeles?

Yes, many art museums in Los Angeles offer free admission on select days of the week. Some museums, such as the Getty, offer free admission, although special exhibitions may have paid admission.

What unique and lesser-known art museums are worth visiting in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles features plenty of smaller, unique museums worth visiting, especially in the Arts District. Some of the best art museums in Los Angeles in the lesser-known category are the Museum of African American Art, Marciano Art Foundation, and Hammer Museum. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is a unique spin on the traditional art museum.

Which art museums in Los Angeles have works by famous artists?

LACMA, the Getty, and the Hammer Museum feature artworks from classic painters such as Gaugin and Matisse. For contemporary artists, MOCA and The Broad feature Warhol, Rothko, and Basquiat works.

Are the art museums in Los Angeles wheelchair accessible?

Many art museums in Los Angeles have been designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind. Some museums, such as MOCA, have wheelchairs available at the reception. If you need accessibility assistance, it’s best to check the museum website or contact them before your visit.

Are there any art museums in Los Angeles that are suitable for children and families?

While most museums listed here focus on adult visitors, many also offer child-friendly programs. LACMA and the Hammer Museum offer family-friendly events catering to younger visitors, while MOCA features art spaces that can be enjoyed by all ages.