19 Best Museums in Los Angeles, According to Local Experts

Los Angeles boasts a vibrant museum scene. Local experts recommend 19 must-see spots. Explore art at LACMA and The Broad. Discover natural history at NHM or delve into movie magic at the Academy Museum. For unique experiences, visit the Getty Center or La Brea Tar Pits. These museums offer diverse collections, catering to every interest, offering an insightful glimpse into LA's rich culture and heritage.

Delving into Art & Culture

Los Angeles's art scene is world-renowned, offering everything from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. These museums are essential stops for any art lover:

The Broad: This contemporary art museum is known for its Instagrammable exhibits and impressive collection of post-war and contemporary art. Free general admission makes it a must-see.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing an encyclopedic collection spanning art history from around the globe. Don't miss the iconic Urban Light installation.

Getty Center: More than just an art museum, the Getty Center offers stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and a world-class collection of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts.

Getty Villa: Explore the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome at this beautifully recreated Roman villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): With two main locations (MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA), MOCA is dedicated to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art from around the world.

Exploring History & Science

Step back in time or delve into the wonders of science with these fascinating museums:

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Discover dinosaurs, explore California's ecosystems, and journey through the evolution of life on Earth at this sprawling natural history museum.

California Science Center: Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, this interactive science museum offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum: Witness the remnants of the Ice Age at this unique paleontological site. See fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures trapped in the tar pits.

Autry Museum of the American West: Explore the history and cultures of the American West through art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

Celebrating Hollywood & Entertainment

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without experiencing the magic of Hollywood. These museums celebrate the history and artistry of the entertainment industry:

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Immerse yourself in the world of filmmaking at this state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the history, art, and science of movies.

Hollywood Bowl Museum: Learn about the history of this iconic outdoor amphitheater through exhibits featuring photographs, memorabilia, and recordings.

Grammy Museum: Celebrate the history of music at this interactive museum dedicated to the Grammy Awards.

Unique & Niche Museums

Los Angeles is also home to a variety of unique and niche museums that cater to specific interests:

Petersen Automotive Museum: Car enthusiasts will love this museum showcasing the history and evolution of the automobile.

Museum of Tolerance: Dedicated to promoting tolerance and understanding, this museum features powerful exhibits about the Holocaust and other historical events.

California African American Museum (CAAM): Celebrate the art, history, and culture of African Americans in California and beyond. Free admission.

Japanese American National Museum: Explore the history and experiences of Japanese Americans, from early immigration to the present day.

Craft Contemporary: Showcasing contemporary craft and design, this museum features exhibitions of ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other handcrafted objects.

The Nethercutt Collection: A hidden gem boasting a magnificent collection of antique, vintage, and classic automobiles, as well as musical instruments and furniture. Free admission.

Plan Your Visit

To help you plan your museum hopping adventure in Los Angeles, here's a handy guide:

Museum Name	Address	Website	Why Local Experts Love It
The Broad	221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012	thebroad.org	Free admission and cutting-edge contemporary art make it a must-see.
LACMA	5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036	lacma.org	Vast collection spanning art history, iconic Urban Light installation.
Getty Center	1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049	getty.edu	World-class art, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views.
Getty Villa	17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272	getty.edu	Ancient Greek and Roman art in a beautifully recreated Roman villa.
MOCA	Various Locations	moca.org	Groundbreaking contemporary art from around the world.
Natural History Museum	900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007	nhm.org	Dinosaurs, California ecosystems, and the evolution of life.
California Science Center	700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037	californiasciencecenter.org	Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour and interactive science exhibits.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum	5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036	tarpits.org	Unique paleontological site with Ice Age fossils.
Autry Museum of the American West	4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027	theautry.org	History and cultures of the American West.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures	6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036	academymuseum.org	History, art, and science of movies.
Hollywood Bowl Museum	2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068	hollywoodbowl.com	History of the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
Grammy Museum	800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015	grammymuseum.org	History of music and the Grammy Awards.
Petersen Automotive Museum	6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036	petersen.org	History and evolution of the automobile.
Museum of Tolerance	9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035	museumoftolerance.com	Promoting tolerance and understanding.
California African American Museum (CAAM)	600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037	caamuseum.org	Art, history, and culture of African Americans.
Japanese American National Museum	100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012	janm.org	History and experiences of Japanese Americans.
Craft Contemporary	5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036	craftcontemporary.org	Contemporary craft and design.
The Nethercutt Collection	15151 Bledsoe St, Sylmar, CA 91342	nethercuttcollection.org	Antique, vintage, and classic automobiles and musical instruments.

This list represents just a starting point for exploring the rich museum landscape of Los Angeles. With so much to see and discover, you're sure to find something to spark your interest and leave you with a deeper appreciation for art, history, and culture. Happy museum hopping!