Los Angeles is a city built on stories—of motion, innovation, and cultural reinvention. When you step out of the Petersen Automotive Museum, you are standing at the intersection of art and engineering, but the narrative doesn’t end at the curb. The surrounding Miracle Mile and Mid-Wilshire districts are dense with institutions that explore everything from ancient fossils to modern masterpieces. Exploring these nearby museums turns a single stop into a full-day cultural immersion.
The beauty of this stretch of Los Angeles is its walkability and geographic logic. You can easily pair the sleek chrome of the Petersen with the tar pits of the Ice Age or the canvases of European masters, all within a few miles. Whether you are a local looking to play tourist or a visitor maximizing a short itinerary, the area offers a rare concentration of world-class attractions. Planning a route here saves you time and parking headaches.
Beyond the famous names, the neighborhood hides smaller, specialized collections that often get overlooked. These lesser-known spots offer quieter galleries, niche subject matter, and a chance to escape the heavier crowds. By diversifying your stops, you get a richer sense of Los Angeles as a global cultural capital. You also avoid the fatigue that comes from seeing only blockbuster exhibits.
Understanding the geography is key to a smooth day. Most of these destinations sit along or just off Wilshire Boulevard, making them accessible by foot, bus, or a very short rideshare. The area is generally flat and pedestrian-friendly, though distances can be deceiving in the LA sun. Wearing comfortable shoes and layering for air-conditioned galleries is a smart move.
The following guide focuses on practicality and variety. You will find a mix of art, history, science, and design, ensuring there is something for every age and interest. Each recommendation is chosen for its proximity to the Petersen, its reputation for quality, and its ability to offer a distinct experience. No two museums on this list feel the same.
As you plan your visit, remember that many of these institutions have shifted to timed-entry tickets, even for free admission days. Checking hours in advance is essential, as some smaller museums close mid-week. With a little planning, you can build an itinerary that flows seamlessly from one gallery to the next.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
| Address | One Lucas Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is such a unique and impressive place to visit! The building itself is beautiful, and there is so much to see inside. I really enjoyed how the exhibits bring storytelling to life through art, film, animation, and popular culture. There’s a great variety, so even if you’re not normally a museum person, there’s something interesting around every corner.
The exhibits are thoughtfully put together, and I especially enjoyed seeing the connection between art and the stories we grew up with. It’s a great place to take your time exploring, and I definitely recommend giving yourself several hours to really experience everything.
Overall, it was a fun, visually impressive, and memorable visit. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Los Angeles!
*Star Wars fans: This is a must see*
Reproductions of artwork by Ralph McQuarrie, Doug Chiang, Ryan Church for the Original and Prequel trilogies.
Life-size creations of various vehicles — these alone are worth coming to the museum as a hardcore Star Wars fan. Best to arrive early to avoid the long queue for the Star Wars gallery.
The museum’s stunning collection of work is not limited to just Star Wars. Beautiful artwork for fantasy, scifi, manga, comics, westerns, history, and individual artists. All artwork is on the fourth floor.
On the ground floor, the museum has a theatre on one side and a cafe + store on the other side flanking the main lobby.
On the second floor is a library *filled* with really fascinating books. I spent almost an hour in here browsing and only the bottom section of the three tier library was opened. I sincerely hope they open the two top tiers for members to browse!
The library overlooks the outdoor garden which flows from the second floor down to the ground floor. The sculpture garden is massive.
The fifth (top) floor has a smaller section of murals, including a massive 1934 Fresco reproduction of ‘Man, Controller of the Universe’ by Diego Rivera.
Also on the top floor is Skywalker Grill, which is *RESERVATION ONLY.* This is a bit of a bummer for members, as reservations are already booked out until November. But I will be back for the Grill.
Parking is below ground, with easy access to the museum entrance.
The Lucas Museum is sure to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. Thank you George Lucas!
It was truly something out of this world! So well done and the staff were amazing. Had a small issue and Storm went above and beyond to help me with a solution. Remember it’s brand new and will have a few links like any other new place opening. Just know you’re in a magical place that took so much energy to make. This is a must see when in LA or to even travel for
A great building with someone’s (George’s) private art collection. The member previews were disappointingly crowded with very long lines to get into the cinema exhibit. Some of the art is really incredible, but there’s no rhyme or reason as to the curation and it comes off feeling like visiting your rich arty friend’s house. Even the art descriptions themselves could have been expanded to describe how the art was collected or sourced. We came from the East Coast for the opening and were pretty underwhelmed.
I went to the preview and the party. They were pretty unprepared for a crowd and the staff didn't know how to guide they kept giving us wrong directions.
Everything is in the higher levels so you had to use an elevator which is really inconvenient since there's only so many and too many people. It got packed quickly you couldn't even enter the elevator lobby.
The party was worse since people were coming in at the same time instead of time slots. YOU COULDN'T GO ANYWHERE it was soooo packed. They had snacks and drinks but we didn't get anything they ran out well before not even water. They had to open up all the service elevators and fire stairs since there elevators were not enough. If you had came late like the invite said you would've been stuck in lines the whole time. If you were lucky you got experience the 5th floor, which was at capacity the whole time so we got in at the end of the night 🫠
The party was worse than the day. They did better for the creators day and they got better merch!!!
Pretty disappointed to be a member right now.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
| Address | 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 763-3466 |
I had an amazing experience at the Natural History Museum. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the stunning architecture and the welcoming atmosphere. The exhibits were beautifully curated, informative, and engaging for all ages.
The dinosaur section was definitely a highlight—seeing the life-sized skeletons up close was unforgettable. I also loved how interactive many of the displays were, making it easy to learn while having fun. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer questions.
Everything was well-organized, clean, and easy to navigate, which made the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you're going with family, friends, or even solo, this museum is a must-see. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, educational, and memorable experience!
We had a great first experience at NHM of Los Angeles. Upon entering the dinosaur hall, we were greeted by a wonderful docent named Jane. It was a real treat to be led around the dinosaur exhibits by someone so knowledgeable and informative. I realize this type of experience may not be the norm but my 7 year old son and I truly enjoyed it. Thank you Jane!
We also bought tickets to see the 3D movie T. Rex. Nice theater with comfortable seating and a good show.
I would definitely come back to explore other areas that we missed today.
Founded in 1913 and located within Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) is the largest natural history museum in the western United States.
It houses over 35 million specimens and artifacts spanning 4.5 billion years of history.
The original 1913 Spanish Renaissance Revival building itself is an architectural masterpiece imbued with a sense of classical epic grandeur.
Spent most of my time here at the Dinosaur Hall. This is the world's only museum display featuring fossil skeletons of a T. rex across three distinct growth stages—baby, juvenile, and adult.
Watching the three differently sized T. rexes gathered around a prey skeleton creates an intensely captivating visual experience.
And was lucky to bump into a wedding (people were getting ready to commence it after the 5pm closing time), while not so surprised, as architecturally, the entire building is an amazing masterpiece itself, so not just the display contents but the structure.
Oh man this place is amazing. They have dinosaurs fossils, reconstructed dinosaurs from fossils, animals from different countries, a new Orca exhibit, and more. Level I there is like a little science center type deal for kids to interact with (although I as an adult interacted to). Level II is the primary museum, thats where you'll find all the main attractions I listed above. Level III is birds of the world. I think they have almost every type of bird discovered. The place is really cool, its not too pricey, and its a really interesting place to visit. Whether you are visiting from out of State or Town, or whether you live here in Los Angeles. This place is an amazing place to visit with or without kids.
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is an absolute must-visit. We took our three-year-old, and he was completely amazed by the massive dinosaur skeletons—it's a total dream for toddlers. While he loved the dinos, I was personally blown away by the Gem and Mineral hall. The collection is so stunning that there simply was not enough time for me to press my face up against all the displays I wanted to see. Whether you're going for the kids or your own curiosity, you could easily spend all day here and still want more!
Nethercutt Museum
| Address | 15151 Bledsoe St, Sylmar, CA 91342 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (818) 364-6464 |
Very worthwhile museum to visit. $5 entry fee, lots of Carleton see of different manufacturers. There's also a very cool Victorian era train (Engine, coal car and travel car) that is in the back of the museum, that can tour. Expect to take about 2 hours to tour the museum.
Amazing collection of classic cars and automated mechanical music instruments. I recommend the guided tour.
It was a very interesting place to go. Enjoyed it but from the way it was described we thought it was strictly cars that we were going to be seen not accessories and photos of racers that they had been in. Definitely not a room full of organs.
Not an overly long tour but was on our feet for all of it with only a few chairs where you could sit down at times and my sciatica unfortunately started bothering me. So I would not recommend it if you have trouble standing on concrete floors. But otherwise it was actually very interesting
Love vintage cars? Me too! I got lost trying to find the place to drop off old electronics and instead found the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, CA! What a total surprise! There’s actually two museums, one is by booking tours only. The one I went to was only 5 bucks (military are free!). Such a collection of antique autos and more!
We took the guided tour of the 4 floor museum that displays antique cars, pipe organs that we enjoyed seeing and hearing, pianos, fine art, and more. We spent the day enjoying the beautiful cars and museum.
The Los Angeles Museum of Love
| Address | 4320 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 928-2272 |
Want to get to know your partner on a different level bring them here super fun lots of activities to do. Being handcuffee was the best little experience. Highly recommend not going to spoil the fun you have to experience it yourself
A cute experience. Inside you go through a series of stations to stop at and do an activity - all related to your relationship or love in general.
This was such a great experience for us. The museum gets you and your partner talking to each other, working together, learning together, competing against one another. The individuals running it are also VERY attentive. They help you from parking to the front door and guide you through the beginning of the experience. I'd suggest this for couples looking to reflect on their relationship, celebrate growth, or just to enjoy each other's company in a new environment.
I came here for my birthday and I was super exited but also nervous because I thought it looked small but oh my god??? It’s SO MUCH FUN there is so much to do there it’s around two hours of so many cute games that I would recommend only bringing ur partner or special someone too haha;) it’s very romantic very cute very fulfilling birthday had the married for a day package + Polaroid photos take your time have fun and don’t rush through the activities enjoy a romantic day with ur partner here:) I wish I took more pics because the interior was so romantic and Beautiful and cute too A+ place exited to try the couples crime solvers next door soon!!! Also great prices for engraved (mind you very cutely designed) lockets too! I hope who ever made this place is having a great day
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A dark, fun, and surprisingly deep date experience!
I booked the "Because YOU love True Crime and I love YOU" package for me and my partner and we loved it! The experience was super interactive, well thought out, and honestly, such a unique way to bond. It’s not just about the spooky vibes—you actually learn about yourself and your partner while exploring real cases, dark psychology, and Crimes of Passion stories.
There’s so much to do! We had a 2:40 PM appointment and still ran out of time to get through everything (in the best way). I’d definitely recommend getting the first appointment of the day so you have time to really explore it all.
The add-ons are worth it—especially the Polaroid photo (SO cute!) and the curated true crime gift box that came with socks, themed goodies, and fun mementos. Everything was thoughtful, eerie, and adorably twisted.
If you love true crime, dark romance, or just want a one-of-a-kind date that’ll have you laughing, learning, and holding hands in the shadows—this is it. 🖤
Wonder Walk Hollywood
| Address | 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | (213) 876-7151 |
I had so much fun at Wonder Walk Hollywood. From the second I walked in, it felt like stepping into a giant creative playground. Every room had a different vibe — bold colors, cool sets, and those perfect “wait, take a pic of me here” moments that make content basically shoot itself.
The staff was super sweet, the space felt fresh and updated, and I loved that it’s right on Hollywood Blvd so the energy outside matches the energy inside. Plus, being open late is a win for me because I always end up creating at night. I left with a camera roll full of bangers and honestly, I’d go again just to capture more
Had such an amazing experience at the wonder walk museums! My favorite was the giant house. My friend and I got so many cute videos and photos, plus it was so fun! There is so much detail in each museum and the workers were super friendly. My personal favorite was the giant house. It’s definitely lots of fun for all ages and so worth it!
The Wonder Walk experience was a blast! We had so much fun taking photos and going through the different rooms and experiences here. The photos and videos we took here turned out amazing due to all their creative and colorful spaces! Last of all, the staff was amazing! Everyone was so helpful and friendly. They help you navigate the rooms and offer suggestions, which I really appreciated.
Kid friendly. Would recommend bringing your family and getting them all they all are really great and don’t forget to ask for Charles he is the best.
Charles & Elijah were so helpful and nice! They Showed us how to get the best pictures! Recommend coming!
The Getty
| Address | 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (310) 440-7300 |
A stunningly beautiful modern museum with great views of Los Angeles. It's designed by architect Richard Meier and built with Italian travertine stone. The galleries need time to peruse. They house European art - paintings and sculptures. It's free to enter, but you need to reserve parking online. Nearly all of the outside areas are accessible. Students from nearby UCLA are known to come study here for a change of scene.
This is the first place I went as a first time, Los Angeles visitor, and it was absolutely stunning. The grounds were huge and there was so much you could explore. While the architecture is impressive I think that the landscaping is some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. The backside also offered incredible views of Los Angeles. Of course the art collections were great as well. I think this is a must do activity if you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time.
Stunning original artwork!
Perched on top of a landscaped mountain, the Getty Center truly delivers on its promise to provide relevant artwork.
The Center is full of inspiring artwork by incredible artists. It was easy to get inspired and swept away by the workmanship, vision and style of great craftspeople.
I was fortunate enough to get to see original artwork by Rene Magritte, Van Gogh and Claude Monet - some of my favorite artists.
The ride up on the tram is special (worth the wait) and the landscapes areas are really well maintained. The views of the valleys are spectacular.
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.
All in all - a very special experience.
Hands down one of the most incredible museum experiences in Southern California!
From the ride up the hill on the tram to the spectacular views of Los Angeles, the setting alone is worth the trip. The architecture and the Central Garden are absolutely gorgeous, and the art collection is world-class—seeing Van Gogh's Irises up close is unforgettable.
Best of all, general admission is completely free! Just make sure to reserve your timed entry ticket online in advance and be prepared to pay for parking. Plan to spend at least a few hours here exploring the galleries and walking through the outdoor gardens!
Another major LA tourist destination. Free admission but requires timed entry reservations online. Parking in the garage is $25 for the day and then you’ll take a free tram up to the Getty. Beautiful central garden with stunning views of the city skyline from above. A few of the exhibits were closed when we went but the collection of artwork we did see were nice. This place is huge and if everything was open would’ve taken many hours to walk through. I loved the garden and the variety of plants and flowers they had. Definitely a once and done type of thing. Relatively busy on a Wednesday morning.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
| Address | 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 857-6000 |
LACMA was one of the highlights of my trip to LA. The museum is large, with a wide variety of art to explore. I especially loved the live performance. It was so creative and engaging that I ended up staying for almost an hour just for the show. The artists were incredibly talented. The nearby La Brea Tar Pits added a unique touch to the experience. I'm so glad I visited!
David Geffen Galleries at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) were impressive. The building is massive and extends above Wilshire Boulevard.
The art museum is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, near the La Brea Tar Pits. There are active digs next to the museum. It was nice to walk around and explore them. Impressionism at LACMA was outstanding as well. Particularly Nymphéas by Claude Monet was inspiring to see. Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a great place to visit in Los Angeles.
LACMA is definitely worth visiting! After the renovation, three buildings are now open, and there’s already so much to see. The museum features an impressive collection of famous artworks, and the galleries are spacious, clean, and well organized.
Plan to spend at least a full day here if you want to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Even with plenty of visitors, it never felt too crowded or noisy, making it a wonderful place to appreciate the art. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Los Angeles!
This museum is absolutely incredible and a total must-visit if you are in LA!
The art collection here is massive and covers a bit of everything, so there's always something cool to see regardless of your taste. Of course, checking out the iconic "Urban Light" installation outside is a highlight and looks so beautiful, especially when the lamps are lit up in the evening. The whole campus has a really cool, open vibe and the staff were super helpful.
Definitely budget a few hours to really take it all in. Highly recommend stopping by!
I highly recommend this museum. It had been over 10 years since the last time I came and it beat my expectations!
Things to know:
-Parking cost $23 at the Pritzker Parking on 6th street. There will be a sign that says “LACMA” parking. I was thrown off because there was another sign that said “LOT FULL” but when I asked the parking attendant about finding more parking he pointed me to the same lot just on a lower floor. I did have to drive around the lot a few times until someone left (Max 10 minutes) And they offer FREE valet parking ( I didn’t know at the time) So when you see their parking attendants ask them about it. So essentially it is “full” you just have to wait a little because people are constantly leaving or ask for valet parking. This was around 5ish during a Jazz night.
-There are elevators that will take you to the entrance of the museum. Choose “Ground”.
-LA residents get in free after 3pm on weekdays. I showed them a bill with my current address and ID. In addition they ask for your email address.
-All staff, from the people that check you in, to the security guards offer professional customer service and are helpful if you have any questions (which greatly helps with my social anxiety😅)
-The David Geffen Galleries are huge. I was there for 2 hours and didn’t get to finish seeing all the art. Beautifully designed and the art was beautifully displayed. Even the wall colors were on point.
-You may need more than 4 hours if you enjoy taking in art. There is ALOT to see inside and outside.
-Bathrooms are clean and scattered throughout.
-Pay for your parking before you leave the kiosk. They will be by the elevators in the parking garage.
-Jazz nights get PACKED!!! So get there early, like before 5pm if you want a good seat. That includes if you’re bringing your own chair.
*I didn’t get any food or visit the store so I can’t speak on either one.
I will definitely be coming back to the finish exploring the rest of the museum.
Hammer Museum
| Address | 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (310) 443-7000 |
Nice small museum. Free admission closes at 6pm. There is a restraunt inside and three floors of exhibits. Plenty of diversity in the artwork and very clean and organized. Staff were nice and helpful.
nice museum close to UCLA. The entrance is free. The shop has many cute options curated from all over the world. When I visited in March, there were only 3 exhibition spaces, but the quality is overall excellent.
A great museum, free too I might added in Brentwood neighborhood. It’s part of UCLA and on Wilshire Blvd & corner of Westwood Blvd to Glendon Ave (yup, a whole block). It’s very open space, bright and high ceiling reception area, and very modern too. You feel at easy and calm inside compared to hectic and noisy of cars & constructing going on right outside. Their exhibits spread into several different halls from main to 3 floors. You either take the elevator or stairs to go into the courtyard to get to the exhibit halls. The middle area of the museum is open sky with restaurants and gift shops and outdoor exhibit pieces. Very unique and interesting to observed. Currently,”Make in LA” is showing and quite both fascinating and complex, different then you would thought for sure (at least for me). They do have a collections room (founder), that have Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gough, Fantin-Latourand others arts. Such a nice, calm and unique museum.
Today I visited the Hammer Museum at UCLA, and I was genuinely impressed by how unique and thoughtful this place feels. The museum has a very calm, modern, and intellectual atmosphere, but at the same time it never feels cold or intimidating. It is the kind of museum where you can slow down, walk through the galleries, and really think about what you are seeing.
What I liked most is that the Hammer Museum is not just about beautiful objects on the walls. It feels like a place for ideas. The exhibitions are carefully curated, often focusing on contemporary art, culture, society, and the way artists respond to the world around them. Some pieces make you stop immediately, while others stay in your mind after you leave.
The connection with UCLA also gives the museum a special energy. It feels young, creative, and open-minded. The building itself is clean, spacious, and easy to explore, and the courtyard adds a peaceful break between the galleries. I also really appreciate that admission is free, which makes this kind of high-quality art experience accessible to everyone.
The Hammer Museum is perfect for anyone who enjoys contemporary art, thoughtful exhibitions, and museums that make you feel something beyond just admiration. I left inspired, refreshed, and very glad I finally visited. This is definitely one of those Los Angeles museums that deserves more attention.
I had a VERY Cool LA experience at the HAMMER MUSEUM when I visited on a Thursday October 2025. It was LA vibes from the minute I walked past the restaurant Lulu, it was clearly busy and the clientele looked more sophisticated, hip and local and than any other art gallery cafe that I have experienced. And no wonder looking at the concept in its entirety I could appreciate the whole package (my Trade background is a Chef) I had a fantastic oat hot chocolate at the end of a very stimulating and unique gallery experience and enjoyed people watching through my Australian lense. I could’ve easily spent US$500 on books alone such an inspiring collection. I hate to pick my favourite exhibition but I do have a weak spot for Japanese wood block prints.
The Hammer Museum has a fantastic blueprint I look forward to returning one day and schedule in lunch this time!
Autry Museum of the American West
| Address | Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (323) 667-2000 |
Part California history museum, part art museum, a bit of natural history thrown in, a small garden with a waterfall, it’s a two-story bonanza of artifacts and artwork of different medias, including videos, interactive notes exhibits, library to sit down and read, traditional paintings (glad they kept this to a minimum), weavings, even transport like carriages, a fire engine, a slop wagon, and displays about the indigenous to current history of mostly LA. Free WiFi. Liked the postcard activity at the entrance, and art area on the bottom floor. It’s kid friendly with the interactive activities to keep them engaged. Plenty of seats inside if you need a break. It’s quite a sizable place. The sculptures scattered is nice as well. All of the video displays and notes areas remind me of the Auckland museum. First Wednesday of the month are free days! Got tickets online but they let walkins going too.
A great museum with tons of interesting history, artifacts, art, and culture. It was a nice blend of interactivity for children and information for adults. As an East Coaster, this museum provided a great overview of how the West has developed and California’s history. The good, the bad, and the ugly- but all important!
But what really made my visit were the two staff I interacted with; a lovely Native American gentleman with whom I talked about the Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community and Imagined Wests exhibitions and the man with luscious locks working the gift shop with good humor.
I will be happy to visit this museum again and I recommend it to all those seeking knowledge.
First time here and I have to admit I need to come back stat and become a member. Friendliest staff I’ve ever experienced in the entire Los Angeles County. I have to give them props not only were they friendly but smart and passionate about their jobs and the exhibits. I strand to come back hopefully soon . Great exhibits , great art work and best of all you fell so welcomed here . Free parking 🅿️ clean restrooms 🚽 and great community events. Also before I forget they have a really good gift shop that it filled to the rim with 💎 gems. I can’t street it enough come down and experience a great museum packed with hidden gems at every corner . So glad I came and I’m looking forward to adding this to my rotation.
Such a great family-friendly place! The kids really enjoyed the scavenger hunt throughout the museum. Making bow-tie ribbons on the first floor was a fun hands-on activity. When we went downstairs, there were tons of toys and play areas that kept them busy for hours. We totally lost track of time. We’ll definitely be back!
The Autry Museum is a Hidden Gem in Los Angeles! My husband, son and I were so amazed with the magnitude of this historic museum. We were so impressed with the layout, cleanliness, and displays of the American West. It is also a great place to take your children and grandchildren to know the history of the west! It did not disappoint! Worth every penny!
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
| Address | 9341 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (310) 836-6131 |
An awesome experience, trust me its better going in blind and not reading about it. STOP reading reviews now, don't look at the images. Just go with at least a few hours to fully explore it.
I feel that the general consensus is that this place is a unique experience that showcases oddities and niche under-appreciated topics. In a sense, the museum presents itself with an aesthetic appeal, curating an experience akin to an art installation.
This museum is objectively not friendly to large groups above a pair, as the space is limited and many of the installations are audio recordings with two earphones (every little nook had seatings for two only). On the same vein, the installations can be hit or miss, with sometimes the audio recordings not working, the headphones having differing levels of sound, and the lack of museum labels throughout the exhibit (lack of context on installations). Some of the exhibits have an absence of wall panels/introductory text and didactic texts, which makes the presentation of many of the materials hard to comprehend or grasp.
All in all, this place is an incredibly thoughtful presentation of science, art and culture with a mysterious ambience. The roof garden with the pigeons is truly a beautiful place to digest the experience, and ultimately make your own opinions about the museum.
A very cozy and eclectic museum. It is quite tight on space, but very extensive. It has a wide-ranging variety of collections, focused much on different studies. Some highlights included the Tsiolkovsky exhibit, the animal collection, the diatoms exhibit, and the Islamic architecture exhibit. Photos are not allowed inside.
Extremely eclectic and eccentric exhibits in a building that almost felt haunted. Very cool, but definitely seemed like it was curated by someone doing some serious psychedelics.
I had a bag with me but wish I had left it at home because the hallways are a little tight!
It's been actual decades since I was here last and it's still a thrilling exploration of museology. At some point in my visit I started to think that perhaps I had slid behind a looking glass and the surreal blend of real and imagined wonder would continue forever. There are things I remembered from 30 years ago but I couldn't tell how much had been added since. Slick and artful as well as dusty and broken. Historic flights of fancy and unlikely documents of scientific proofs. Fantasy and fact. Bring a folding fan on a hot summer day and come during the week to spend time at your leisure.
Hidden History Museum
| Address | 2131 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (323) 840-3029 |
Tariq Nasheed opened his Hidden History Museum to accommodate people in the area to vote. People were cordial that work the polling and walked up to greet you. There was a parking space waiting for me right in front. lol
Much respect to the Youngster.
I am writing this as someone who loves little museums. This is not a museum. This is an event space. The museum is literally a small room that has picture on the wall. A small room that charges you 20 dollars to go in. Honestly I should have asked for my money back
I hwas there under 1p minutes and half that time was to use the restroom. Of you want to go to a way better black museum go to Compton's flight musekm
Don't be fooled by the size, there is some gems to actually see and feel the pain, struggles, power and resilience of the Black experience before civil rights.
Words can’t describe how informative and necessary this place is to go and even take the little ones! The photos and explanations on each historical figure was Amazing! Perfect place for those seeking knowledge!Thank you Tariq and those who helped to create this experience!! My family and I loved it!!
Loved this place; we need more places like this for FBA's. We enjoyed every bit of the museum, plus we learned a lot that we didn't know. That's always a plus.
GRAMMY Museum
| Address | 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (213) 725-5700 |
Definitely recommend this museum in downtown los Angeles 👏 , if you love Michael Jackson and prince & Amy Whinehouse , Taylor swift and other Hollywood celebrities..... this museum has a decent amount collection of Hollywood stars memorabilia... i wish it was a bigger expansion of itams but still overall good displays ....ita got a beautiful historic 🎸 guitars collection ....thier is also permit & temporary displays......thier is hands on activities for all ages ....washrooms , gift shop......its nearby to public transportation, hotels, residential area here ....staff here are friendly
The Grammy museum was OK. I felt like the museum’s aesthetics were very nice and appealing to the eyes. I also like some of the things they had such as the screens with clips of Grammy performances or the tablet where you could pick a year a review the winners of said year.
As an avid museum goer, I will say I would have been a bit upset had I paid for this experience. I’ve had better museum experiences in North Carolina than the Grammy museum, and that says a lot.
I do not think it was a bad experience. I’m definitely happy that I got to go. However, for it to be something as prestigious as a Grammy and is a museum to exhibit, music icons, I expected a bit more. I think the pop culture museum in Seattle is a great example of what I was expecting.
My wife and I had a wonderful time coming to the Grammy Museum today to visit Selena exhibit before it's gone. This was the last weekend it would be there so I brought the tickets and arrived early before the door open.
There was a line already but it wasn't too bad. The staff here are great and will give you recommendations on how to start. We went straight to the elevator to go to the forth floor to see Selena stuff because she's my wife idol. We also looked at Michael Jackson and Sublime exhibit too.
My children and I had a blast. We were there to see the Selena exhibit. We then enjoyed the entire museum. Got to share my memories with my kids on alot of the artist in the museum that I grew up listening growing up. They got to see some of their artist from their time. We will love to comeback and bring other family to enjoy it. Its free for 17 and under. Buy the tickets in advanced.
Really enjoyable museum, especially if you love music and recording history. The exhibits are modern, interactive, and well organized, with a nice mix of memorabilia, videos, and hands-on experiences. It’s also smaller than expected — you can comfortably see everything in less than an hour if you move at a normal pace. Easy stop if you’re exploring downtown LA and definitely worth visiting for music fans.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Museum Visits
Maximizing a day of museum hopping requires more than just buying a ticket. Parking, timing, and pacing can make the difference between a memorable adventure and an exhausting slog. These practical tips will help you navigate the area like a seasoned local while keeping your energy high and your budget in check.
1. Start with the Petersen’s parking strategy.
If you drive, keep your car parked at the Petersen or a nearby structure for as long as possible. The museum’s lot and surrounding garages often charge a flat daily rate, which is cheaper than moving your car multiple times. From there, you can walk or take a short bus ride to several stops on this list.
2. Leverage the DASH bus route.
The Los Angeles DASH bus serves the Mid-Wilshire and Miracle Mile areas frequently and costs just 50 cents per ride. It runs along Wilshire Boulevard and connects many of the major museums without the stress of traffic or parking. Using public transit here is safe, clean, and surprisingly efficient for visitors.
3. Time your visit around free admission days.
Several major museums in this area offer free or pay-what-you-wish entry on specific days or evenings. For example, LACMA offers free admission on the second Tuesday of each month for LA County residents. Arriving right when doors open on these days gives you a quieter experience before the crowds build.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of the museum cafe.
Many visitors try to power through four museums on an empty stomach. That is a mistake. Stopping for a coffee or a quick lunch at a museum cafe resets your energy and gives your feet a break. The Ray’s and Stark Bar at LACMA, for instance, offers a pleasant outdoor setting that feels like a destination in itself.
5. Alternate between large and small institutions.
Visiting two massive encyclopedic museums back-to-back can lead to visual overload. Instead, pair a large stop like the Natural History Museum with a smaller, more focused gallery like the Craft Contemporary. This rhythm keeps your mind engaged and prevents the “another painting” fatigue that hits after hour three.
6. Check for reciprocal membership benefits.
If you are a member of a museum in your home city, check if it participates in programs like NARM or ROAM. These networks often grant free or discounted entry to participating Los Angeles museums. Even if you only visit two or three spots, the savings can be significant.
7. Reserve the outdoor spaces for the golden hour.
Many of these museums have stunning gardens, sculpture plazas, or outdoor architecture. Save those areas for the late afternoon when the harsh sun softens and the temperature drops. The lighting is better for photos, and the outdoor breeze offers a natural reset before dinner.
The area around the Petersen Automotive Museum is more than a collection of buildings—it is a walkable archive of human curiosity. From the roar of a vintage engine to the silence of a fossilized mammoth, the contrast between these institutions makes the neighborhood uniquely rewarding. You can spend an hour in one gallery and feel as if you have traveled across centuries.
When you plan your day with intention, you transform a simple museum visit into a layered experience of Los Angeles history and creativity. The key is to pace yourself, stay flexible, and allow room for the unexpected discoveries that happen between destinations. That is where the real magic of this city lives.
