Los Angeles County Museum of Art: LACMA Love

Photo: Alex Vertikoff/© Museum Associates/LACMA

The name Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) sounds dull, but this is LA’s anchor arts institution for good reason. I love LACMA, and here’s why you might, too.

First, even from the outside you’ll see the impressive architectural design. Inside, the place harbors some 100,000 objects dating from ancient times to today. There’s so much to see and do there, and if you’re like me and you love SoCal, you’ll want to stay a while.

Still reluctant? Check it out on one of the free days (see below) next time you’re in the neighborhood.

THE ART

Southern California’s are proud of their LACMA art, but when a museum covers art from ancient to modern times, it isn’t easy to describe what you’ll see there. All I can say is you’ll have fun seeing how things evolved over the centuries. You won’t be alone — the museum attracts nearly a million visitors every year.

La Gerbe, by Henri Matisse — a 1953 Installation Art Ceramic tile embedded in plaster

THE ARCHITECTURE

Credit goes to William Pereira. The plant-based art comes from Robert Irwin. The forest of street lamps you see as you enter was put in by the late Chris Burden.

SAVVY TIPS FOR VISITING LACMA

Timing

Go early on free days to beat the crowds, and plan to stay a while to enjoy the museum’s vast collection of art, special exhibitions, music, and film.

Dining

Hungry LACMA lovers have choices. You can get farm-to-table grub at Ray’s & Stark Bar; grab a salad at the LACMA Cafe, or sip a latte at C+M (Coffee + Milk). Also, ask about upcoming food events and pop-up dinners related to LACMA special exhibits and events.

Shopping

The LACMA Store has an artfully curated selection of gifts, books, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind Los Angeles-syle designs. You’ll find it on the east end of campus, near the Bing Theater.

Prioritizing

Don’t have time to visit the entire museum? Go straight to LACMA’s notable Asian art exhibit, housed in part in the Bruce Goff-designed Pavilion for Japanese Art.

Coming Full Circle: Frank Gehry’s Exhibition Design for Japanese Art

3 WayS to Save at LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers several ways to enjoy their exhibitions for free. Second Tuesdays are free each month, LA residents get in free after 5pm on some days, and Target sponsors free Mondays during holidays.

1. Free Days

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Free Days — On the second Tuesday of each month, general admission to the permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions is FREE to all. But make sure you check with LACMA for any updates on this before you head out.

2. LA Resident Free Days

After 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, general admission to the permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions is FREE to Los Angeles County residents with proof. As always, check the official website for any changes.

3. Target Free Holiday Mondays

Target sponsors several FREE admission days throughout the year at LACMA, featuring special programming and free general admission to the permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions.  More Holiday Mondays to be added throughout the year. More Info about specific holidays sponsored by Target.

LACMA Know Before You Go

Official Info

See the LACMA’s website at lacma.org.

Hours

General admission hours: open every day except Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Mon, Tues 12noon – 8pm Wednesday Closed. Thur 12noon – 8pm. Fri 12noon – 9pm. Sat, Sun 11am – 8pm.

Address

Los Angeles County Museum of Art — 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90036 (centrally located between the beach and downtown Los Angeles. See map below. Here’s the museum’s campus map to help you get around.

Parking

Park in the Pritzker Parking Garage on Sixth Street just east of Fairfax Avenue, or in the lot at Wilshire Boulevard and Spaulding Ave ($10 and you can prepay at any Welcome Center. (Pritzker is free after  pm.)