A Local’s Guide to Los Angeles Museums

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Beaches, mountains, any food you could possibly want, and of course the sunny skies. But even more than that, Los Angeles has SO MANY museums! Here’s 25 top Los Angeles museums that you can’t miss including some on science, pop culture, art, and so many more.

How much these museums in Los Angeles cost

For this guide, I wanted to give a little information on price ranges of admission, so you know what you’re in for. I’ll indicate the price ranges with the corresponding number of $ symbols. This is based off of adult ticket prices. I highly recommend double-checking each place’s website for specialty tickets (like students, seniors, and children), parking situation, hours, and location. Each title is linked and the map below is interactive!

If you’re traveling on a budget, be sure to read my full budget guide to Los Angeles.

Price Ranges:

• $ — $1-15
• $$ — $16-25
• $$$ — $26+

Where you’ll find Los Angeles’ best museums:

Art and Gardens

1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – $$

LACMA is a really popular destination. You might know it from the rows of street lights outside. There are always other art installations outside in addition to the lights, like sculptures and interactive pieces. Inside the most memorable piece to me is the GIANT chair that makes you look really small!

2. The Broad – FREE (except special exhibits)

The Broad houses contemporary art and this is where Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors are! They often have special exhibits as well that are ticketed.

I highly recommend the pop art section!

3. The Getty Center – FREE

The Getty Center houses a collection of European and American art from medieval times to the present! It also has a beautiful central garden that changes with the seasons.

4. The Getty Villa – FREE (timed ticket required)

I personally prefer the Getty Villa, which is located in the hills along the beaches of Pacific Palisades. The building is a replicate of an ancient Roman villa and has art, sculptures, and gardens of the Mediterranean.

5. Norton Simon Museum – $

I would argue that the Norton Simon is one of Los Angeles’ most underrated art museums. It’s definitely gained popularity in the last 5 years or so, but it’s still not usually on traveler’s radar. It is a private art collection and has some incredible pieces from all over the world, including Degas’ ballerina sculptures!

6. Museum of Contemporary Art – $

This is the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles! They have over 7000 art pieces!

7. Grammy Museum – $

If you don’t follow me on Instagram, first of all go do that (@periodicadventures). Secondly, you know I LOVE music. A lot…so this is a big one for me!

The Grammy Museum is a fun collection of the history of music, interactive instruments that you can learn to play, the history of sound, and it houses a collection of costumes, outfits, props, and artifacts!

Right now there’s exhibits on Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and Bruce Springsteen. That’s just the rotating exhibits!

8. The Huntington – $$$

The Huntington is a one-stop shop for art, history, and gardens! It has library and art collections, and 120 acres of gardens! It’s seriously one of my favorite places in Los Angeles.

Related read >> Top Los Angeles gardens to visit

History and Culture

9. Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust – FREE

Obviously not the most uplifting destination, but important to learn about. Located near the Grove and Original Farmer’s Market, it’s easy to spend a day touring this area. If you’re sensitive to Holocaust material (like me), I remember that it wasn’t presented in a way to land a punch. Meaning there wasn’t a pile of shoes or a cattle car that you had to walk through to proceed through the museum (which is found at the museum in New York).

10. California African American Museum – FREE

I haven’t been to this one yet, probably because of its proximity to the California Science Center. Exposition Park is a collection of museums including those two, the Natural History Museum, and the Historic Rose Garden. However, this museum looks incredible. Online, they describe the museum as a living, breathing experience and a thriving center for open dialogue on arts, culture, history, and identity.

11. Skirball Cultural Center – $

The Skirball is a Jewish cultural institution that welcomes people of all communities and generations. They feature exhibits of Judaica that chronicles the history of the Jewish people.

12. Museum of Tolerance – $

The Museum of Tolerance challenges visitors to examine the Holocaust in historic and contemporary context. Different from the Museum of the Holocaust, the Museum of Tolerance aims to confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination of today. I haven’t been here since I went on a school trip as a kid. I definitely need to go back, especially now that I play a role in our current politics.

13. Autry Museum of the American West – $

I went in fourth grade (I think) on a school field trip and recently revisited on my rediscovery trip to LA. The museum spans all of the American West’s arts, artifacts, and cultures – think Native-American cultures, cowboys, pioneers, and the Gold Rush! Right now for example, they have exhibits on Pueblo Pottery, the Colt Revolver, Cowboy art, and the technology of Western Transportation!

14. Japanese American National Museum – $

I haven’t been to the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) but I think it’s so important to understand the history of Japanese Americans during WWII and to appreciate the Japanese American culture and experience. I have been to Manzanar National Historic Site, which was an internment camp in California. If you aren’t sure what an internment camp is, I urge you to learn at about the Japanese American people at the JANM. It’s such an important, and too often ignored, part of our history. I’m hoping to visit this museum soon!

Science

15. La Brea Tar Pits – $

I’ve written a full blog post on La Brea Tar Pits. You can find that here!

It’s one of the most unique science museums in the US because it’s a live paleontology research site and museum! It’s dedicated to the Ice Age and those animals that were trapped and preserved in the tar pits, which surround the museum.

For a free option, you can opt out of the museum and just roam the grounds, which are free (minus the parking).

16. Griffith Observatory – FREE

I really can’t say enough for Griffith Observatory. Whether you like science or not, Griffith Observatory has something for everyone. And, even if the incredible museum isn’t for you, the views will be! From here you get a prime view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign. The best part is that it’s free! Here’s my full local’s guide to Griffith with parking tips!

17. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens – $$

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Literally! Last time I went for the holiday lights, which if you’re there in the winter is a fun experience. A little pricey in my opinion, but it’s Los Angeles.

18. Natural History Museum – $

Right now at the Natural History Museum (until Sept. 2), you can get up close to butterflies at their Butterfly Pavilion! This requires an additional special ticket.

19. California Science Center – FREE

I’ve written a whole post on my favorite science sites in Los Angeles and this is definitely up there! I highly recommend this museum. The newest exhibit, called Ecosystems, is super fun and interactive! It’s also home to the Endeavor, which you can see for a cost. And, they also have a rotating exhibit, which is always really well done. I’ve seen an interactive CSI exhibit and one on the science of fear. Right now, they have one called “Dogs: A Science Tail.” Scientists love a good pun!

20. Aquarium of the Pacific – $$$

Like the Huntington, this is one of my favorites in Los Angeles. Apparently I really prefer the most expensive ones…sorry. But, it follows “you get what you pay for.” I might be biased, but the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the best aquarium I’ve been to! It has amazing exhibits and capitalizes on the sunny LA weather so a whole portion of the exhibits are outside (including the sting ray touch pool)!

21. Discovery Cube LA – $$

This museum is similar to the California Science Center, but it is more directed at younger kids. I never went there myself because my mom worked so close to the California Science Center. It looks really fun and interactive though!

Miscellaneous

22. Museum of Death – $$

This one I have not actually been to. My mom and brother have though! I’ve heard it can be really interesting if you’re into true crime, but is very graphic and morbid so be warned!

23. Museum of Jurassic Technology – $

My family went to this museum years ago and for the life of me I cannot find any photos so my words are going to have to do. It’s kind of a combination of natural history and the history of science. It has the most eclectic collection of objects and stories! As an example, right now, they have an exhibit titled “Lives of Dogs of the Soviet Space Program” and “Garden of Eden on Wheels,” which is about trailers and RV’s. It really is an interesting little place and on the second floor, there is an open terrace with beautiful plants and birds!

24. Petersen Automotive Museum – $

I visited this museum with my younger brother, who is a car fanatic. I loved the Hotwheels exhibit and when we were there, they had a temporary exhibit on Hollywood vehicles. We saw the Batmobile!

The building is also a stunner – it’s bright red with wavy silver metal on the outside. It makes for a great photo op in Los Angeles even if you don’t go in!

25. Heritage Square Museum – $

There are 8 historic, Victorian structures that belonged to early California settlers. Honestly, the buildings are beautiful and it’s a true Los Angeles hidden gem! I was so little the first time I went to Heritage Square, and all I remember is sitting with my family near one of the old houses eating PB&J sandwiches!

I actually tried returning recently, but it had just rained so they had to close the grounds because of the mud. I wish you better luck on your visit!

A note that they only have street parking, which can be tricky and likely will require you to parallel park.

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Twenty-five museums and still there are more – on photography, African-American firefighters, Italian-American culture, Architecture and Design, and more! You really can’t go wrong!

Did I miss any of your favorites? Did you know about all these museums?

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