Los Angeles is a cultural hub today and is one of the most popular cities in the USA. Los Angeles has a rich history behind how it became the city it is today, with the roots of Hollywood and the development of its tech space. This iconic city is also home to some of the world’s best museums, each one offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From art and history to contemporary culture, there’s something for every type of museum lover in LA.
Music lovers can revel in understanding the history of today’s music industry at the Grammy Museum, while enthusiasts of film and movies can enjoy a star-filled day either at the Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures or at the famous Hollywood Museum. On the other hand, history aficionados would truly enjoy Autry Museum located in Griffith Park for the way it educates people on the rich history of the Western United States and is sure to blow you away.
Here are some of our other top picks for the best museums – Los Angeles.
The 7 Best Museums In Los Angeles
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the natural world. The museum is home to over 35 million specimens, including dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and even a life-sized blue whale model suspended from the ceiling.
We highly recommend visiting the Dinosaur Hall in this museum, which features a collection of rare and well-preserved fossils from every era during which dinosaurs lived. The museum also has an impressive array of gems and minerals, including a 4.25-carat diamond and a piece of the Berlin Wall made of meteorite. Alongside its permanent exhibits, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County also hosts temporary exhibits on a variety of topics, ranging from the history of chocolate to the role of insects in our ecosystem. There’s always something new to discover at this amazing museum.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
If you’re an art lover, then you won’t want to miss the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with over 150,000 works of art in its permanent collection.
The museum is home to a wide variety of art, from ancient to contemporary, and from all around the world. Some of the highlights of the collection include European masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh, as well as a significant collection of American art, including works by Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe. It also has a gorgeous main gallery of Islamic art, although this has been temporarily closed. Aside from its raved-about permanent exhibitions, LACMA also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, featuring the work of contemporary artists as well as exhibitions on specific themes or periods in art history. With so much to see, you could easily spend a whole day at LACMA and still not see everything.
Museum Of Contemporary Art (MoCA)
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA Grand) in downtown Los Angeles for something a little different. As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to contemporary art, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from around the world. The museum’s collection is constantly changing, as new works are added and old ones are rotated out. This means that every visit to MoCA is a unique experience, and you’re sure to discover something new and exciting every time you visit.
This is one of the most renowned contemporary art museums in the country and is very unique because it was founded by artists, being the only art museum founded by artists in Los Angeles. In addition to its exhibitions, MoCA also hosts a variety of events and programs, including artist talks, workshops, and film screenings. These events are a great way to learn more about contemporary art and engage with the local art community.
California Science Center
The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park and is a must-visit for anyone interested in science and technology. The museum is home to over 100 hands-on exhibits, covering a wide range of topics including biology, physics, and engineering. One of the main features of the museum is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is on permanent display in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. You can walk through the shuttle and learn about its various systems, as well as see some of the experiments and payloads it carried on its 25 missions.
The California Science Center also hosts a variety of other periodic exhibitions, ranging from the science of sports to the history of robots. There’s always something new to discover at this amazing museum.
Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is one of the most popular museums in Los Angeles and is another perfect museum for people who love and admire art. The museum is home to a world-class collection of art, including works by masters such as Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Rembrandt. The museum’s collection is particularly strong in European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, but it also has a significant collection of Asian and American art. Some of the highlights of the collection include Monet’s “Water Lilies” series and Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait with Two Circles.”
In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the Norton Simon Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, featuring the work of contemporary artists as well as exhibitions on specific themes or periods in art history.
Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a haven for car enthusiasts. The museum is home to over 300 vehicles, ranging from classic cars to modern supercars. One of the main highlights of the museum is the “Hollywood Gallery,” which features a collection of cars from movies and television shows.
You can see the Batmobile from the 1960s TV show and the DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” as well as cars from more recent films such as “Fast and Furious.” The Petersen Automotive Museum also hosts a variety of events and programs, including car shows and driving experiences. These events are a great way to learn more about automotive history and culture.
Getty Center
Located in the iconic hills of Los Angeles, the Getty Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and architecture. This is one of the best Los Angeles museums and is home to a world-class collection of art, including works by masters such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. The museum’s collection is particularly strong in European art from the Middle Ages to the present, but it also has a significant collection of American and Asian art.
The museum was designed by architect Richard Meier and completed in 1997, and it’s easy to see the influence of his signature style in the white marble buildings and geometric forms. The Getty Center is also known for its stunning architecture and gardens, which provide breathtaking views of Los Angeles. The museum’s architecture is a work of art in and of itself, with clean lines and a modernist design that seamlessly blends into the surrounding hills. The Central Garden, in particular, is a must-see, with its winding pathways, streams, and waterfalls that create a serene and meditative atmosphere.
This stunning museum is home to an impressive collection of European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as photographs, prints, and other media. It also hosts an especially noteworthy collection of Greek and Roman art, antiquities, and sculptures.
FAQ
What is the biggest museum in Los Angeles?
The biggest and best museum to visit in Los Angeles would definitely be the LACMA art museum. It’s the largest art museum in the western United States.
Is it worth going to LACMA?
The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art is a must-visit for anyone who loves art and even otherwise. Being the largest art museum in the western United States, there’s a lot to learn about art from this museum.
What is the number 1 museum in the US?
The best museum in the US is undoubtedly The Metropolitan Museum Of Art (The Met) in New York City.
What is the biggest museum in California?
The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art is the largest museum in the western United States and is a must-visit for art aficionados.
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