Los Angeles has some of the most incredible museums in the world, which made it difficult to prioritize where we wanted to go first. Places like the Museum of Death and the Japanese American National Museum were very cool and definitely worth checking out, as was Velveteria, a museum dedicated solely to velvet as an art medium, but didn’t have as much variety of subject matter as the following museums, which means they don’t appeal to as wide of an audience.
If you’re looking for famous works of art, truly incredible experiences, or beautiful places to go on a date or hang out with friends, these 5 museums should be the first places you visit during your time in Los Angeles.
The Broad Museum is free and open to the public and is one of the few places on Earth where you can find Yayoi Kusama’s famous installation Infinity Mirrors. We came for Infinity Mirrors and stayed for Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Roy Lichtenstein! Click here to read all about The Broad Museum.
The Getty Museum is the perfect place for fans of Greek and Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and romantic paintings by Claude Monet. The Getty also has a gorgeous, sprawling garden complex for visitors to stroll, as well as several large outdoor fountains and beautiful views of the city and the surrounding hills. Click here to read all about The Getty Museum, the works it contains, and why you should spend an afternoon here, enjoying the art.
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, aka LACMA, has an incredible collection of art both as experiences such as Levitating Mass (the large rock pictured above) and in the traditional sense. The LACMA is also home to the Urban Light light post installation by Chris Burden, which has been popularized by tourists and photographers alike, photographing it from every possible angle and posting it on Instagram.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
I was given special permission to take photos of this gorgeous museum, and I am so thankful for the opportunity! The Museum of Jurassic Technology is an incredible museum unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. It gives insight into how our ancestors lived and survived, discusses the history of museums themselves, and how those in power initially used them to withhold information from the public (the antithesis of today’s museums), and provides insight into the daily lives of generations past. Keep an eye out for my full post on one of LA’s most special and fascinating museums, coming soon!
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory & Museum is one of the best places to photograph the famous Hollywood sign and to get great shots of LA’s cityscape. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset over the City of Angels, and on clear nights visitors can even use their Zeiss telescope to see celestial bodies and shooting stars. Admission is free, and the museum exhibits are amazing for anyone, regardless of their interest in the stars, simply because they are so gorgeous and well-executed. Star Trek fans will also love the Leonard Nimoy theatre as well!
Which Los Angeles museum is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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Angie S says
I want to visit these! They look beautiful from your photos!
anniewearsit says
That’s the best compliment you could’ve given, thank you so much!
Alyssa says
I love these recommendations Annie! I always go to the Getty when I have any free time in LA. A good reason to carve out another day to add more museums to my next trip!
anniewearsit says
LA has SO many awesome museums, I could spend a month there just going to museums all day every day! I hope you get to see more next time you’re in town!
Anonymous says
Ok now I have to plan a trip to visit them all!
anniewearsit says
Absolutely! These museums are so awesome, and you can see more than one in a day!
Courtney says
A Jurassic museum?! That’s something I would never think of.
anniewearsit says
I was surprised by how cool it was! It was a blend of the history of the way we share history, folk medicine and superstitions, and technological advancements, with art mixed in. It’s super unique and interesting!
Mary Linnert says
I’m an artist at heart and always in awe when I can find new museums to visit. I’ve never been to CA, but this is another reason to go visit some family there!
anniewearsit says
If you love art, you’re going to LOVE Los Angeles’ museums! There’s something for everyone there, truly.
Dacia says
I love LA!!! it’s like my fav city!
anniewearsit says
I love LA too! There’s so much to do, and everything is open super late, unlike here in Michigan haha. Thank you so much for reading!
Jess Reed Ritt says
Ohhh! Definitely checking out the Jurassic Technology one next time I’m in LA! Never heard of it before! Thank you