Los Angeles County Museum of Art
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5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036 Mid-Wilshire - Get Directions
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“I've been here for the Tim Burton Exhibit and the Jason Reitman Live Read of Reservoir Dogs.” in 73 reviews
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“I love Urban Light (outside) and the architecture of the buildings, inside and out.” in 50 reviews
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“The Ahmanson building has wonderful art, but the modern art floor was definitely my favorite.” in 37 reviews
Recommended Reviews
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- Anne M.
- Anaheim, CA
- 211 friends
- 57 reviews
You don't necessarily have to visit the museum itself to have a great time. The scenic view is awesome. Nice place to have photoshoots at.
If you're a student, make sure to bring your student ID to get a $5 discount for museum entry. Alot yourself a few hours to be able to visit all the buildings. Bring a map with you so you're sure to not miss a spot. Parking across the street is free on Sundays. -
- Janice Y.
- Newport Beach, CA
- 15 friends
- 86 reviews
The art was fine. I wish I had found the Baroque and Renaissance Art sections sooner, but the issue I had with this museum is the staff.
Everywhere we went, the staff expected us to have innately known what the stickers they handed us were for, when we would need the special exhibit tickets, and that (unlike any other art museum I have ever been to) you are not allowed to appreciate the art up close. This felt like an art museum run by people who do not know how to appreciate art and who are not invested in helping people learn.
The exceptions to this were Audrey in the Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist section who pointed us to the James Turrell's Ganzfeld exhibit. Audrey and the staff at the Ganzfield exhibit were incredibly kind and helpful and made the end of our very long day enjoyable. They are all gems and I hope the museum knows this (I did write an email to the museum just in case they didn't already know).
I probably won't return... I'd rather spend my time and money elsewhere. -
I have been to LACMA only 2 or 3 times. My most recent visit was last Saturday on free museum day (more information latimes.com/entertainmen…). I didn't have a great experience during this visit because of all the people (apparently I am not the only one who wants to take advantage of the free day). So many people every where just really made it quite uncomfortable and unenjoyable. But anyways on to my review of LACMA.
LACMA is composed of several buildings of different themes of art and their featuring exhibits. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a new addition to the campus (unfortunately I did not get a chance to visit it on my most recent visit and would love to come back to check it out). With so many buildings (you can spend an entire afternoon here), I would have to say the Pavilion for Japanese Art is my favorite. These buildings are not quite as stuffy and has better air circulation than some of the other buildings. The Japanese art displayed also always peaks my interest. If you check out this building, make sure you check out all the floors (including the bottom floor, as most people often times skip it because they are probably unaware. There are also restrooms down on this floor as well just an FYI).
Photos in the Pavilion for Japanese Art is camera friendly (I don't believe you are allowed to use flash though) but not all the buildings allow photos (there will either be signs or security guards will jump on you immediately).
For the parking situation, there is underground parking but since it was the free museum day we visited, the line to get in was just too long. So we ended up parking on the street a few blocks away (free, but make sure to read the signs. Some street parking is free for 2 hours and some do not have time limits).
By the way, the Urban Lights that is so famous for beautiful photos (especially engagement photos) resides here (free to visit), along with the levitated mass (or the levitated rock... which actually doesn't look quite levitated).
LACMA is also located close to LA Brea Tar Pits and there is free wifi available (was a little on the slow side on this visit). -
Hooray! We were able to take advantage of "Free SoCal Museum Day" this past Saturday, where many of the museums in Los Angeles were "free" to all guests. This doesn't include special exhibits though. :) This event only happens once a year, and I recall it happening last year but I wasn't able to participate until this year.
So, we checked out the LACMA in Hollywood for FREE!
Got parking for FREE along the side-streets near the museum (it was 2-hour parking for free along the street). Score!
Exhibits were awesome; we got to see Picasso, Asian art, contemporary art, etc. Nice 3rd floor "rooftop" view of the Hollywood sign in one of the buildings, and even a "Metropolis" exhibit of racing mini-cars. This was my 2nd time at this museum and my husband's first time, and we both enjoyed it very much. :)
We came around 10:30 am, and there was already a line (only 5-10 min long) to get tickets to enter the exhibits. Luckily we came early, because the line got longer by the time we left around 12:30 pm! -
- Frances G.
- Orange County, CA
- 96 friends
- 326 reviews
- Elite ’15
This was my first time at this museum as I don't venture out to L.A. that much (only if someone else is driving...if you don't live in L.A. and drive out there, then you'd probably understand).
It was a gloomy and rainy Saturday afternoon, but hubby and I came here to see the Samurai exhibit before it goes away (ends 2/1/15). We ordered tickets online since this was a timed exhibit (we got the 2:30p tickets). General admission is $15 for adults or $10 for seniors/students with ID. Kids 17 and under are free. To add the special exhibits, it is $25 for adults, seniors, and students with ID.
Although we arrived around 2:45p, the parking lot on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Spaulding Avenue was still full ($12 to park) as were the metered ones on the streets, so we ended up parking off of 8th Street (parallel to Wilshire) between Stanley Avenue and Spaulding...for FREE (we were lucky to find parking there). Woohoo.
When we got to the entrance (Hammer building), there was a line at the ticket booth and only one window open (there are 2 ticket booths, the other one is at the BP Grand Entrance where the Urban Lights are). Even though we just needed to pick up our tickets, we still had to wait in the same line as those buying tickets. So much for it being timed.
The Samurai exhibit was awesome (located in the Resnick Pavilion). I was amazed at the craftsmanship...I can't believe everything was done by hand. There were a few pieces from the Tokugawa clan and a full armor from the Mouri clan. If you know your Japanese history, that's exciting. It was also interesting to see the European/Western influences on their work. I'm always impressed with how people in the past have crafted things to suit their lives and how they evolved over time, so this exhibit was fascinating to see. Not to mention, I have a better understanding and appreciation of my ancestors (who were probably farmers rather than samurai...).
As we headed back, we also checked out the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, the Ahmanson Building, the Art of the Americas Building, and the Pavilion for Japanese Art (if you're here to see the Samurai exhibit, make sure to come here too). All in all, it took us about 3 hours to browse, and we didn't even check out every single gallery. Oh, one note: not all exhibits are photo friendly (e.g., Picasso) so watch out for subtle signs or ask one of the security guards. -
Obligatory lamp post photo? Check.
Obligatory upside-down hanging spaghetti bowl photo? Check.
Obligatory "I'm holding up a super-big-and-heavy-rock" photo? Check.
Once those three items are out of the way (they're all outside and free), take the next step and go inside one of the museum's five massive buildings. As jaded LA insiders, we sometimes forget that LACMA is a world-class destination museum with all kinds of cool stuff inside. The cheapest museum membership for two ($110) is totally worth it -- one year of unlimited entry and tickets to all the fancy, special exhibits that cost extra. Like everywhere in LA, it seems, Patina has the exclusive food service contract ... yuck. With all the good food in this town, eat elsewhere.
The Broad building has the largest elevator I've ever seen -- it's awesome! You must ride in it. It's like riding in a room bigger than your apartment.
The collections always change but it's a nice mix of classic and modern stuff. As my buddy and Yelp guru Richard K has recently pointed out, the outdoor areas are very dog friendly. Added bonus: the museum adjoins the also-free LA Brea Tar Pits, home to many unsuspecting mastodons several hundred years ago (according to the creationists). The black tar still bubbles and fumes -- beware, modern dinos. Final added bonus: the museum store is a hit! -
On this visit we came to LACMA to get in touch w/ my ancient ancestry, my Samurai brothers. This special exhibit, Samurai, Bushido: The Way of the Warrior, displayed the beautifully designed armor of the ancient samurai. The intricate details were most impressive especially when you consider these were made between 1185-1868. You also get a history timeline of the warring clans & when the Portuguese & Spanish arrived. It runs thru Feb. 1, 2015.
I've been visiting LACMA since my design/art school days, a long time ago. It's much better now. I've seen ceramic exhibits, fashion history exhibits, photography, contemporary art & even pop culture, the Tim Burton exhibit. Art in every form but art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Some fine art bores me to tears while some contemporary art has me scratching my head (Robert Rauschenberg & Pierre Huyghe). In between you find what grabs your attention & moves you. Visit LACMA & find what you like. -
- Stephanie P.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 400 friends
- 307 reviews
- Elite ’15
HAPPY CHRISTMAS G!!!
BACKGROUND:
LACMA has its roots in the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art, established in 1910 in Exposition Park. In 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was established as a separate, art-focused institution. In 1965, the fledgling institution opened to the public in its new Wilshire Boulevard location, with the permanent collection in the Ahmanson Building, special exhibitions in the Hammer Building, and the 600-seat Bing Theater for public programs.
STATS:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11 am-5 pm
Friday: 11 am-8 pm
Saturday, Sunday: 10 am-7 pm
Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
$15 | Adults
$10 | Seniors (62+) & Students with valid ID
Free | Children (17 and under)
Free | Members
Fee includes admission to LACMA's collection galleries and temporary exhibitions. There is an extra charge for specially ticketed exhibitions.
LACMA offers free general admission:
Daily to all members
Daily to children 17 and under, plus one accompanying adult, through NexGen membership
After 3 pm Mondays-Fridays for L.A. County residents
On the second Tuesday of each month
Parking:
Petersen Museum (access on Orange Grove Ave south of Wilshire Blvd)
Museum Square (access on Curson Ave north of Wilshire Blvd)
Page Museum (access on Curson Ave north of Wilshire Blvd)
Metered parking on 6th Street and Wilshire Blvd. Make sure to read all signs for parking restrictions before leaving your vehicle
Amenities:
Restaurant, cafe, and bar
Stores
Boone Children's Gallery: Free art making everyday for all ages
Programs for children
Information and Education:
Special Needs:
Wheelchairs
Assisted listening devices
EXPERIENCE:
For some reason I developed an itch to visit museums and since I've wanted to visit the lamp posts at LACMA and the Berlin Wall Project, I figured I might as well check out as much of LACMA as I could.
Parking was such a challenge, not familiar with the area, not a resident, and not willing to pay for parking, my options were limited. Driving around several blocks, I found a spot about a block and a half away from the museum that allowed two hours' worth of parking. Since I was visiting the museum on the second Tuesday of the month, admission was free, so I was ok with the limited time. If I need to come back, it's no big deal, except for the parking. I checked in at the ticket booth, was given a map, and a sticker that granted me access to several exhibits.
My first stop was the Samurai exhibit. The hall which houses the Samurai displays is large and occupies several floors. Arms and armor, swords, spears, and even matchlock guns, were spread out on the walls, in cases, and on floor.
From there I stopped off at the cafe. It's a small cafeteria style space with tables and chairs where you grab a tray and walk through an assembly line of hot and cold food options, including beverages, and pay at the register.
Strolling over to the Ahmanson Building, I couldn't help to notice kids playing in what looked like spaghetti hanging from the sky. How cool is that, for the kids. Anyway, the Ahmanson Permanent exhibits offers displays of Art of the Pacific, European Art, German Expressionism, Assyrian Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Art, Islamic Art, Modern Art, South and Southeast Asian Art. Temporary exhibits include; Written Image, Art Deco textiles, Hassan Jajjaj: My Rock Experimental, vol 1, 2012, Morton Barlett, Close up and Personal: 18 Century Gold Boxes.
So much to see, especially for those who are into the type of art LACMA offers. I'm not this type of museum buff, however, I did find some of their exhibits interesting and glad I visited and my itch was temporarily satisfied. -
I came here during college night and free museum night so definitely it was packed and very lively. Though it was crowded I enjoyed the excitement and animation of people taking pictures posing with the art.
Parking: There is an underground parking structure which can house a lot of cars but during free events in can get pretty packed.
Art: The art was is pretty monumental from the Urban Lights, the rock above the tunnel and all the abstract art.
Overall: I enjoyed the art and ambiance. The price is about right and the location is proximal to other LA pleasures. Definitely a tourist attraction but I'd say it's worth it. The extra plus are the food trucks across the street for those craving some LA eats. To see and experience this art at a cheap price can't be compared
Tips:
* For those seeking the rock and Urban Lights, they are located outside and are basically free.
* Part of the Berlin Wall is right across from the Museum as well
* Tar Pit museum is next door as well. -
- Mieshia N.
- Bakersfield, CA
- 2 friends
- 15 reviews
Beautiful grounds. Huge museum. The ticket line moved quickly, don't be intimidated if it looks long. My three year old loved it! If you have children, know that there are tons of things they "can not touch." Be prepared to say "no." Many of the rooms are spacious, so moving about is easy with a stroller. I would like to come back during the week.
You can lunch on grounds. Le Brea tart pits is next door:) -
Definitely a must see museum if you're an art buff. And even if you're not, it's not hard to come and see all the pieces of art and exhibits that they have from various time periods, and still appreciate them. General admission for adults when we went was $15.
LACMA is located on Museum Row, on Wilshire Blvd, right next to La Brea Tar Pits, and is the largest art museum in the western US. There is so much to see here, that one full day would probably not be enough to see everything. From all different times, you will find modern and contemporary art, American and Latin American Art, Asian art, Greek and Roman art, and various permanent installations.
Outside, there are three free popular exhibits that you can see. One is the Urban Light by Chris Burden, a very popular photo op location, consisting of restored street lamps from the 20s and 30s. The second one is the Levitated Mass by Michael Heizer, which is a 340 ton granite megalith placed above a slotted walkway, also a photo op where people can pretend they are lifting the rock. The third is Jesús Rafael Soto's Penetrable, hundreds of spaghetti looking yellow plastic hoses hanging from an iron structure.
Overall, a day well spent at a beautiful museum! -
What the... barely a blip on here about how the exterior grounds are dog friendly!! I confirmed with the Levitated Mass guard that dogs were allowed. Same two legged rules apply to four legged - no walking / sitting / climbing on the walkway edge.
Currently they have the grass marked with "keep off" signs. So best take your fur buddies over to the adjacent Hancock Park La Brea to get it out of all their systems. Then head back here so the fur celebrities get swamped with randos wanting to pet and take pictures. -
If you have kids, you should definitely get the NexGen membership which is absolutely FREE. Because with each kid NexGen membership, it comes with a FREE adult admission. So if you are like me, have 3 kids, this is a HUGE plus. Well, the downside of NexGen is that kids have limited patience. So make sure one of the adults you are taking is a baby sitter.
Oh boy, every time I went I wished I could stay there longer. There are so many things to look at and so many interesting new exhibits. One day, I would love to get the Curator's Circle Membership which provides curator-led tours.
Parking is awful in their underground lot. There's very limited amount of space available and is expensive. I highly recommend street parking across the street.
On weekends, there's a long lines of food truck across the street, makes it even better to visit.
Have fun! -
- Trang L.
- Garden Grove, CA
- 79 friends
- 80 reviews
There's so much diversity in art here that it's nearly impossible to give this place any rating that isn't a five. I am spoiled to be able to live near here! I have the opportunity to see all kinds of art for a small price for $10 as a student.
I came here during the free museum week, which was a pretty crazy experience. Parking was crazy.. the LA traffic was something I will never forget. Nevertheless, onto the review of the museum.
There's multiple buildings separated to different time periods of art - around 5 buildings. There's a good 3 floors in each building, which helps you see that there's a TON of art at LACMA. From Korean art, Japanese art, Cubism, contemporary, and different exhibitions, there is at least one type of art for everyone here.
There is a lot of room for picnics outside at LACMA, which I would recommend to anyone to try doing. The atmosphere is very friendly, and the staff is helpful. Everyone was having a good time here. If you're looking to see something new, come to LACMA. You will see at least one piece of art that will resonate with you. -
- Cassandra Y.
- Temple City, CA
- 1994 friends
- 672 reviews
- Elite ’15
Admission is FREE for LA County residents.... Monday to Friday, after 3pm. Friday will be the best day to visit because museum closes at 8pm, other days are closed at 5pm.
With the museum admission ticket, you can visit 4 buildings. There are two more buildings are special exhibit.... with additional fees!
One of the landmark in LA. If you like museum, a definitely must see museum!!
Parking: $12 or FREE after 7pm -
- Krystle G.
- Laguna Hills, CA
- 292 friends
- 377 reviews
- Elite ’15
I have been here once before, but this time I really took my time an enjoyed the whole Museum. This museum is huge! So many buildings, exhibits and modern art to see.
Lots of people, little food restaurants and just so many things to see. You will be here for hours. Then when you go out of the property, you can walk through the La Brea Tarpits and the Park. -
The LACMA is such an awesome museum and it has a unique atmosphere. I loved that they had multiple buildings split out with different styles of art in each. It was a bit smaller than I expected as I assumed each gallery would take hours to walk through. I was upset I didn't have time to stay and see the James Turrell exhibit as I'm a huge fan... The Urban Light installation out front is fun for pictures! I really enjoyed the LACMA and hope to visit again soon!
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- Rossi H.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 794 friends
- 350 reviews
I wish you were with me today.
It was a lovely day.
There are so many things I want to share with you.
That I want to experience with you.
From the abstract renderings that we could look at without even touching, but feel each other, through a connection.
And from the profound beautiful modern art, that our hands, our fingers, would be forced to interact, to dance, to mingle in intimacy, warmth, and joyousness. We would touch and the electricity would magnify the beauty before us.
To the subtle but drawing photos...
Your cheek would find my chest and my arm would sallow your body forthe...
And you'd hear my heart race a faster beat,
because you were so close.
We could lay on the lawns surrounding LACMA.
Enjoy the depravation of Pierre Huyghe works, and it would be as if no one else was around but you with me.
I can only dream to experience and explore the beauty that beholds in front of me, at LACMA, with you.
A beauty all its own.
I wish you were with me
today. -
- Michelle T.
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 384 friends
- 359 reviews
I've been here a couple of times. Once for the jazz night on the lawn and the other time I actually visited the exhibits. Great place to spend time in LA. Exhibits are eclectic and there a few hands on things. Of course the urban light display is very iconic. I hope one day I get a romantic moment in there lol. Really awesome Cafe on premise too.
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I've been wanting to visit LACMA to view the Levitated Mass and Urban Light exhibits for some time. When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they offer free admission for children under 17, and their accompanying adult, when you sign them up for a membership to NexGEN located in the LACMA store.
I mainly toured the 3 floors of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum and I only scratched the surface of all there is to see and do. There are a number of places to eat, other buildings filled with different exhibits, outdoor movies; the place was just teeming with all different kinds of interesting activities.
There were a number of really engaging, thought-provoking, and flat-out-fun exhibits on display. My kids' favorites were the sculpture made of 1,100 Hot Wheels, called Metropolis II, and the Penetrable in Neon Lime art installation, which looks like a bunch of long yellow plastic spaghetti suspended in the air. It's located in the plaza adjacent to the Ahmanson building.
I really enjoyed viewing the proposed D.C. National Mall Indian Monument by Sam Durant. It's a reproduction of 30 different Indian monuments scattered throughout the US commemorating Indians who were killed during past conflicts. On the third floor of the Broad there was also a strangely engaging, 4 television art piece, that featured looped clips of various activities such as crushing food products on a kitchen floor and sloshing in muddy hole while wearing knee-high boots. I assume that it's meant to visually provoke distinct and familiar physical sensations.
It was a great day and a wonderful way for my kids to experience art and culture in a fun and interactive setting. I look forward to a return trip to see the rest that they have to offer. -
- Patrick A.
- San Francisco, CA
- 117 friends
- 50 reviews
Lots of space. The LACMA is enormous. We could've easily spent the entire day here.
I'm a big fan of contemporary and abstract art. I liked the giant ramen noodles you can walk through. I hope they sanitize those fuckers; spray em with a little Purell every couple weeks.
The repeating lampposts in the main quad felt very mathematical.
The buildings were enormous. Particularly the contemporary wing. Ride the elevators; their size alone makes them a memorable experience. It's an entire room moving between floors.
I walked under the giant boulder out front. Don't walk in the concrete edges of the pathway leading underneath the Boulder; it's still technically part of the art piece and someone will yell at you. I see they chiseled out some part of giant rock so it most securely rests in place; made me feel safer I guess.
The Terrell installation reminds me of when Bowman in 2001 A Space Odyssey finishes traveling through the wormhole. You have to schedule a specific time of day to see it, it costs about $10 extra. The room has an occupancy of 8, and you have to take your shoes off. No pictures. But dang, it's very trippy. The lack of defined lines within the room makes it difficult to maintain your bearings.
There's a ton of ground to cover and very little mental capacity to take it all in. I'd recommend splitting a visit up between a couple of days. I would think even if you spent eight hours there you still wouldn't be able to fully take it all in; it's a bit overwhelming. There's a ton of cool art here. -
I don't need to go into detail about the exhibits in and outside of LACMA because the other 1,000 reviews already did so and did so well. I think you go to a museum for many different reasons and the type of museum you go to doesn't matter as long as you are stimulated by it. LACMA has the contemporary art and design that I look for mixed in abstract art and non-contemporary art. It's a good balanced mix in my opinion. La Brea tar pits are open to the public as well as landscape to bring your pets. Family friendly. Whatever the reason for your interest, the best part of it all - there's no right or wrong. There's no judgement of opinion. That, in and of itself, is art.
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Admission Discounted price for students: $10. Regular price is $15. For special exhibits, the price goes up. We just stayed at the main exhibits, which was still a good amount to go through.
The oh so famous lamp posts piece is free to view and take photos in front of. There are SO many people who just take pictures here and leave. It's a very pretty installation. There's also another piece by the artist (Chris Burden) inside called Metropolis II that is amazing. He basically built an entire miniature city with tons of hot wheel cars. The piece just brings you back to your childhood.
The exhibits for the most part are fairly interesting. I'm not a big fan of art, but I can appreciate most of the works that I see.
For $10, it's a good place to spend a few hours at. -
Great place, well organized and user friendly.
We took our seven year old grandson to see the Samurai exhibition. He loved it, as did we. Plenty of space to wander and view from many directions, with excellent writeups for the different pieces.
Parking was easy, directly across the street. Lunch in the museum was adequate, and also well organized. -
- Maureen W.
- South Pasadena, CA
- 491 friends
- 712 reviews
- Elite ’15
Hey, have you heard about NexGen membership? If you have a kid, they get a free membership to the museum until they turn 18. How's that for cool? We came and got the two rug rats memberships. They get in free and one adult gets in free too.
They have an art studio for the kids to draw or waterpaint for awhile. The kids love the rock and the sculpture. It is really a nice diversion on a Sunday afternoon.
I have always loved LACMA, but now, there is even more reason to come visit and get my kids really into art and culture. Bravo! -
- Myles R.
- Burbank, CA
- 77 friends
- 109 reviews
What can I say? I am a member. I have two friends that are also members, one is an artist who makes things even more fun. (thank you Miss Krasova)
I come here at least two or three times a month. I attend many of the tours. I attend many of the movies. I have posted countless photos in Instagram and Facebook during my visits.
Need something great to do on a Friday night? Catch the live music about six and then stay for the movies that start about 7:30pm. Great educational and classy evening. I can not count how may times where a friend and I have spent an entire Friday here, from opening to closing. We attend the tours, have lunch, walk around the always changing exhibits and return to see so many items in the permanent collection, have dinner, listen to the music of the evening and catch one or more of the two films. OK ... I admit it ... sometimes we take a break in the early afternoon and walk to Canter's Deli and split a pastrami sandwich.
Food? During the day there are tons of food trucks across the street but a little tip for burger lovers, they do one heck of a good burger in the LACMA cafe. They also have a great bar (Stark's Bar) and the upscale Ray's restaurant is outstanding. The food is put on your table by the Patina Group and they know a thing or two about food to say the least. -
- Caroline V.
- Cypress, CA
- 131 friends
- 48 reviews
Number of visits: outside...about 5. In the actual museum....1
Would I come back: Yes
I've only learned about this place in the past year. I've visited the outside where the lights are because I've seen people post their pictures on Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites posing between the light poles. It's a great photo op location for tourists, locals and picture happy folks. Recently, I was able to visit the actual museum and see inside. It's great. We spent a several hours looking at paintings, statues, sculptures, exhibits, etc. The employees are helpful and friendly. There are some paintings, exhibits, etc that aren't allowed to be photographed. Overall, it's a great experience. -
- Derek D.
- Altadena, CA
- 257 friends
- 111 reviews
Perfect day to visit the museum. I love the exhibits in the Broad contemporary Art Museum...
Level 1 metropolis ll by Chris Burden
Level 2 Larry Sultan: Here and Home
Level 3 Archibald Motley: Jazz Age Modernist
Were my favorites.... But everything is amazing! A must see! -
- Deja L.
- San Diego, CA
- 4 friends
- 36 reviews
Came here 1/15/15, and it was my first visit.
They have a variety of interesting and beautiful exhibitions.
Parking was fairly easy, and was only $12 for the whole day (i believe after 7pm is free. Theres a sign infront of their parking area explaining everything).
Wear comfy shoes because you will be walking A LOTTT. Each exhibition has multiple rooms, making it kinda like a maze, so if you have children, hold their hand, or else you WILL lose them.
The one thing I wanted to talk about was the staff...
When we bought our tickets, we bought the general passes (psst, students get a discount!). Our cashier just told us we couldn't go to the special ones, and to enjoy the museum. I had to ask her for a list of exhibitions, since I noticed the cashier next to her gave out the tickets, stickers, a brochure, and a list. Our cashier was nice though haha..
When you start walking around, PUT YOUR STICKER ON YOU SOMEWHERE. Our cashier didn't tell us anything about the stickers! :(
When we walked into the first exhibition (has this huge black geometric structure), a short black lady was like "Did you buy tickets?" I said yes. She said "LET ME SEE THEM!" in a demanding "are you fucking lying" tone. I showed her my tickets. She calmed down, and she told us we're supposed to be wearing the stickers. Ok. Got it. I know there must be people trying to sneak into exhibitions, but calm down.
We went to the Chinese exhibition where an older Asian man was leaning on the door. We walk towards it, and you would think that since he works there, and hes leaning on the door, that he would open it - but he didn't. Instead he just sat up and stared at us..
We go into an exhibition with this huge wooden thing thats as big as the room. As we were leaving, a girl came in and touched the wood, and a female security guard yelled "NO TOUCHING!!!".
We went back to the first exhibition (the one with the huge black geometrical structure) to use the restroom. As we were leaving, I saw another girl touch it, not lean on it, touch it. An older guard walked up to her and yelled "DON'T TOUCH THAT! DON'T YOU KNOW YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE TOUCHING THAT?!".
We go back out to the urban light display and we wanted to take pictures. We decided to ask the security guard. He was about 5'8, maybe about 200-230lbs, and looked like the actor Michael Chiklis (Strong man form American Horror Story: Freak Show). When we asked him, his face scrunched up and he said "HOW, HOW, HOW, HOW ABOUT YOU GO ASK SOMEONE ELSE!!!" and shooed us away with his hand. He could've said "No", "Sorry, I cant", or even "No, my job doesn't permit me to". It completely killed my mood.
When we wear leaving, the museum was about to close. we walked past a group of security guards and I don't know why, but the female guards looked at me up and down the way Pam from "Martin"/Mom from "Everybody Hates Chris) (Actress Tichina Arnold) would look at someone. So much attitude.
I only ran into 3 ok/nice guards. The first one was where the Picasso art work is displayed. When someone took a picture, he went up to them and said "Ma'am/Sir, we don't allow photos here". The second one was just opening doors for people and smiling, or even making small talk. The third one was a younger guard. I don't remember exactly what he said, but he said something about free admission every 1st or 2nd Tuesday of the month or something for LA county residents. Idk. All I remember is that he was nice.
I understand that it is the guards' job to make sure no one tampers with the art work, however a majority of their staff acts like they were guards at a maximum security facility. I know it can be stressful or send someone into a state of paranoia to protect priceless art, but you do not need to bite everyone's heads off.
Main tips:
- Wear your sticker, and ask for a list of exhibitions when you buy your tickets.
- If you have a child, hold their hand.
- Don't make eye contact with the guards/staff because they apparently all hate you.
- Don't take photos of paintings even without flash, Don't touch anything.
- Compare everyone to famous actors to distract yourself from getting angry.
I would've given the museum 4 stars, but due to all the yelling I experienced and saw, I don't think I will be returning, and I will have to give it 3 stars. -
A solid museum with needlessly hornery guards.
I visited LACMA right after seeing the superior Hollywood Costume Exhibit in the adjacent building.
LACMA's website said they'd be closing at 3 that day for a celebrity shindig, so around noon, I tried walking into one of the buildings. An ancient creature stirred from his roost.
"We closed."
"I thought you closed at 3?"
"Nope. We closed."
Hm.
So I walked into another LACMA building and guess what - they open.
I enjoyed walking around and scoping the artwork, especially a painting from Robert Motherwell and one from Picasso's blue period.
On the way out, I took a detour through the giant trench of Levitated Mass. While I was in there, a guard ran down to shoo me away because it was 2:55. Look, lady. I'm already outside. I'm a stone's throw from the exit. Can I just take my picture and mosey out? No? I need to sprint for the exit? Cool. Way to be a dick.
I'd like to go back when I wouldn't get so much static from the guards. -
- O. Francesco A.
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 3 friends
- 26 reviews
Exceeded my expectations. Never seen that many Picasso in any Museum including Metropolitan.
There are couple other aspects that I think LACMA offers. Location is very convenient if you visiting LA, good choices of food options (especially if you those food trucks right a cross the museum), and the coffee houses.
Either you are visiting or living in LA, make sure you give it a half day for LACMA!
Follow on my Instagram account: oakyuz77 for more reviews and pictures. (Eat Pray Love..) -
- Nicole W.
- Monterey Park, CA
- 193 friends
- 103 reviews
Came here a lot of times for the urban light but i have never went inside to the museum. I think this is a really romantic place for couple and even for friends. The lights are so pretty for picture taking in the morning and at night. I came here because of the movie 50 days of summer and i love Joseph Gordon!
I prefer to come at night time because the picture always turn out to be great but it always get crowded at night. Noted you cannot step on the lights otherwise the security will stop you. Recently the urban lights are closed for events or for some activity but I am not sure if its open for public now. Me and BF always come after 7pm because of the free parking in museum garage. -
- Ruicy K.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 0 friends
- 7 reviews
We went there on Sat. on the Museums Free for All Day. It was awesome! Even thougn it was free, you were still requried to wait in a line for the ticket.
We arrived there at half pass three. It was four when we got the tickets. We firstly visited the display about Germany movie. I learned a lot from the introduction and the pictures, like the history and the movie skills and the director giant. However, it was long time ago that some movies shown was under low quality and I was confused about the content and the theme of that kind of movie. But so many people in the museum.
Then we went to the gallery of Korean Culture. However, in that building, half is Korean display, half is Chinese one. Excited to see the Chinese history and product. And you may find that there is a relationship between Korean culture and Chinese culture that something is similar.
Meanwhile, I love the store. You can buy some postcards and books about art there. I bought French Oil Sketches, and it costed only 10!
Janpanese Art is amazing. My favorite part. I strongly recommend you to visit the museum and you must enjoy the world of art. -
- Bianca J.
- Clawson, MI
- 0 friends
- 12 reviews
I want to give this place 5 stars but I can't. The two things that is making me give a 3 star rating is 1. You can't take photos in almost half of the exhibits (which I'm disappointed that I couldn't take some in the German art area) and 2. Overall the art was nice but they didn't have much that made me think "Wow, I would recommend this art museum". The free things are the best like the light posts outside and the tar pits. Also try and find street parking because it's $12 to park before 7pm in the Peking garage.
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- Natasha D.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 295 friends
- 243 reviews
- Elite ’15
How could you not love LACMA?! It's an L.A. icon. Even driving past the Urban Lights display out front is enough to give me warm and fuzzy vibes.
I have fond memories of overriding my culturally barren Valley girl teenage years to make an occasional trip out here. I always loved it. As of now, I don't come here often (ain't adulthood a time suck?), but I still do adore this wonderful art museum. The art inside of it is incredible - a great mix of modern and classic, and they have some amazing cultural exhibits (including one devoted to the Persian New Year!). I took advantage of their student discount (10$) and the location is very central (and just a quick walk from the La Brea Tar Pits and other landmarks). Parking is hit or miss - I've managed to find meters on the days I wanted a quick browse, but it's pretty expensive otherwise (but hey, that's to be expected in the city of angels).
If you're at all into art, you will love this museum. Cross my heart! -
General adult $15
Student with ID $10
Parking $10
The LACMA was on my list of go-to places for awhile. Glad I finally got to visit.
The place is huge! You can spend an entire day here if you wanted. Time goes by so fast.
There's an easy to find parking lot directly across the street for $10 flat rate. As other reviews stated, there may be meter parking but I always avoid that useless endeavor.
Pick a building and start sucking in all that art essence. There's something here for everyone no matter what your taste in art is. They have it all. Paintings, creepy sculptures, ancient artifacts, modern furniture, and crap...ehhhm..excuse me...artwork that just makes you say "What the hell is that!" True, not everything was my cup tea but ,nonetheless, I was fascinated and wanted to see more.
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Ahh, a section of Picasso paintings. Now there we go! Security guard tells me no pictures allowed before I get a chance to point and shoot!??! That just makes me...
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That aint gonna happen. Here you go fellow Yelpers. A couple quick pix of Picasso's Weeping Woman with Handkerchief and Young Woman in Striped Dress.
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Being a pool player, I found something I could relate to. Giant pool balls.
The colors are not accurate but I still was able to appreciate it.
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I was parched after a few hours so we headed to The Stark Bar. Had some fried oysters and drinks outside. Great place to sit and relax.
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Other outdoor things to see are the Levitated Mass, sculpture garden and definitely Urban Light.
The street lamps are amazing and fun to be in.
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Outside the Ahmanson building is the Golden Showers exhibit. Very popular.
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The La Brea Tar Pits are a short walk next door as well. We met a little dude on the way there. yelp.com/user_local_phot…
Fun day, lot and lots to see, glad I had the experience. -
Went back in March, same year of this review. It was the Diane Von Furstenberg Journey of a Dress at the LACMA West - old Wilshire May Company Building. Exhibit ends May 1st, 2014. (check out dvf.com/wrap40 for more details)
It's a nice little exhibition of the history of Diane's fashion & history of. One of her designs is worn by Amy Adams in American Hustle. And also see photos of fashion from the discotheque Studio 54 (oh my God, they use to be called discotheques!!!) It's not a very large exhibit, but take advantage of it nonetheless. You can also venture through the other musuems (if your a member, yay! If not, pay or just walk around) Can also go outside to the Tar pits and check out the surrounding park and sculptures it offers. There are also food trucks parked on Wilshire across the street that offer variety, one of them being gelato! Thank God! It was a hot day and I had coconut & mango (I mixed) and it was such a cool treat!!
Parking is though out Wilshire, I think the one next to Johnnie Rockets was $10 and it's not that far.
Make it a family affair or spend w/your lovey, make it a day of observation, exploring and reflecting; And oh yes perfect photo opps!! -
- Aqua Kiss S.
- New Washoe City, NV
- 13 friends
- 120 reviews
I had a fantastic day here. I just love this museum. Tons of cool, artistic stuff to see. There was Samurai exhibit with lots of Samurai stuff which is so cool to get to know the history. And German movies.
You can see outside of La brea tar pits too from outside of LACMA museum. They've nice park outside.
Too bad i couldn't find any merchandise store with t-shirt or little things for me to buy as a collection, most are just books.
Next time i'll visit LACMA again for sure. Ticket for exhibit $25 and parking $12 -
- Sebastian H.
- West Hollywood, CA
- 0 friends
- 22 reviews
It's sad many tourists don't know about this place and waste their time on hollywood blvd! Tell your friends visiting LA.
This museum is a good size enough not to hear 'honey I am tired or hungry' until you finish. I say 2 hours at the max.
The little cafeteria on front is filled with cool modern furnitures. You can just hangout there without entering the museum as well. -
- Aleece T.
- Los Angeles, CA
- 50 friends
- 56 reviews
I don't see how one could find things wrong with LACMA but I do stand bias because it holds a special place in my heart. I've only been once and with a "date" I would prefer to never see again but I still enjoyed the experience. It felt great to see works of Matisse, Picasso, and even a more modern artist, Warhol. There seemed to be a lot of cafes and food options (there are fancy food trucks outside on the street) but unfortunately I wasn't able to stop this time around. I will be going back when I can and hopefully I can also enjoy the many food options as well.
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