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Recommended Reviews

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  • 2.0 star rating
    9/23/2014

    The exhibits are top notch. I won't be renewing my membership though because of the terrible customer service.  The guards are very nice  but every interaction I have had with the ticket sales representatives has been rude and confusing. They  are unclear about their policies and prices and impatient about explaining them.  One ticket seller working at the membership desk a few Saturdays ago was  so bad to be called aggressive.  This is not a nonprofit. They should improve their customer relations.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/19/2013

    I love this museum. Especially the free jazz nights. Their collection of Japanese and Latin American art is quite extensive, especially love the Frida Kahlo pieces; although they have far more Diego stuff (boo!). :)

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/21/2012

    Came here like 5 times already, and there's still always something new to discover here. The Urban Lights is an iconic tourist attraction (as well as for locals!). However, there are hidden gems within the exhibits. For one, there is a James Bond exhibit commemorating the 22 years of 007 film (located in the Art of the Americas building, level 2). I believe it was displayed from June 9 - Sept 9.

    Probably one of the best new exhibit is the Metropolis II. "Chris Burden's Metropolis II is an intense kinetic sculpture, modeled after a fast paced, frenetic modern city. Steel beams form an eclectic grid interwoven with an elaborate system of 18 roadways, including one 6 lane freeway, and HO scale train tracks. Miniature cars speed through the city at 240 scale miles per hour; every hour, the equivalent of approximately 100,000 cars circulate through the dense network of buildings. According to Burden, "The noise, the continuous flow of the trains, and the speeding toy cars, produces in the viewer the stress of living in a dynamic, active and bustling 21st Century city.""

    See Metropolis II in action (no reservation required):
    Fri: 11:30-12:30 pm; 1:30-2:30 pm; 3:30-4:30 pm; 5:30-6:30 pm
    S/Su: 10:30 am-11:30 am; 12:30-1:30 pm; 2:30-3:30 pm; 4:30-5:30 pm

    (source: lacma.org/art/exhibition…)

    Lastly, love, love LACMA Jazz nights Friday from 6-8PM hosted by KJazz. Check it out! Great music, diverse group of people (international tourists, jazz enthusiasts, music lovers, etc), picnics, food, etc!

    Tip:
    LA residents can receive FREE admission to the exhibits due to the "inconvenience" that the transfer of the new exhibit, "Levitating Mass" may have caused to LA residents. Just bring a student photo ID or proof of residence & you're in!

    Con: Structure Parking is $10 before 7PM.
    Pro: Structure Parking is FREE after 7PM.

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/7/2013
    1 check-in

    FREE?! Wow, what a great opportunity to admire great art. Saw some classic art pieces from Warhol to Picasso. And various other talented artists. Its a great place to bring family, friends, date, anyone! Its for all ages. They don't let you take pictures inside the venue. Which is understandable because sometimes some flash photography will damage some of the pieces. But I guess they just completely restricted photography in general for whatever purpose. The famous lights outside, where everybody and their mama is always trying to take pictures is also a great addition to my visit. Love that, things like this are still offered in this type of economy. Definitely a cool place to visit. =]

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/27/2014
    1 check-in

    What a lovely space. Even if you aren't interested in paying the money to go inside, at least walk around. The architecture is beautiful, and the outside pieces are super interactive and fun to be around. I went to the DVF exhibit and it was awesome. The guides and workers are very knowledgeable and really great. I would love to go here again sometime.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/27/2012

    Been here more times than I can count in my life but never reviewed til now.

    LACMA seems to be a little different every time I go back.. this time the great new bar, restaurant and seating area caught my eye. Love that they have this to stop and have a drink -- which we did and have to say the drinks were amazing!  I think it provides for a perfect break between the two sides of the museum.

    I've alwasy thought it was a bit of a strange layout to go in and then up to the other buildings and then cross way over to the modern section.  Evenso, this is still one fo the best museums in LA. You can spend a whole afternoon here and still not see everything.

    Alas, on this recent visit, the rock (a.k.a. levitated mass) was a bit of a disappointment but there were other things that enthralled me like the Metroplis II exhibit... soo incredibly cool! :-)

    This place is ALWAYS worth a visit. :-)

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/5/2013

    Amazing display of fine arts from all decades, my favorite being the modern contemporary wing.  Abundant parking, even for Los Angeles standards.  Love the rotating and seasonal exhibits.  Plenty of free guided tours throughout the day, and definitely enough exhibits to kill a few hours.  Great for a date, and won't break the bank.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/4/2011
    2 check-ins

    I went to LACMA specifically to see two exhibits--the Tim Burton one and Edward Kienholz's "5 Car Stud," and artwork that has not been displayed in the United States for nearly 40 years.  No photos were allowed but here's a link to the Times' story about the exhibition.

    articles.latimes.com/201…

    THe piece is amazing.  It's a huge area with several tons of dirt, the five cars, and the figures of the men.  It's truly overwhelming.

    The rest of LACMA is simply a gem.  I walked the sculpture court and took photos and I had a great visit.

    I will be back when I can spend some more time.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/25/2012 Updated review
    1 check-in

    Sunday left me torn "Levitated Mass". Do I go to your free, ribbon cutting, dedication only to share you with the throngs, the paparazzi, or do I wait so that we can be together as we've been since you arrived? You, solitary, positioned on the slot and me on the outside looking in...
    I chose to let the masses experience you without me. Now, a day later, it's just you, a few others and me, this time, on the inside, walking under you yelp.com/biz_photos/1XUz…, photographing you, some because it's the thing to do, some, like me, simply in awe, or both.  
    "Levitated Mass" you're LACMA's next, most sought after photo-op and free to visit from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. More importantly, thanks to your creator, Michael Heizer doublenegative.tarasen.n…, your unique position (pun intended) can draw so many more people to you, to all of LACMA's art/activities and in times like these, everyone can do with some of that!  
    Do check out LA's newest rock star, as well as, Michael Heizer's exhibit "Actual Size", 12+ photographs showcasing his other works.
    yelp.com/biz_photos/1XUz…

    5.0 star rating
    5/28/2012 Previous review
    Hark! Save the date! June 24, 2012 lacma.org/art/exhibition… that construction fence, à la Pyramus… Read more
    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2012 Previous review
    Gantry's gone!  My eyes weren't playing tricks on me during yesterday's drive by. Shrink-wrap's gone… Read more
    5.0 star rating
    4/5/2012 Previous review
    LACMA's ROCK
    Progress. yelp.com/biz_photos/1XUz…
    Process. yelp.com/biz_photos/1XUz…
    Prelude to…
    Read more
    5.0 star rating
    3/14/2012 Previous review
    "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"
    "Oh, I just wanted to shoot the "the rock". I waved my camera and smiled like…
    Read more
    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2012 Previous review
    Art for the 99%, for the 1%, for all!  Target's Free Holiday Monday lacma.org/event/target-f… made… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    2/23/2013

    I love this museum plus it is a must do with kids.  All children can get free membership to the museum until they are 18. The membership gets them in for free as well as one adult companion for free.  Miss Mila and I go here often.   In the Hammer Building  you can get to the Boone Children's Gallery where you are able to paint pictures with water colors.   They also have story time every Monday and Friday at 2pm.  I've only been to the story time once and their were only 3 kids at it.  I wasn't very impressed with the story teller either, but it could have been an off day.  

    The Metropolis exhibit is a must see with the kids too.  They will love seeing the cars go around and around.  It is basically 1100 cars going around a mock up of a busy city.  Just beware it only runs on the weekends.  Last time I had the mistake of going on a Thursday and realized they weren't running it.

    Fridays
    11:30-12:30 pm; 1:30-2:30 pm; 3:30-4:30 pm; 5:30-6:30 pm
    Saturdays & Sundays
    10:30 am-11:30 am; 12:30-1:30 pm; 2:30-3:30 pm; 4:30-5:30 pm

    You can find free parking in the neighborhoods.  right across the street from the LACMA.  I've never paid for parking.  

    I always walk through the BACMA because that is my favorite type of art.  

    f you go during lunch they have a bunch of food trucks parked outside which are fun to eat at.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/25/2013

    Recently visited LACMA for the first time in umpteen years, and had a blast. What a fantastic place!  We enjoyed the Matisse exhibit - and my daughter and I spent a great deal of time looking at modern art, while my (artist) husband went upstairs to look at the classical pieces. We all loved looking at the South Asian section.

    There are tons of things to see. More than I remembered. Plan on spending the day - and even then, you might not get around to everything (well, at least not if you have kids - I'm thinking that, had I been solo, I'd have covered much more ground).

    One thing that I noticed here is that the guards are very pleasant and personable.  It was kind of a nice departure from the usual Barney Fife-esque rent-a-cops. A smile and pleasant attitude goes a long way :)

    My sensory-seeking nearly-7-year old really loves what she calls "the spaghetti" outside.  Tons of fun for the kids, and adults seemed to appreciate  it for the photo ops.

    Before wrapping things up, we checked out the Rodins outside - however, unfortunately, petered out before looking at the rest of the sculpture gardens, the big rock, or those highly photogenic street lights. We also have two more whole buildings that we didn't get to visit this time.  Great excuse to return very soon!

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/2/2012

    I finally had the chance to see LACMA (and to take the infamous lamppost picture like all the cool kids)! I came with a friend and to our surprise, admission was free that day!

    LACMA is a fairly big museum with collections and exhibitions in several buildings. They feature all types of art, from Japanese art to Egyptian art and modern American art. They currently have a James Bond exhibition as well as The Legacy of Quetzalcoatl in Ancient Mexico exhibit.

    They offer a few places to eat, and across the street were a ton of food trucks. I don't know if they're always there, but check to see if they are!

    Friendly, professional staff. A great place to spend a day learning about various art and cultures!

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/22/2013

    I grew up coming here as a Kid and I took my Son here and still have blast coming.

    When you come in the entrance you all these choices to start from and spend hours walking around having a good time remembering from when I was younger. The exhibits are amazing.

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/2/2014
    1 check-in

    I like it. I am a contributing "Friend" member here. LACMA has a great collection of its own, and is proactive in borrowing great art collections for exhibition. Parking is $10 but, if you are a contributing member (i.e., any level above basic membership), you can buy an annual parking pass (around $65 at the time of this post). Also, for contributing members, they have reciprocity with several respected museums across the country (e.g., The Met in NYC, and The Art Institute in Chicago).

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/6/2012
    2 check-ins

    i'm a huge fan of this place.  how can you not like art!  

    i came on labor day, when it was free to the mass public.  when something is typically free in LA, you know its going to attract a horde of people.  and it was true for this event.  
    I was late to the museum, and asked my friends where they were.  they told me that they were near the cafe by the noodles.  at first i told myself, wtf are they tripping out on.  i don't see any noodles and i also thought why would lacma house "noodles", i had to ask the caretaker for help because i thought my friends were playing tricks on me...lol

    OMG, i spend like 3 hours here and that is nearly not enough time.. i didn't even get to finish one building... at least i saw a few famous paintings and metropolis.  
    There are a lot of interesting paintings and sculptures to ponder what the artist was actually trying to interpret.  i wonder if people trip off of LSD and check out the art work here.  i'm sure they would have a anxiety attack or something. lol  
    Metropolis is legit, make sure you go and check it out.  its like LA with hotwheels roaming around the city,  i wonder how long it took for the dude to make it.

    one can not leave LACMA until they take picture near the famous street lamp.  its iconic to the museum and LA.  i wonder how much electricity it gobbles up each day!

    parking is located near the back of the place, and its underground.  10 bucks, or if you come after 7pm... its free.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/9/2011
    1 check-in

    A lot of people complain about how LA is polluted, crowded, smelly, and has traffic everywhere. They complain too much, they miss out on some of the things LA has to offer.

    LACMA is a wonderful place to go to capture some great art! It's near Miracle Mile, so you know you can stop by and get some food from all the food trucks lined up!!

    We mainly came here for the Tim Burton Exhibit but ended up walking through pretty much the whole thing!

    The street light display in the front reminded me of the movie "No Strings Attached". We went during the day, so I wasn't able to see how spectacular they were when lit up!

    The Tim Burton exhibit was AMAZING! Well I would mainly describe it as TRIPPY! I got to read about his life and how he made his way into the movie scene. They showcased some of his works when he was only a boy! They also showed his first movie! They took excerpts from some of his famous movies, such as Beetle Juice, Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissor Hands, and Alice and Wonderland. I couldn't take too many shots since cameras were allowed. This exhibit is new and is here until October. It gets pretty crowded inside but it's worth it!!

    The LACMA offers a few cafes throughout the Museum, so there is plenty to choose from. There is a bar in the front where people can enjoy a few cocktails before venturing out to their favorite artwork.

    Overall, a great place to see so many different kinds of artwork. A place to relax and forget about the busyness going on around you!

  • 2.0 star rating
    8/28/2012
    1 check-in

    LACMA? More like LAME-O .

    What a major disappointment. The exhibits are not that great and many of the exhibits were closed off or still under construction. The overall size maybe be big but it pales in comparison to the other museums that I've been too.

    Building 7, on the map they give you when you pay for admission, they had 8 projectors in one room. 5 projecting images on one wall, 3 projecting images on the opposite wall. I understand it was suppose to demonstrate the complexity of the original large  format image but seriously? What a waste of 2000 sq ft. As for the rest of the building, the main room was still under construction. The room in the left wing, was closed off because the exhibit with maybe 15 pottery-type items was not ready for viewing.

    As for the levitating mass, I think the people in LA who donated $60 million to transport that rock from the IE to LACMA should demand a refund. What a major waste. I mean, what exactly is the purpose of the sculpture? Was it suppose to demonstrate the engineering feat of being able to suspend a massive rock on 2 walls? Or was it the ability to walk under the rock?

    Some of the things that I did enjoy was the Tar Pit, and one of the andy warhol campbell soup can painting, that was interesting. As for the rest, I've definitely seen and experience better.

    This place is definitely not worth the $15 price of admission.

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/4/2012
    2 check-ins
    Listed in El Lay

    I love LACMA so much that I recently just became a patron of the arts, I mean a member of the museum. This museum houses some of the most sought after works in the world. I love that they are connected to the La Brea tar pits and just across the street from the Architecture and Design Center. There's plenty of street parking and they also have their own parking structure. Summer is my favorite time of year to visit because on Fridays they have jazz nights.

    It's a place where I always take friends who are visiting since it's has a beautiful park perfect for picnics and strolling. This is the Metropolitan Museum of Arts equivalent.

  • 5.0 star rating
    8/10/2013

    I've been here a million times but not recently and apparently I forgot a few rules.

    1. no photography in certain exhibits... whoops.  They told me as I was leaving after taking about a million pictures.  We got there right as it opened too, so I was posing my kid in front of all the paintings I wasn't supposed to be photographing.  I promise I won't sell them or reproduce them, and I didn't use flash! Geeze LACMA.

    2. Turns out that you're supposed to pay.  I couldn't remember because I've only ever been here for special exhibits that you definitely need to pay for (and we were members for a while), and after we saw the special exhibits we would just cruise into the permanent exhibit sections.  Never thought of it.  So here I am with the baby, just coming from the Tar Pits, and we're cruising around the museum appreciating art and talking to the bored security guards who think babykins is cute and apparently looked the other way while I photographed him with Van Gogh.. and I am about to walk into the final section and someone asks me for a ticket.  I asked her where the free sections were and she said there weren't any.  Whoops.

    Bonus - While buying your ticket with a baby, ask for a membership application for them.  They get a free membership for life and they can bring in one adult free.  Yes!

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/2/2012

    This was my second visit but really my first if that makes sense. I had previously hit this spot to look at an exhibit but never had the chance to really explore the other buildings. Finally out of the blue we visited this place to explore. I was excited being that there are several buildings to visit. Yeah $15 seems a bit steep being that all you do is walk around looking at art. But how often to you get to experience being in the same presence of some of these famous works of art.

    Some pieces can blow you away and make you wonder if the artist was insane or brilliant...could be both? My favorite has to be the contemporary building which I enjoyed. It made me feel like a little kid again seeing the world for the first time. If you can ponder how that might be, get into the gigantic elevator and you'll see what I mean. Yes I was very tempted to push all the buttons but I had to behave and set a good example.

    Certain things make up LA different from other cities, this museum is one of those things that makes LA. We spent several hours adoring the art here, next time I'll probably come earlier to be able to admire the landscaping outside. Truly enjoyed visiting this place, one of my favorite venues in LA.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/30/2012
    1 check-in

    I can't believe I've lived here for 3 years and only just went to LACMA today, for the Kubrick exhibit.

    Great museum, excellent layout, good value for your money, and at least right now, some super awesome exhibits (Kubrick, Caravaggio, and Mapplethorpe- the last one I believe is permanent)

    Lots of Picasso and a few Pollocks, and a Duchamp (yaaay!) make the whole thing totally worth it.

    I'm absolutely a fan

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/24/2011
    16 check-ins

    I love this museum and i am a proud member!

    I don't care much for the modern industrial architecture, though the structure that's truly memorable is the older building on the corner of Fairfax and Wilshire (adjacent to the museum) this building does not allow access to the public and is actually used as an office building for LACMA. I like the art-deco Miami feel of it with its golden circular rings facing West (aka The West Wing- soon to be turned into the Academy Awards Museum).

    LACMA is centrally located and with easy public transport access. While it does not offer free parking there is plenty of meter/street parking, as well as two hours free on side streets but LACMA parking shouldn't run you more than $12 for the entire day.

    In the summer i love their concert series in the back gardens, as well as their dance parties (Muse) where you get to experience the exhibit halls late night, with wine, booze and djs spinning fresh beats throughout the museum.

    Their movie screenings are well curated, from modern indie flicks to cult classic cinema.

    *NOTE: As a member you get invited to lectures and special events that non-members get last dibs on.

    Their cafe/bar is totally Hollywood and though i haven't eaten there, each time i walk by it, it has a waitlist for a table, and looks pretty popping with life and movement from artsy LA patrons.

    Tim Burton exhibit was good. I liked it, though it didn't blow my mind in the way his movies have. I liked the first two rooms of his earlier work and accounts of his life in Burbank. From the Boogie Man room onward it got a bit boring. I could have done without the last room of movie memorabilia, though the poems near the exit were funny.

    Permanent collection is awesome! I love their Goya drawings, their abstract expressionist works and their older works too. There is actually a room which is a selection of work that supposedly "inspired"  Tim Burton and this gallery is AMAZING. From works by Goya (Saturn Devouring his Son) to screenings clips of Fritz Lang Movies (Metropolis, "M") and other early 20th century eerie drawings, films, paintings and photographs. I actually enjoyed this gallery more than i did the actual Tim Burton exhibit.

    Overall, LACMA is such a fun place to go. I come here alone on an artist date to receive inspiration, with my boyfriend on a date, or with a group of friends to play around and interact with the works of art. Great for any occasion. And definitely good for Kids!

    If you are a member you get in for free, and you get invited to see all the visiting exhibits and more. If you are not a member and you're on a budget; Museum is free on the second Tuesday of every month! So mark your calendar in attempts to be thrifty and get your art on for free! Otherwise, students pay $10 and general pay $15. Special exhibits are $20-$25.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/28/2012
    1 check-in

    You have to walk a lot in the heat from place to place but I guess this place is unique. I was born and bred in LA so I know it well.

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/22/2013
    1 check-in

    I have attended Jazz at LACMA for many years. I loved it when it first started and it still is a great way to end your week!
    Take your own Food and Drink and bring your Chair or Blanket!
    Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/7/2014

    This place is great. I use to go with my mom a lot when I was younger and now she's one of those members that gets tickets for all the cool events. My favorite was the Time Burton exhibit where I bought a whole bunch of his stuff. This place is seriously awesome and the best part about it is when I see little kids having a good time here getting lost and exploring. Good place to learn and have an adventure especially with friends.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/20/2013
    1 check-in

    One of the best museums I've ever been too. Some of my favorite works of art are here and while I had some issue with some of the curation of some of the works, overall the museum has a nice flow to it. Keep in mind that the museum is massive. We spent almost an entire day here and didn't even get through 2 of the buildings.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/5/2014
    1 check-in

    This place is huge, so make sure you are wearing comfy shoes otherwise your feet is going to hate you. Has many different styles of art such as contemporary, surrealism, and etc. Definitely worth the admission.

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/26/2013

    I love LACMA! I have been here on a few occasions and most recently visited for the Friday Night Jazz, which is amazing. Great music, stage, and you can bring a little picnic and sit on the lawn and listen to the music. It's perfect for summertime.

    We went to the actual museum on Saturday and I was very impressed, they have an awesome Picasso collection, the largest I have seen. They have some situational art and a lot of other types and I was very Impressed.

    I'll be back for Jazz and random picnic days :)

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/16/2012

    4 stars and that's just for walking around outside! I finally got to see the Levitated Mass which is really neat as well as the Urban Lights. Just those two sightings had me sticking around for quite some time.

    Next time, I'll have to actually venture inside. I hear the eatery outside is pretty good...maybe next time.

    Found 2 hr residential parking several blocks away.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/11/2014

    A few months back, I came to LACMA to see the DVF exhibit, which I LOVED but I didn't get the chance to actually check out the actual museum part of LACMA. It's not the prettiest museum I've ever been to, but it's a pretty cool way to spend your afternoon checking out art and taking pictures. Yesterday I finally got the chance to  come and check out some of the other exhibits. When we arrived, we noticed two of the outdoor exhibits which were "The Levitated Mass" and the famous "Urban Lights" that stands at the front of the museum facing Wilshire Blvd. We came to see James Turrell: A Retrospective, that had just opened. This exhibit includes may beautiful light projections and it took about an hour to see part one and part two. After about 11 rooms we went into the final room which was pretty cool. After removing our shoes and putting on white, disposable booties we climbed up a set of stairs to a platform. We stood their for a few minutes as we watched the seemingly endless room change colors, though it was enjoyable I did not leave changed by any means. Next, we went over to the permanent exhibits for a few minutes to see some European art. There, we saw a few pieces by Gaugain, Monet, Canaletto, and more. There is so much art here that I didn't get to see in the two hours we spent at LACMA, but some day I will have to come back and see the rest!

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/28/2011 Updated review
    Listed in Kulture Klash

    Tim Burton!

    Wow. I mean WOW! Local boy makes good in an unprecedented show of borderline psychotic mania presented in art, poetry, puppets, costumes and film. Do not miss this unique opportunity to experience the humorous machinations of a supremely gifted artist and director.

    Hint: While I generally don't condone the use of mild-altering substances at LACMA, give the mushrooms a good 20 minutes before entering this toothy exhibit for maximum effect. But you must leave by closing time and the carousel, no matter how awesome it is, stays where its at. Those are the rules. Savvy?

    5.0 star rating
    2/8/2011 Previous review
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    11/30/2008 Previous review
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    4.0 star rating
    11/23/2007 Previous review
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  • 4.0 star rating
    6/7/2011

    The LACMA is pretty awesome! Even before you step into the exhibits, the outside is just as nice. The architecture and the Urban Lights display are nice to look at. My favourite was the area with the modern art like Warhol!

    I went durng ArtWalk so it was free admission, but regular admission is $15, $10 for student. There is free admission all day every second Tuesday of the month and free admission after 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for LA county residents.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/12/2012

    After visiting museums in every European city ever, I was jealous that locals got to visit their neighborhood museums for free. I recently learned LA does this too, kind of. I was happy to learn that the benefit one gets for living in LA is a discount from LACMA.

    Free general admission is offered for LA residents after 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (general does not include the Stanley Kubrick exhibit - I think this is the only 'non-general' space). Seeing free artwork includes old European artwork, contemporary artwork and less-artistic, more-historical asian and native american spiritual sculptures and pottery.

    Since there is no front entrance, every room of every building has at least one security guard that checks tickets for that room. Half of the security guards are emphatically annoying about checking and re-checking and re-re-checking tickets. The other half do not care; it definitely depends on the personality. My friend who is a security guard has increasingly become kind of annoying about it the more he did it. I would consider bringing a lapel/shirt clip for the ticket the next time I come here as I was stopped ten times. At least two rooms made me carry my backpack instead of wear them.

    If you are not into asian pottery, scrolls, and native american spiritual sculptures, there is the abstract expressionism section. If you are not into paint splashes, there is a Walter De Maria minimalist installation of arranged white bricks that take up a 250 square foot room. If you find taking up a huge room with white bricks to be more pretentious than artistic, there are my favorite sections that include the Surrealism section and local contemporary art about Los Angeles. Contemporary art about Los Angeles usually is more about showing its urban landscapes from the perspective of its sprawl, like Ed Ruscha's prints of gas stations and the Hollywood sign. If you don't like my favorite sections, there are crisp black and white photos of penises and a bullwhip going up someone's butt in the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit.

    There is no bike here parking except for a dinky rack across the street from the ubiquitous rows of street lamps sculpture that everyone takes a picture of for Facebook. The security are emphatic about not parking the bikes anywhere close to LACMA. The exhibits that are more interactive are primarily outside and include aforementioned rows of lamps and the one where you can walk through spaghetti. Whee! There is a collective create-your-own abstract artwork on a digital canvas on an interactive computer screen, but interactivity with computer screens is still dependent on the programs not freezing and the sensibility and respectfulness of the people you are interacting with not crossing out your artwork.

    Seeing the entirety of the museum maybe takes about three or four hours. Take a map because there will inevitably be rooms you miss at hidden corners or floor levels. All of the rooms are spread out and there is no straight path here. LACMA constitutes walking, re-walking and crossing already taken paths to get from one space to another, expect to be a little discombobulated if you attempt to find everything in one try.

  • 3.0 star rating
    8/7/2013
    1 check-in

    I was here for the James Turrell Retrospective and a specific, interactive exhibit. We were required to book tickets ahead of time for a specific timeframe. This and other indications on the LACMA website led us to believe that there would be a limited amount of people in the retrospective and there would likely be restrictions on talking and walking about, so as to not interfere with the other patrons absorbing the various installations.

    I couldn't have been more wrong.

    Not only were people talking, but they were loud; not even trying to be respectful! The staff did nothing to curb this. I'm fine with waiting my turn to see an installation, but people were very rude, cutting in front of me when it was clear that I was waiting to view the art. Lots of people on their phones in the dark exhibits, staff entirely unhelpful.

    However, I am still giving this three starts for the interactive installation in a separate building. It was an amazing experience and I would be delighted to see it again, though I would definitely avoid the main exhibit.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/10/2012
    2 check-ins
    Listed in Arts and Cultur

    Here are some quick tips for you:
    - South of LACMA there is free parking if you don't mind walking a bit. Get some exercise.

    - LACMA is very family-friendly and hosts various art work shops for the kids. Bring them on a Sunday and your kid bring home works of art- their art!

    - Sign up your child for a kid's membership! They can come to the museum for FREE until they are 18. Best yet, one adult accompanying the child is also free!

    - Free live Jazz on Fridays. The vibe is amazing. Come out on a Summer night and just chill =)

    - Getting a membership is WORTH IT. Free special movie screenings. Bring a friend in for free. Discounts at the shops. It is definitely worth getting the card and having all that available to you all year round =)

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/2/2012

    LACMA is a pretty good museum. It looks impressive on the outside, but the inside floors aren't that big. Still, there are some intricate and detailed historical objects and paintings inside. I particularly like the permanent exhibits on the top fourth and third floors, these display old objects from Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, as well as antiquities from European cultures.

    I was delighted to see ancient jewelry, sandstone carvings, a few dinars, wooden statues, and religious art and artifacts.

    Give yourself a few hours to quietly browse and look at the objects and their details.

    This is a place I would also take visitors to LA.

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/18/2012
    1 check-in

    Awwwwww yeah, ART FOR DAYSSSS! This place is so huge and cool! Even for those people who can't freakin' stand museums. How do I know? My boyfriend is one of those people, but he only went with me cuz he loves me. :) We're both cheapos, so we went on FREE DAY!

    So I tried to show him all the "cool" exhibits including the James Bond opening movie credits. Be sure to also check out the modern art in the AHmanson Building because everything there is AHMAZING! We also got to make some art of our own at the Boone Children's Gallery in the Hammer Building. They provided us with paper, paintbrushes, and tempera paint while relaxing music played in the background. It was awesome!

    I was very delighted to see the work of some of the more familiar artists (Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Mondrian, Warhol). The Mondrian painting inspired me to recreate his art on my own nails! Check it out here: yelp.com/biz_photos/1XUz…

    The best part was taking pictures outside at the lampposts! My BF definitely recognized the scene from "No Strings Attached" where Natalie Portman attacks Ashton Kutcher. :D

    The only sad part was not being able to see everything! And the Metropolis II only operates on the weekends (lacma.org/art/exhibition…). *Sad face* No worries though because I'll be back again someday!

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/22/2012

    I was mostly on the 4th floor with a desire to see art I had not seen in a while and the FREE price was not bad either. People of all cultures, ages, styles came to see the Latino art. I almost felt the love, even though I myself cannot draw, but, I felt unity and positive vibes and saw some great art.

    When I walk into the LACMA I see people who can appreciate the art of various artist, yes redundancy but hey. I see people from the West Side with their fancy cars and disposable income standing next to me celebrating Latino Art on the 4th floor. They view and appreciate the intellect, depth and meanings conveyed and portrayed by the artistic genius.

    I cannot judge the art as good or bad, I can only define what it appears to be. Rather than write more I have posted some pictures for you to view. LACMA guest like myself have an appreciation and unconditional love for the immense talent visualized on the walls.

    I wish people had this unconditional love for my speech and debate, for my modern and historic analysis, for my review styles. While I am jealous of LACMA artist I celebrate the unconditional love and value them, each time I visit. I will celebrate the beauty and necessity of art and education in sync with empowerment. When you value art from Latino-Americans you show unconditional love and maybe help some get paid.

    (Cheapest parking I found was $10 across the street, plenty of food trucks, LACMA Cafe)

    Song Parody of Tupac Shakur (Not the hologram) "Unconditional Love"

    Come visualize such epic thoughts and epic feelings
    Too many peers doing years full of odd dealings
    How many talents wasted witness
    Before we see it's hard to live
    This life without art, so we must ask forgiveness
    Ask mama why I got this urge to cry
    Witness the tears falling free from my eyes
    Before she could reply
    Though we were born without a silver spoon
    My broken down TV, show cartoons in my living room (hey)
    One day some more will make it
    An impact in this day
    Mama don't cry, long as we try
    Maybe things change
    Perhaps it's just a fantasy
    A life where we don't need no welfare
    Shiss with our whole family
    Maybe Vince V helped cause it
    The fighting and the hurting
    In the art room crying cause I did not know how to word this
    Watch Americans open metaphorical arms to hug me
    And I ain't worried bout a damn thang, with unconditional love

    This art lesson's in your eyes to see
    Though trends change, the future's still inside of we
    We must remember that tomorrow comes after the dark
    So you will always be in my heart, with unconditional love

    I got the message free pass all week
    Been out here hustling on my feet, not even time to eat
    But you know, with me and art is always G
    We could never be enemies, cause art been such a good friend to me
    I love it like potato logs
    No wonder why when times get hard
    Cause it ain't easy being who we are
    Driven by my ambitions, desire higher positions
    So I proceed to make Gs, eternally in my mission
    Is to be more than just a Yelp musician
    The elevation of today's generation
    If we could make 'em listen
    Prison ain't what we need, no longer stuck in greed
    Time to play and strategize, my family's gotta eat
    When we make somethin out of nothing
    No pleasure in the suffering, neighborhood would be good
    If they could cut out all the busting
    The liquor and the weed the cussing
    Sending love out and much props
    The struggle never stops (unconditional love)

    This art lesson's in your eyes to see
    Though trends change, the future's still inside of we
    We must remember that tomorrow comes after the dark
    So you will always be in my heart, with unconditional love

    I hope we all understand our ways
    With everyday I swear I hear people say
    Were gonna change while getting paid
    But at the same time procrastinate
    We saw some art with the same eyes
    Something inside, with pride
    Even in these strange times
    On the 4th floor it feels like we made it
    No one up there to hate it
    In my heart
    I want to help propel many stars
    Our hopes and all these wishes
    So many vivid pictures
    And all the currency
    I hope more get a chance to see
    This fast life soon shatters
    Cause after all the lights and screams
    LACMA art will still matter
    LACMA is a better day
    A visionary night
    Nobody cry
    Because I feel we will be alright
    Just take a peek over my shoulder
    Don't worry about a thing or this night getting colder
    LACMA never treated me bad, no matter who I was
    You still came with that, unconditional love

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/21/2014
    1 check-in

    Great place to visit. They offer free admission on national holidays! And they have a cafe outside the entrance serving alcohol.

  • 2.0 star rating
    2/21/2014

    Seems to be a highly desirable place for parents to take their squalling brats to run around and run into people. If you're the parent of a 3-year old, that may be a good thing for you, but if you're not--be advised! The place is like a crazy, bonkers playground. Not the slightest bit of a hushed museum atmosphere.

    The collection itself is a big puzzle. My guess is that their total floor area is not too different from New York's Met. But the experience is totally different. There's very little that we wanted to see, apart from a traveling Calder show. Seems to be heavy on Oriental art, which does not resonate much with us. The place was a huge disappointment in terms of interesting art per square foot of space.

    I don't know if they all are, but we encountered totally fascist guards who were barking at people to keep two feet back from glass cases. Yes, not away from the art but away from the glass barriers!

    We ate at the Ray's and Stark Bar in the main courtyard. That was the best part of the museum visit--fabulous food. But you have to keep in mind: (1) it is extremely expensive (close to $100 for 2 persons for lunch, with no drinks), and (2) you will sit outside and not inside if you did not book a table.

    Then had coffee at C+M coffee shop. What a horror! About 10 people in line and it took 30 minutes to get 1 coffee and 1 tea to take away. Do they train them specially to be incompetent? It sure seemed like it.

    This is truly disappointing that the premier art museum in LA is such a poor, limited place. Compared to the Met, or the Philly art museum, or the Art Institute in Chicago, this is sad.