The Best Art Museums in Los Angeles

Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House Photograph

This historic park serves as a public art gallery, architectural exhibit, and entertainment venue. It was donated by Aline Barnsdall and today it remains a unique cultural park that hosts cinema nights, wine tastings, and a number of other events that bring together young adults, couples, and families in one unique setting.

Spring Arts Tower

Located in Downtown L.A., this building is home to a number of art galleries where visitors can peruse works from various artists. They also host the Spring Arts Collective event to showcase new and emerging artists. A terrific bookstore is on the ground floor, too.

Getty Center

This art museum, which has beautiful architecture and gorgeous gardens, is the home of a huge collection of art. The works are part of the J. Paul Getty Trust's collection which were formerly housed at the Getty House, but moved to this new location after its completion in 1997. The galleries are extensive, and visitors can peruse the impressionist paintings, works by French artists, an outdoor sculpture garden, and plenty more. Any art lover will feel right at home here. Admission is free, but parking is not.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

If you love the movies, this museum is just for you. Featuring exhibits that house a variety of props, costumes, clothing, and items from famous movies, visitors will get to peruse R2D2, the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, the only remaining shark from Jaws, and many more. Other exhibits focus on historical filmmakers, contributions from African American filmmakers, and technical and production exhibits that focus on how movies were made throughout history.

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

Highlighting works from Latin American artists, this well designed art museum features a large indoor space as well as an outdoor sculpture garden. The museum actually features a work from every single Latin American country in a variety of mediums and forms. Also check out the cafe while you're there, as well as the numerous events and temporary exhibits.

Hauser & Wirth

Located near downtown, this large art gallery is an extension of the New York gallery under the same name. Set up in a former flour mill, the space here is intriguing as it feels both industrial and natural. In addition to the art, visitors can experience events and temporary exhibitions.

Skirball Cultural Center

This Jewish cultural center is also a combination of an art museum, culture museum, children's museum, and public events and educational space. Fostering a sense of welcoming and inclusion within the community, the center showcases a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Some of the exhibitions focus on history and religion, while others center on pop culture, children's education, food and cuisine, and more. Normally an admission is charged, but it's free on Thursdays.

Getty Villa

This art museum, styled like an ancient Roman villa, was the former art museum of wealthy oil tycoon J Paul Getty's collection of art before it was moved to the Getty Center. Now, the villa is still a museum showcasing some of the works of art as well as numerous murals, plus beautiful gardens and a terrific view out to sea. The views and gardens make this worth the trip, and the world-class art is an added bonus. It's just north of Santa Barbara on the way up to Malibu. Admission is free, but you'll have to pay to park.

Hollywood Wax Museum

With a large number of was replicas of famous movie stars and characters, kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting this fun museum and experience where they can see all of their favorite movies and TV shows come to life before their eyes. Located in Hollywood along the walk of fame, it's fun for the whole family.

Hammer Museum

With an emphasis on local artists, the Hammer Museum is partnered with UCLA to showcase modern art, design, photography, and works from Armand Hammer's collection before he died. Admission is free. Lectures, film screenings, and concerts are also on their calendar of events, which are quite popular.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

This free museum features contemporary art from 1940 to the present by artists such as Jackson Pollock as well as plenty of lesser known names. In addition to the main location, the museum actually has two other locations in L.A., so don't miss those, either.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

This large art museum has a variety of exhibits inside and outside. Inside visitors will find a variety of modern and historical art by famous names such as Andy Warhol, Picasso, Cezanne, and more. The exterior artwork of the museum has become somewhat famous recently due to a very photographic sculpture, Chris Burden’s Urban Light, which brought old streetlights from around town back to life. This area of the museum is free, but admission is required for entry to the inside galleries.

The Broad Museum

This free museum is full of contemporary art. It's most famous for the immersive mirror rooms in which you will see yourself multiplied in Yayoi Kusama's modern art installations. If the line is long, don't worry, plenty of other modern exhibits are on display, including some from Andy Warhol and other famous artists. Also, relax in the beautiful courtyard or dine at Otium, the on-site restaurant.

Museum of Neon Art

MONA, the Museum of Neon Art, showcases a variety of artwork and signs made of neon lights and other electric lights. It describes artwork made with neon lights as part science and part artwork. Some of the exhibits are modern sculptures created in neon, while others focus on historical neon signage.