The 13 best museums in Los Angeles to add to your itinerary

Sun, surf, and Hollywood stars are all quintessentially Los Angeles, history and culture lies in its innovative museums. From live excavations at the La Brea Tar Pits to classic cars hidden away in a vault at the Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles museums take cool and interactive to the next level. Some of the most fun things to do in LA can be found in museums.

Whether you want to dig up your own fossils or walk through President Nixon’s library, this list of the of best museums is a must for anyone looking to experience what makes LA culturally unique.

Best history museums in Los Angeles

1. Natural History Museum

Walking into the Natural History Museum is like going back in time and across the globe all at once. You’ve got dinosaurs that seem like they could start moving any second and ecosystems so realistic that you might just forget you’re indoors. Over 300 fossils, 2,000 gemstones, and 240 prehistoric mammal skeletons can be seen here.

Highlights:

Learn how LA became what it is today at the “Becoming Los Angeles” exhibit.

Address and opening hours:

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90007. Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

2. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Dedicated to one of the 20th century’s most controversial presidents, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library explores the life and times of the 37th US President. This library is one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems, offering a glimpse into life in the Oval Office in the 1970s, from Nixon’s early years to the Watergate scandal.

Highlights:

Deep dive into the archives for a political treasure hunt.

Address and opening hours:

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA, 92886. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day.

3. La Brea Tar Pits

For a leap back to the Ice Age, head to La Brea Tar Pits to discover how the latest technological advancements uncover the past and bring it back to life. See fossils retrieved from the pits and reconstructed in the museum and ongoing excavations.

Highlights:

Watch scientists at work at Pit 91, and visit the Ice Age Encounter to come face-to-face with a life-size mammoth display.

Address and opening hours:

5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

4. Medieval Torture Museum

See a gruesome side of human history at the Medieval Torture Museum. This spine-chilling museum showcases over 100 implements of imprisonment, torture, and execution that were used from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance.

Highlights:

Learn how medieval torture devices were used at the interactive exhibits.

Address and opening hours:

6757 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028. Open Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; Friday, 11:00 AM-12:00 AM; Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

5. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a symbol of American naval history, having played significant roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. You can explore the decks, living quarters, and command centers of the last lead ship of its class.

Highlights:

Standing on the ship's command bridge feels like stepping into the shoes of past admirals and presidents.

Address and opening hours:

250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM every day.

Best art and design museums in Los Angeles

6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing a vast collection that spans multiple eras and cultures. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, LACMA offers visitors an eclectic array of exhibits, including photography, sculpture, painting, and decorative arts.

Highlights:

The outdoor installation “Urban Light,” a collection of restored street lamps, is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks.

Address and opening hours:

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, closed Wednesday.

7. The Hammer Museum

Part of UCLA, the Hammer Museum showcases contemporary art and historical works, with a special focus on progressive issues. It offers a range of exhibitions, from emerging artists to renowned figures in the art world, all with free admission.

Highlights:

The “Made in LA” biennial exhibition highlights emerging local artists.

Address and opening hours:

10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Thursday until 8:00 PM, closed Monday.

8. The Broad Museum

One of the best museums in Los Angeles for contemporary art, the Broad has more than 2,000 pieces in its permanent collection, featuring works from iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. Its distinctive honeycomb-like exterior is a marvel and admission to the general collection is free, making world-class art accessible.

Highlights:

Don’t miss Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room,” a mesmerizing light-filled experience.

Address and opening hours:

221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Open Wednesday–Friday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday.

9. Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases how far the automobile industry has come, from late 19th-century designs to today's sophisticated vehicles. The museum spans 25 rooms spread over three floors, each with its theme and interactive elements. Take a journey through automotive history at one of the largest car museums in the United States.

Highlights:

For a more exclusive visit, go below the museum to the Vault to see a private collection of over 250 rare cars.

Address and opening hours:

6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day.

10. Craft Contemporary

One of the top museums in Los Angeles for contemporary craft in art and design, Craft Contemporary's exhibits range from ceramics to textiles and everything in between. The museum’s exhibitions often explore social and political themes, giving visitors a thoughtful perspective on craftsmanship and its place in modern society.

Highlights:

The “Clay Biennial” celebrates diverse ceramic practices worldwide.

Address and opening hours:

5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Alternative museums in Los Angeles

11. California Science Center

The California Science Center offers hands-on exhibits that inspire curiosity about science and technology, a great activity to do in Los Angeles with kids. Exhibits cover various topics, including ecosystems, human innovation, and the universe’s wonders.

Highlights:

One of its main attractions is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, giving visitors an up-close view of space exploration and a journey through space history.

Address and opening hours:

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

12. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is all about the magic of movies, from the golden age of cinema to today’s blockbusters. It’s a place where movie buffs can dive into the creation and influence of films via interactive exhibits, screenings, and talks by industry professionals.

Highlights:

The Oscars Experience immerses you in the glamour and excitement of winning cinema’s most coveted award.

Address and opening hours:

6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Tuesdays.

13. Los Angeles County Fire Museum

The Los Angeles County Fire Museum is a unique destination dedicated to LA County’s firefighting history. With exhibits that include vintage fire trucks and equipment, the museum tells the story of the brave men and women who have battled fires in the region for over a century.

Highlights:

The museum houses fire trucks from the famous TV show “Emergency.” An activity to include in your fun things to do in Los Angeles.

Address and opening hours:

16400 Bellflower Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706. Open Thursday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the best times to visit museums in Los Angeles to avoid crowds?

To avoid crowds at Los Angeles museums, the best times to visit are on weekdays, especially right after opening time in the morning, or late afternoon before closing. Weekends and holidays tend to be the busiest.

Are there any free museums in Los Angeles?

Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the California Science Center all offer free admission. Other museums like LACMA and the Natural History Museum offer free admission on specific days.

What are the most kid-friendly museums in Los Angeles?

The California Science Center and Natural History Museum offer exhibits and attractions to engage and entertain children. The Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits, and LACMA also feature hands-on exhibits for kids.

For which museums in Los Angeles are guided tours recommended?

A guided tour is recommended for Los Angeles museums with extensive collections, such as the LACMA and the Getty Center. Other museums that offer guided tours include the Petersen Automotive Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and Griffith Observatory.