California African American Museum
600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 ·
EXPOSITION PARK.
Thanks to a wonderful collection of art and artifacts, this museum traces the history, experience, and culture of African Americans, focusing on California and the western US. The museum offers permanent and changing exhibits, including a vibrant display depicting the early New Orleans jazz era. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops featuring music, film, and the fine arts.
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 ·
BRENTWOOD.
In the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center unites the J. Paul Getty Trust's museum, institutes, and grant program. The 110-acre complex is home to a great collection of pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, decorative arts, and photographs. The museum consists of five connected pavilions surrounding a landscaped courtyard, and visitors are encouraged to choose their own route through the galleries. Gallery and garden tours are offered daily.
Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031 ·
HIGHLAND PARK.
Located on the banks of the historic Arroyo Seco canyon, this open-air museum features historically and architecturally significant buildings that reflect everyday life in LA from 1850-1950. Exhibits are arranged in a village-like setting, and guided tours begin at the visitor center, which is housed in the Palms Depot, an 1887 train station. Historic structures range from an 1897 church and an 1899 barn to several homes, including an octagonal house built in 1848.
Japanese American National Museum
369 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ·
LITTLE TOKYO.
This museum occupies a remodeled Buddhist temple and features photographs, personal objects, art, and artifacts reflecting the history of Japanese immigration and assimilation into American culture. Among the facility's attractions are those that allow visitors to experiment with origami, examine Japanese family photo albums, learn about World War II internment camps, and view the short film "Moving Memories."
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 ·
WILSHIRE.
This multi-building complex houses paintings, sculpture, costumes, and world-renowned textile and decorative art. American and European art comprises the bulk of the museum's holdings, but they have a vast collection of Asian and ancient art as well. In fact, noteworthy collections of Latin American and Japanese art are exhibited in their own separate buildings. A regular schedule of events includes music, films, and family programs.
Museum of Contemporary Art
250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ·
DOWNTOWN.
Situated on 4100-plus acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is home to a number of museums and attractions. In addition to hiking trails and bridle paths, it offers visitors pony rides, miniature railroad rides, and bike rentals. Located within the park are LA Zoo, a merry-go-round, LA Equestrian Center, Travel Town Museum (dedicated to transportation), the venerable Greek Theater outdoor performance space, Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and Griffith Observatory, which has been a popular destination for decades.
Museum of Tolerance
9786 W Pico Blvd, Simon Wiesenthal Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90035 ·
BEVERLY HILLS.
This museum offers interactive, high-tech exhibits that explore and identify racism and prejudice, both in America and during the European Holocaust. It utilizes film, technology, photographs, and artifacts to relate its story and that of a variety of American families. The Point of View Diner installation offers an introspective look at individual responsibility as it relates to drunk driving; it also discusses hate speech versus First Amendment rights. Call in advance for reservations. Tickets are for a specific time of admission; allow three to four hours to see all the exhibits.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 ·
EXPOSITION PARK.
[Portions of the museum are undergoing renovations expected to be completed in late 2010 – please call for details before visiting.] When in LA, a visit to the Natural History Museum is a must. Well-known for detailed exhibits of North American and African mammals, the museum also has a fascinating marine life exhibit that includes Megamouth, the rarest shark in the world (only 17 have been found since 1976). Dinosaurs are perennial favorites, but don't miss the Hall of Birds, the insect zoo, or the Discovery Center, which offers lots of hands-on activities for kids. The Wolfgang Puck-affiliated cafe serves signature pizzas and also offers a children's menu and play area.
Page Museum – La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 ·
WILSHIRE.
One of the world's richest fossil sites, La Brea Tar Pits is the setting for this intriguing museum. Visitors get a look at life in Southern California during the Ice Age (between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago) thanks to exhibits of recovered fossils from animals like mammoths, dire wolves, birds of prey, and saber-toothed cats. Guests also get a first-hand glimpse of fossil preparation in the paleontological laboratory. When you've completed the interior attractions, stroll through the surrounding park and enjoy its sights and sounds. As an added bonus, Pit 91 is still being excavated, and visitors can observe the scientific undertakings during July and August.
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 ·
WILSHIRE
Located on Wilshire Boulevard at Fairfax, this museum offers fun, interactive exhibits that present the history of the automobile. Includes full-scale reproductions of scenes and buildings that marked important milestones in the development of the motor car in Los Angeles. Five galleries house changing exhibitions of various types of vehicles while other galleries display automotive memorabilia and changing exhibits.
