Right in the middle of the city’s Miracle Mile with its famed rows of street lamps out front, you’ll find the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The museum, most commonly referred to as LACMA (lack-muh), is the largest art museum in the western United States. All that space is full of all kinds of art from the ancient period to the modern day. This local landmark is one of the best museums in LA, and must-visit destination during your time in the city.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, in Los Angeles, California.
About LACMA
Once upon a time, specifically in 1910, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science and Art in Exposition Park. In 1961, LACMA was established as its own museum and opened its doors at its current home in the Miracle Mile.
The museum is home to an array of art, ranging from ancient Greek housewares to medieval manuscripts to contemporary sculptures. The museum’s permanent collection contains captivating works of art from all over the world. Additionally, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions and a variety of events.
Plus, one of the most famous pieces at LACMA isn’t inside the museum at all. Urban Light is a large scale sculpture by Chris Burden, located outside the museum along Wilshire Boulevard. The sculpture is made up of rows and rows of tall vintage street lamps. Make sure to stop by and wander through the towering lamps during your visit.
Tickets and Hours
Ticket prices to LACMA varies depending on whether or not you’re a resident of Los Angeles County.
Regular admission to LACMA for an adult living outside of LA County is $25. A regular ticket for an adult living in LA County is $20. There are reduced prices for teens, seniors, and students. There are additional discounted and free tickets for a variety of individuals, including children, active duty military members, those with a Metro pass, and more. The museum is free for all visitors on the second Tuesday of each month.
LACMA is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Wednesdays. It’s also closed on Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25).
How to Get to LACMA
To get to LACMA, you can drive or take public transportation. Of course, if you’re coming from close by, you can bike or walk as well.
LACMA is located along Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. It’s about two miles from the 10 freeway off the Fairfax Avenue exit or about three and a half miles from the 101 freeway off the Highland Avenue exit.
There is a parking garage at LACMA located on 6th Street just a bit east of Fairfax Avenue. The entrance is clearly marked with a sign showing it’s LACMA parking. It costs $16 to park in the garage, which you can prepay at a pay station in the lot. There are some other lots in the area as well, and possibly some street parking, but keep in mind it’s quite a busy area.
Currently, the best way to get to LACMA using public transportation is to take the bus. Metro Local 20 and Rapid 720 buses both stop on Wilshire Boulevard, while Metro Local 217 and 218, as well as Rapid 780 buses stop on Fairfax Avenue less than a block from the museum.
The closest metro stops to LACMA are the Wilshire/Western Station, which is about three miles away and served by the Purple Line, or the La Cienega/Jefferson station, which is also three miles away and served by the Expo Line.
However, the Metro Purple Line is currently being extended. Once the project is complete, there will be a stop at Wilshire/Fairfax, right next to LACMA. It is currently scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Rules and Tips
As with any popular space where art is displayed, there are some rules and tips to keep in mind for your visit. Here’s what to know before you visit LACMA.
- You are allowed to take photos at LACMA. However, flash photos, selfie sticks, or tripods are not permitted.
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries.
- Free wifi is available at the museum.
- You can download the LACMA app for free on your phone, which provides information about various works of art.
- Large bags must be checked before entering the museum. You may also check smaller bags for free at the ticket offices.
- Sketching with pencil is allowed, but ink, paint, and easels are prohibited inside the galleries.
- Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the LACMA campus.
- There are a few different restaurants as well as a gift shop at LACMA.
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Visiting LACMA is is an essential thing to do in Los Angeles. Whether you’re drawn to ancient relics or modern art, there’s something captivating for you to find at the museum. Make sure to visit during your time in LA!
Cheers!
