Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Museum and Gallery Rules
• Museum and Gallery Discounts
• Bloomberg Connects App
• The Museums and Galleries of Los Angeles
  • The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
  • Adamson House
  • Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
  • Autry Museum of the American West
  • Avila Adobe
  • Battleship USS Iowa
  • California African American Museum (CAAM)
  • Chinese American Museum
  • Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
  • Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA)
  • Museum of Death Hollywood
  • Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
  • Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
  • The Broad
  • The California Science Center
  • The Getty Center
  • The Getty Villa
  • The Grammy Museum L.A. Live
  • The Griffith Observatory
  • The Guinness World Record Museum
• Conclusion
• Los Angeles Blogs

Introduction

Los Angeles has an insane number of museums in the area. From art to history to archaeology and science, many museums are dedicated to different parts of the city, state, or country. Most museums in Los Angeles are not free, but there are some free ones…kinda of (parking isn’t always free). 

This is by no means a complete list of all the museums in Los Angeles, but these are the ones I’ve visited and are more commonly known. Keep in mind that most museums are closed on vital holidays and some federal holidays. You can click here to learn more about important dates in Los Angeles.

This list will not only include museums, but also other institutions that have permanent galleries. This blog post will be split into two parts, with part one (this blog post) containing the 20 museums and galleries, and part two containing the last 21. If you feel as if I missed a location, please leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post.

Museum and Gallery Rules

There are a couple of universal rules across all the museums in the United States that should be known.

• There is no food or drinks allowed in the galleries or on the museum floor. They don’t want any of the artifacts stained or damaged. 
• In most places, you can record and take pictures, but without flash. Long-term exposure to light can slowly damage the artifacts. If you can’t record or take pictures, there will be a sign posted. 
• Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), almost all museums are handicap and wheelchair accessible. 
• Please be quiet! Museums are supposed to be quiet (sometimes near silent) so people can read, observe, and learn. Avoid loud conversations in gallery spaces
• Do not touch anything (unless there is a sign saying to do so). Museums are to look at, not touch. 

If you break any of these rules, you may be kicked out with a refund.

Museum and Gallery Discounts

Almost all museums stop selling admission tickets 30 minutes to an hour before they close, so look online or call to ask when they stop selling tickets. Most museums have free entry for young children (less than four or three years of age) and discounted rates for individuals under 18 years of age, college students (with valid ID), seniors (sometimes with valid ID), military veterans (normally restricted to U.S. veterans and with a valid ID), and active military (normally restricted to U.S. military and with a valid ID). Entry fees for each museum will be posted as well, but it’s worth mentioning that all these discounts are available to you if they apply.

Bloomberg Connects App

The Bloomberg Connects App is a free app that has online museum guides that can give you a virtual tour and help guide you throughout the museum. Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 14 institutions in Los Angeles (all of which are discussed in this blog post and will be listed below). The app also has almost every major language. 

Some of the museums will also have some free online audio guides for you to follow, but the audio is normally only in English. Click here to go to the Bloomberg Connects website to learn more and download the app for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The list below will contain all the museums that are on the Bloomberg Connects App and that are discussed in this blog.

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
• Autry Museum of the American West
• The Broad
• The Grammy Museum
• The Hammer Museum
• The Holocaust Museum L.A.
• The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
• The Japanese American National Museum
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Museum of Tolerance
• Skirball Cultural Center
• Museum of Neon Art (MONA)

The Museums and Galleries of Los Angeles

This list will cover the first 20 museums, parking, pricing, and hours. In no particular order, these are the first 20 museums and galleries in Los Angeles.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

General Information: 

Now, this is a museum you know belongs in L.A. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a museum that highlights the Academy Awards, which take place in the Dolby Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a new museum that opened in 2021 and features three levels of amazing exhibits, all centered around cinema. 

One of my favorite sections was an exhibit focusing on the Academy Awards’ most memorable acceptance speeches. I stood there for almost 40 minutes, listening to everyone’s speeches. There is also an Oscars Experience where you can hold an actual Academy Award at an additional cost.

There is also a fun exhibit where you can see costumes used in dozens of movies, including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Aliens, and Edward Scissorhands. Upon your ascent up the museum, you cross the Barbra Streisand Bridge to reach a wonderful open area with great views of Los Angeles. 

Parking: 

This museum does not offer on-site parking, so I’d recommend you use the La Brea Tar Pits Parking located nearby. It costs $18.00 / €16.76 for all-day parking and is a 15-20 minute walk.

Hours of Operation:

Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / 10:00-18:00

Tuesday: Closed

Ticket Prices:

Adult (18+): $25.00 / €23.29

Seniors (62+): $19.00 / €17.70

College Student (with valid ID): $15.00 / €13.97

Children aged 17 and under: Free

Adamson House

General Information:

The Adamson House is a museum located in Malibu near the Getty Villa. This is a little house tucked away right next to the Pacific Ocean. The house was constructed in 1929 and played an important role in Malibu’s history. It now sits right next to the Malibu Pier and is an official California State Park. The house offers beautiful scenery, decorated tiles, and lovely gardens to walk around and enjoy the view. 

This museum is minimal, only offering the main house and pool, the surrounding gardens, an old dock, and a small gift shop. If you are walking in the area, it is a good stop as the grounds themselves are free, but any tours do cost money. Please keep in mind that all dogs need to be on a leash, and there is no beach access from the Adamson House.

Parking:

There is no parking on the grounds, but the street may have some free parking (if you’re lucky) or you can park nearby on the Malibu Lagoon State Beach for $3.00 / €2.80 per hour.

Hours of Operation:

The grounds are open every day from 8 a.m. – sunset / 08:00 – sunset. 

You cannot enter the house without a tour. Docent-guided tours of the house and gardens are only available Wednesday–Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. / 11:00–14:00

Ticket Prices:

Visiting the grounds and gardens without a tour is free. Please note that you cannot enter the house without a tour. If you want to enter the house or take a garden tour, the prices are

Adult (17+): $7.00 / €6.54

Youth (6-17): $2.00 / €1.86

Children ages 5 years and under: Free

*You can only pay in cash*

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park

General Information:

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a smaller museum located in the far northeast of Los Angeles County. It was in the possession of a private collector during the 1920s and was purchased by California in 1979. It is a wonderful area with cottages (which you cannot enter), a hiking trail, and a small museum. This area can get very windy and hot, so make sure you come prepared. 

The museum discusses the Native Americans who inhabited the area before and after Spanish settlers came into the area. It highlights Native American accomplishments, culture, and artifacts. It is a great location to learn more about Native American culture and the surrounding area.

Parking:

The Parking and museum entry fees are combined. It costs $3.00 / €2.78 for everything. You pay for the parking and the museum inside the gift shop, and then put the receipt on your dashboard. 

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Friday: Closed

Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. / 11:00–16:00

Ticket Prices:

General (13+): $3.00 / €2.78

Children ages 12 years and under: Free

Autry Museum of the American West

General information:

The Autry Museum focuses completely on the American West, as you could’ve probably guessed. The museum is beautiful and very informative. It goes into all aspects of the West, including stereotypes, reality, different participating people groups, and, of course, history. There was a specific exhibit on the hurtful stereotypes Hollywood displayed, normally depicting Native Americans as the antagonists.

There was a strong emphasis on the native communities that came before American settlers, which I appreciated. The amount and quality of information about the Tongva people who inhabited the Los Angeles area before American or Mexican Settlers came was insightful. I had no idea just how diverse L.A. was before it was L.A. Located right next to the Los Angeles Zoo, this museum is worth a visit and, in my opinion, better than the nearby zoo.

Parking:

There is free on-site parking. If, for whatever reason, the parking lot at the Autry fills up, the Los Angeles Zoo is next door with even more parking spaces at no cost.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. / 10:00–16:00

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 10:00–17:00

Ticket Prices: 

Adults (13-61):  $18.00 / €16.67

Senior (62+): $14.00 / €12.96

College Student (with ID): $14.00 / €12.96

Children (3-12):  $8.00 / €7.40

Active U.S. Military & Retired U.S. Veterans (with ID):  Free

Child age 2 and under:  Free

Avila Adobe

General Information:

The Avila Adobe is a small museum located in El Pueblo de Los Angeles on Olvera Street. The museum highlights itself as the oldest house in Los Angeles being built in 1818. Walking on the property, you are transported to a time when California was still under Mexico. The house is still set up as if someone in the 1800s was living in it, and it’s an amazing piece of L.A. history.

Parking:

The Avila Adobe does not have a designated parking lot. You will instead have to park in one of the nearby parking lots. The closest place to park your car is in Union Station. Union Station charges $2.00 / €1.80 every 15 minutes for a maximum of $16.00 / €14.43.

If you do not want to park in front of Union Station, you can try your luck in Chinatown or Little Tokyo, but the prices are pretty similar, if not a bit more expensive than Union Station and further away.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday–Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. / 09:00–16:00

Ticket Prices:

The admission to the Avila Adobe is free, and no reservation is required.

Battleship USS Iowa

General Information:

The USS Iowa was a very surprising museum. It is unique in the sense that the entire museum is located on a decommissioned World War II-era battleship. Located in the small city of San Pedro right next to Long Beach. The museum has the best layout of any museum I have visited to date. There are extra tours that let you explore different parts of the ship that you can add on. There are also scannable QR codes for you to get a free self-guided tour. 

You get to see different parts of the ship, such as the captain’s quarters, the mess hall (cafeteria), sleeping quarters, and the areas where actual missiles and torpedoes were kept. When I went, there was also an exhibit highlighting lost shipwrecks entitled “Lost at Sea.” Some of the shipwrecks discussed included the RMS Lusitania and the HMHS Britannic. The entire experience was fun, informative, and perfect for all ages.  

Parking:

There is on-site parking for $2.00 / €1.84 per hour with a daily maximum of $20.00 / €18.48. There is also some free parking on Harbor Boulevard, but please read the parking signs, as it can result in you getting a ticket or getting towed.

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 10:00–17:00

Ticket Prices:

Adults (12-61):  $29.95 / €27.68

Youth (3-11):  $21.95 / €20.29

Senior (62+): $26.95 / €24.91

Active U.S. Military & Retired U.S. Veterans (with ID):  $26.95 / €24.91

Child age 2 and under:  Free

California African American Museum (CAAM)

General Information:

The California African American Museum is located in Exposition Park alongside the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The museum is smaller compared to its neighbors, but it still offers a unique perspective on California history. The African American community in California is not discussed as much as it should be, and this museum does a superb job of doing just that. There are three sizable halls that display art, artifacts, and documents.

Parking:

Parking is not at the California African American Museum, but rather at Exposition Park (where the California African American Museum is located). The price is $15.00 / €13.91 for parking from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 08:00–17:00. 

The price does go up after 5 p.m. / 17:00 as the parking is normally for the nearby stadiums. Click here to go to the Exposition Park official website and learn more about parking.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 10:00–17:00

Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 11:00–17:00

Ticket Prices:

Admission to the California African American Museum is free, and no reservation is required.

Chinese American Museum

General Information:

The Chinese American Museum is a very small and intimate museum that highlights the Chinese Americans and their role in Los Angeles. Located right at the edge of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles area, it is in an unassuming location. Don’t let the hidden location take away from the quality of information. This museum is very informative and goes over critical points in U.S. History. 

The museum has a temporary exhibition hall that displays various artworks and artifacts related to Chinese Americans. There is a lot of information on the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was so impactful in U.S. History. This museum is worth a visit and a great way to spend a short layover at Union Station since it’s less than a 10-minute walk.

Parking:

The Chinese American Museum does not have a designated parking lot. You will instead have to park in one of the nearby parking lots. The closest place to park your car is in Union Station. Union Station charges $2.00 / €1.80 every 15 minutes for a maximum of $16.00 / €14.43.

 If you do not want to park in front of Union Station, you can try your luck in Chinatown or Little Tokyo, but the prices are pretty similar, if not a bit more expensive than Union Station and further away.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. / 10:00–15:00

Ticket Prices:

Admission to the Chinese American Museum is free, and no reservation is required.

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles

General Information:

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is a really small museum that highlights the Italian American experience in the context of the nation’s multicultural mosaic. There is one permanent exhibit with smaller exhibits throughout the year. I did not know just how many Italians were present in Los Angeles. I know there are a lot on the East Coast in States like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but it was something new to learn knowing there was a large population in L.A.

Parking:

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles does not have a designated parking lot. You will instead have to park in one of the nearby parking lots. The closest place to park your car is in Union Station. Union Station charges $2.00 / €1.80 every 15 minutes for a maximum of $16.00 / €14.43. 

If you do not want to park in front of Union Station, you can try your luck in Chinatown or Little Tokyo, but the prices are pretty similar, if not a bit more expensive than Union Station and further away.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. / 10:00–15:00

Ticket Prices:

Admission to the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is free, and no reservation is required. Although admission is free, donations are encouraged.

Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA)

General Information:

The Long Beach Museum of Art is located across from the Long Beach City Beach. It is a rather small museum and features two floors of art exhibits. The first floor contains a smaller art exhibition room and the gift shop, while the second floor contains a larger exhibition hall. There is also a restaurant with an absolutely beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and Ed White Memorial Island.

Parking:

Parking at the Long Beach Museum of Art is free, however, I could not find their parking lot. I drove around a couple of times, but their designated parking lot eluded me. Luckily, the nearby streets had a large amount of parking with a short 5-minute walk.

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Wednesday: Closed

Thursday–Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 11:00–17:00

Ticket Prices:

General (13+):  $15.00 / €13.98

College Student: $10.00 / €9.32

Senior: $10.00 / €9.32

Children (12 and under):  Free

Museum of Death Hollywood

General Information:

The Museum of Death is the most intense museum in L.A. Unlike other heavy museums like the Holocaust Museum L.A. or The Tolerance Museum, this museum was created with the intent of being a shock. There are two Museums of Death, with the other being located in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

This museum contains graphic images and detailed descriptions of death, murder, necrophilia, and cannibalism, just to name a few. There were also dedicated rooms to popular serial killers such as Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy. This museum was very graphic, and caution is advised if you cannot handle such explicit material. 

Parking:

Parking can be a nightmare. If you are okay with walking from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there is a popular mall called the Ovation Hollywood that has some of the best parking rates in the area. It can cost only $3.00 / €2.79 for two or four hours with validation. 

Click here to learn about parking validation in Los Angeles. You can try to find some free parking on the surrounding streets. If you are planning to be there at night, I would not recommend you park far, since the area can get a little more dangerous at night.

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. / 11:00–23:00

Ticket Prices:

The Museum of Death does not take cash payments so be sure to have a credit or debit card available.

Tickets for Everyone: $20.00 / €18.43

Keep in mind there is also a processing fee of $1.00 /  €00.92, so the total comes out to $21.00 /  €19.36

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

General Information:

The Museum of Latin American Art is an amazing art museum in Long Beach. It features Latino artists and showcases their heritage, imagination, and experiences. There are large halls to showcase said art and a sizable sculpture garden outside. There are signs directing you to the sculpture garden since it can be a bit confusing to get there. 

Once you exit the building in the back, make an immediate right and walk all the way down the narrow hall. Although it could use a touch up, the sculpture garden was good and the over all museum was great.

Parking:

There is a parking lot located on site that is free and easy to access. The parking spots are abundant.

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday–Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / 11:00–18:00

Ticket Prices:

This museum has free admission every Sunday!

General (13+):  $15.00 / €13.98

College Student (with valid ID): $10.00 / €9.32

Senior: $10.00 / €9.32

Children (12 and under):  Free

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens

General Information:

This ranch was a true-hidden gem to visit. Located in the southeast end of the L.A. Metro Area lies the Los Alamitos Ranch. This is a well-preserved ranch has so much history and is so engaging for all ages. There are well manicured gardens, live animals, barns, and an old adobe house you can tour. The animals rotate but when I was there, there were two horses and a donkey. One of the horses is named Preston (a docent told me he is always there and was born on the ranch!). 

The house was originally constructed around 1804 and was made out of adobe. It has science undergone many transformations into the humble mansion it is now. The only way to see the house is through a docent led tour, but they are free. In fact, everything with this ranch and museum is free, including parking! This is well worth a visit.

Parking:

Parking at the Los Alamitos Ranch is free. Before going on to the property, you will enter what looks like a gated community. Tell the booth operator there you are there to visit the ranch, and they’ll give you a piece of paper to put on your dash. From there you go up the hill, make a left, and it will be on your right. The parking lot is plentiful and free.

Hours of Operation:

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday–Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. / 13:00–17:00

Ticket Prices:

General admission to the Los Alamitos Ranch is free for all ages. When you go into the property go into the building where someone will direct you to a screen. There you check in. They’ll ask for basic information like first and last name, email, and zip code. It is up at that desk that you can sign up for some free tours as well.

The Broad

General Information:

The Broad is one of the most famous museums in Los Angeles and stands as an architectural gem in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles. The Broad has been on the top of many “best museums in L.A.” lists for years, and it is clear why. Opened in 1984, this museum stands as an amazing art museum showcasing contemporary art from the 1950s. 

The museum is located near other important landmarks like the Grand Central Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). There are beautiful works of art and amazing temporary exhibitions on display. There are free guided tours every Tuesday and Friday at 3 p.m. / 15:00. The Broad should be on your list if you are in Downtown Los Angeles.

Parking: 

The Broad does offer parking on campus. The fee is $17.00 / €15.58 for three hours with museum validation, and $5.00 / €4.58 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $27.00 / €24.75 daily maximum. There is a $17.00 / €15.58 flat rate after 5 p.m. / 17:00 on weeknights and all day on weekends.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 11:00–17:00

Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. / 11:00–20:00

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / 10:00–18:00

Ticket Prices:

General admission to the Broad is free for all ages, but does require a reservation. Click here to reserve your ticket for the Broad.

The California Science Center

General Information:

The California Science Center opened in 1998 and has since served as a free interactive museum for all ages. It has an amazing area highlighting space exploration and has smaller-scale replicas of satellites, probes, and other space equipment.

 The most impressive part was the area of the ecosystems, which highlighted 10 different zones from the Arctic poles to the desert. Each area is informative and interactive. My favorite area was the kelp forest area which has a 118,00 gallon / 446,678 liters aquarium and has over 800 different fish species. 

Parking:

Parking is not at the California Science Center, but rather at the Exposition Park (where the California Science Center is located). The price is $15.00 / €13.91 for parking from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 08:00–17:00. The price does go up after 5 p.m. / 17:00 as the parking is normally for the nearby stadiums. Click here to go to the Exposition Park official website and learn more about parking.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. / 09:30–15:30

Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / 09:30–16:30

Ticket Prices:

Admission to the Science Center and its permanent exhibits is free. Any admission to the IMAX films and any special exhibits does cost money.

The Getty Center

General Information:

Opened in 1997, this art museum features 44,000 art pieces from the Middle Ages to the present day. Aside from its impressive collection, the Getty Center has the second-best view of Los Angeles (on a clear day) coming behind the Griffith Observatory. Even if you are not the biggest fan of art, the amazing views and stunning gardens are worth a visit.

There is a tram that takes you from the lower lot to the museum property. It’s perfect during a sunny day as a good portion of the campus is outdoors and perfect for a romantic evening or a date night. There is also a good amount of docent-guided tours offered throughout the day. The tours include gardens, architecture, and certain collections.

The Getty Center is not the only Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The Getty Villa is located roughly 40 minutes away and occupies the number one spot on this list. The museum itself is free to enter and requires a reservation. However, parking is not free (that’s where they get you). 

Parking:

Parking is $25.00 / €23.22 for the day and $15.00 / €13.93 after 3 p.m. / 15:00. On Saturdays, parking is $10.00 / €9.29 after 6 p.m. / 18:00. Depending on where you are at or staying in Los Angeles, it may be cheaper to take a ride-share as opposed to parking. 

There is a parking deal that allows you to pay for one location (Getty Center or Getty Villa) and park at the other for free. Make sure to make a reservation for both locations and then take your parking ticket (whichever museum you visited first) and ask for the same-day parking coupon. Note that this discount is not offered on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Hours of Operation:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. / 10:00–17:30

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. / 10:00–20:00

Ticket Prices:

Admission is free but does require a reservation. Click here to reserve your tickets for the Getty Center.

The Getty Villa

General Information:

The Getty Villa stands at the top of many lists, and for good reason. There truly is something here for everyone. There is history, art, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. The museum was opened in Malibu by J. Paul Getty in 1974 and is dedicated to Roman and Ancient Greek architecture and art. 

The entire building is modeled after the Villa dei Papiri in Italy, and it feels as if you are walking around right next to the Mediterranean. There is also a good amount of docent-guided tours offered throughout the day. The tours include gardens, architecture, and certain collections.

The Getty Villa is not the only Getty museum in Los Angeles. The Getty Center is located roughly 40 minutes north and occupies the third spot on this list. The museum itself is free to enter and requires a reservation. 

Parking:

Parking is $25.00 / €23.22 for the day and $15.00 / €13.93 after 3 p.m. / 15:00. On Saturdays, parking is $10.00 / €9.29 after 6 p.m. / 18:00. Depending on where you are at or staying in Los Angeles, it may be cheaper to take a ride-share as opposed to parking. 

There is a parking deal that allows you to pay for one location (Getty Center or Getty Villa) and park at the other for free. Make sure to make a reservation for both locations and then take your parking ticket (whichever museum you visited first) and ask for the same-day parking coupon. Note that this discount is not offered on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday-Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 10:00–17:00

Ticket Prices:

Admission is free but does require a reservation. Click here to reserve your tickets for the Getty Center.

The Grammy Museum L.A. Live

General Information:

The Grammy Museum is a very L.A. museum offering the history and information related to the Grammys. For people who may not be aware, the Grammy Awards are a very prestigious award show that rewards the best of the best in all things music-related. The museum was well done, focusing on major music legends like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Michael Jackson. The museum is located right next to Crypto.com Arena and the Peacock Theater. This was a very good museum and I easily spent hours here.

Parking:

The Grammy Museum does offer parking on-site. If you are planning on spending less than two hours, then you can park in lots E & W (Gates E & F). If you’re planning on spending more than two hours, you can park in lot W (Gate B).

Hours of Operation:

Sunday, Monday & Wednesday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 11:00-17:00

Tuesday: Closed

Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / 11:00-18:00

Ticket Prices:

Adult (18+): $18.00 / €16.49

Senior (65+): $15.00 / €13.74

College Student (with valid ID): $12.00 / €10.99

Military (with valid ID): $15.00 / €13.74

Youth (5-17): $12.00 / €10.99

Children age 4 and under: Free

The Griffith Observatory

General Information:

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most recognizable travel destinations in Los Angeles. It has stood proud in Griffith Park, defining the hills behind the Los Angeles skyline for decades. The Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and has been L.A.’s gateway to the stars ever since. The building offers the best views of Los Angeles (on a clear day). 

The building itself has galleries dedicated to space exploration and all things interstellar. It describes the planets, satellites, and how space is studied and explored. There is also the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theatre, which has shows throughout the day for an additional cost.

Besides parking (explained below), you can use the public bus or park outside Griffith Park and walk to the observatory for free. If you decide to take a bus, there are DASH buses every day that go from Los Feliz to the Griffith Observatory. Click here to go to the DASH bus official website.

If you plan on hiking, you can make an entire day of it. Griffith Park has so much to explore, but be aware that it is a 3.2-mile / 5.6-kilometer hike. It is a gorgeous hike, and you are greeted with amazing views along the way.

Parking:

The Griffith Observatory does have parking right at the building and the streets leading up to the observatory, but they are a bit pricey, costing $10.00 / €9.28 per hour. They also fill up very fast, so don’t expect to park close to the building. There is free parking around the Greek Theater on non-event days, but be aware that it is close to a mile / 1.6 kilometers for a one-way walk, and spots can also fill up there. 

Hours of Operation:

Even if the Griffith Observatory is closed, the grounds are free and always open, so you will have those picture views whenever, if the weather is right.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. / 12:00-22:00

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. / 10:00-22:00

Ticket Prices:

The museum observatory and its galleries are free. Only the shows playing at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater require payment. Click here to learn more about the shows at the Griffith Observatory.

The Guinness World Record Museum

General Information: 

The Guinness World Record Museum displays many of the Guinness World Records that were broken. The museum itself is very interactive and allows you to interact with some of the exhibits, including the lowest-ever recorded limbo, and the chance to compete on the largest Pac-Man game. 

There are combo tickets that include both the Guinness World Record Museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum. The museum is a bit small and feels geared more towards children. Also, the prices (like many on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) are very expensive. If you have no children in your party, there are plenty of other places to see and things to do in Los Angeles.

Parking:

You can try to find some free parking on the surrounding streets (although it’s difficult). If you are planning to be there at night, I would not recommend you park far, since the area can get a little more dangerous at night. There is a popular mall called the Ovation Hollywood that has parking and costs only $3.00 / €2.79 for two or four hours with validation. 

Hours of Operation:

It appears as if the hours are not set and vary depending on the week, but not by much, so check on their website to confirm their hours of operation on that day.

Monday–Sunday:  9 a.m. – 12 a.m. / 09:00–00:00 Or   9 a.m. – 11 p.m. / 09:00–23:00

Ticket Prices:

Ticket Prices for the Guinness World Record Museum:

Regular (12+): $25.99 – $29.99 / €24.25 – €27.98

Children (4-11): $17.99 / €16.78

Children age 3 and under: Free

Ticket Prices for Both the Guinness World Record Museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum:

Regular (12+): $29.99 – $34.99 / €27.98 – €32.65

Children (4-11): $19.99 / €18.65

Children ages 3 and under: Free

Conclusion

This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of 20 museums in Los Angeles. Of course, this is not a complete list, but it covers a lot of museums and galleries. What is your favorite museum in Los Angeles? Have you been to any of these museums? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.