New York, Chicago, Boston- eat your hearts out. In the sprawl of Los Angeles, our really fantastic area museums are often overlooked. But LA’s repositories of art and culture are great places to renew, recharge and get out of yourself. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about art, aren’t a big fan of “old” things, or conversely don’t jive with modern works. If you go with an open mind, I promise 90% of you will find something that makes you laugh, makes you cry or maybe even pisses you off. And luckily most of our museums boast beautiful outdoor spaces and plenty of alcohol, so they’re great places to go alone, on a date or in a group- just don’t spill any wine in the galleries!
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Without a doubt the hippest, most novice-friendly museum in LA. Discover a treasure trove of modern art in the fabulous and fun Broad Contemporary Wing. Sit on the lawn of the Resnick Pavilion, which includes the post-war inspired Ray’s Restaurant and Stark Bar, and listen to free jazz at Fridays after five. Take pictures of the children and lovers playing under Chris Burden’s Urban Light instillation. Don’t forget to head over to the lovely and peaceful Japanese Pavilion, far away from the hustle and bustle. LACMA also host great film series, lots of artist talks and is right next to the LaBrea Tar Pits. The museum is free to LA residents after 3pm Monday through Friday, just bring your state ID!
The Getty: You’ll feel like you’re on Mount Olympus at this beautiful museum high on a mountaintop above the 5 freeway. Panoramic views, a breathtaking sunken spiral garden, a European style cafeteria, and an amazing photography and illuminated manuscript collection are some of the highlights. Admission is free, but you do have to pay for parking. The tram ride up is fantastic, but on the way down I suggest you walk the quiet back service road to your car.
Hammer Museum of Art: This Westwood space holds some of the edgiest and inventive contemporary exhibits in Los Angeles. It also has a small permanent collection, which includes a fabulous collection of work by the hilarious 19th century caricaturist Honore Daumier. A small café in the Murphy sculpture garden, the Billy Wilder Theater, and the best museum store in the city make this sleek space a place you’ll want to visit again and again! Admission is $10, but it is free for all every Thursday.
Norton Simon Museum: This Pasadena treasure contains one of the most elegant and carefully curated collections of renaissance to 20th century art in the West. The perfect place to take visiting relatives or a solo sojourn, this intimate space is filled with touching works by Raphael, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Picasso. Take a spell in the intimate sculpture garden and get a bite to eat at the Garden Café. Tickets are $10 each but those with a student ID get in free.
Natural History Museum: This throwback feels like something out of The Mixed up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler. Located in Exposition Park, right across from the USC campus and adjacent to the charming rose garden, this museum is one of the oldest in Los Angeles. If taxidermy is your thing, then this is the place for you- dusty exhibits featuring stuffed California wildlife abound, as do cool interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the wildly popular seasonal butterfly pavilion. There are concerts and lectures every Friday evening, and a 100th birthday celebration on June 8th promises to be fun for all ages. Ticket prices vary.