Museums in Los Angeles

Los Angeles museums are among some of the most well known in the country. Home to some of the newest, most innovative structures like the Gettty Museum and excellent art collections like the one at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, there is no lack of cultural wealth in Southern California.

The extensive collection at the Getty Museum warrants at least a full day to fully explore. This unique building, designed by the well-known architect Richard Meier, is a work of art within itself. Over 1.2 million visitors a year wander through the halls of the Getty Museum to enjoy the vast collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts displays dating from 400 AD to the 20th century. Set in a scenic hilly setting, this innovative structure has a very creative use of water, and its contours mimic the hilly landscape. Since 1997, this is where the art collection of the famous collector J. Paul Getty has been housed, and this strikingly original building overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the famous Los Angeles skyline.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is within easy walking distance of other California attraction and nearby museums like the La Brea Tar Pits and the Automotive Museum. Also known as LACMA, this is among the top art museums in the country. This large collection has everything from the earliest photographs from 1839 to a modern art section. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is well known for its exquisite Japanese art collection.

Anyone who has traveled extensively in California knows that the Golden State has some of the best public gardens in the country, and some of these are the oldest Japanese water gardens in the West. There is no lack of Asian object represented and LACMA, so you should visit here if you enjoy Chinese and Japanese art and culture. With art objects dating from 900 BC, you are sure to be able to enjoy a rich and fulfilling experience when you visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you\'re planning to visit LACMA, be sure to keep in mind that it doesn\'t open until 12 noon most days, but it does stay open until 8pm. LACMA is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The second Tuesday of each month, admission is free.

The California African American Museum will interest anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the African culture in America. There are artifacts and artworks from the African culture, both past and present. Admission to the California African American Museum, and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. While most of the exhibits focus on works from Western and California artists, but there are also a number of temporary exhibits which take place in the elegant sculpture court which is in the entrance to the California African American Museum.

Aside from the crowded Southern California beaches and the big theme parks, the museums offer the visitor balance to a fun-filled but unenriching theme park and beach vacation. You can feel good you took your family to learn more about culture and history when you visit one of the excellent museums in Los Angeles.