The Hammer Museum is a UCLA-affiliated art museum on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, Los Angeles. Free admission makes it easy to drop in for its changing exhibitions, which range from contemporary work by local artists to historical paintings and prints. Inside, galleries sit across several levels around an open-air courtyard with outdoor art, a restaurant and a shop. Look for works in the Armand Hammer Collection and the Grunwald Center Collection, or check the current exhibition schedule before you go; the displays change frequently.
A museum built around changing exhibitions
The Hammer Museum opened in 1990, founded by industrialist Armand Hammer to house his art collection. It is now affiliated with UCLA and presents historical and contemporary work across visual media. Its exhibitions change frequently, with shows spanning modern art, photography, design and work by emerging artists. The biennial Made in L.A. exhibition focuses on artists connected to the region.
The museum’s program extends beyond gallery displays. Public events include lectures, readings, concerts, film screenings and performances. Check the calendar before your visit if you want to plan around a particular exhibition or event.
Historical collections and works on paper
The Armand Hammer Collection includes European and American paintings, drawings and sculpture. Works by artists including Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh are among the historic art associated with the museum’s collections. Displays change, so check the current collection and exhibition information if you have a particular artist in mind.
The Grunwald Center Collection holds more than 45,000 prints, drawings, photographs and books, with works dating to the Renaissance. Its focus on works on paper gives the museum another way to explore art history alongside its contemporary exhibitions. Japanese woodblock prints are also among the works visitors may encounter.
Getting around the galleries
The museum’s galleries are spread across multiple levels, linked by stairs and elevators. An open-air courtyard sits at the center of the building, with outdoor artworks, places to sit, a restaurant and a shop. The layout gives you a break between galleries without leaving the museum.
Families can ask at the front desk for a Discovery Guide designed for children and students. The museum also has family-oriented activities and screenings at times; check the program before travelling with children, as some contemporary exhibitions may not suit every age.
Plan around the current program
The Hammer is at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, near UCLA. Admission is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays. It has a cafe and restaurant, a gift shop and a theater, so you can combine a gallery visit with a meal or a scheduled screening.
If you are driving, parking is available for a fee. One visitor account reports a rate of $8 for three hours with validation, but confirm the current parking arrangements before setting out. For a focused visit, choose an exhibition or collection to prioritize, then use the courtyard and other galleries to round out your time.
FAQ
Is admission to the Hammer Museum free?
Yes. Admission to the museum is free.
Where is the Hammer Museum?
It is at 10899 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, Los Angeles, near UCLA.
What can you see at the Hammer Museum?
The museum presents changing contemporary exhibitions and historical art, including works on paper and paintings in its collections. The current displays change, so check the website before visiting.
Is there parking at the Hammer Museum?
Paid parking is available. One visitor account reports $8 for three hours with validation; check current arrangements before your visit.
