Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, sits on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile, beside the La Brea Tar Pits. Its collection spans thousands of years and art from around the world, from ancient objects to modern and contemporary work. Start outside with Chris Burden’s Urban Light, an arrangement of 202 restored street lamps, then head into the galleries for changing exhibitions and collections that include Latin American, Islamic and Asian art. The campus is undergoing construction, so check which galleries are open before you plan your visit.
Art from across time and the world
LACMA’s collections span thousands of years and draw on art from many regions. The galleries and exhibitions bring together ancient works, historical objects and contemporary art. Areas of the collection include Latin American, Islamic, Asian, European and American art, with displays that range from Greek ceramics and Spanish Colonial art to modern Mexican and Peruvian silver.
The museum’s Latin American holdings include pre-Columbian works as well as modern and contemporary art. Its Islamic collection is another major part of the museum, and its displays also cover Korean, Japanese and other Asian art. The breadth of the collection means that a visit can move between very different periods and traditions. Check the exhibition calendar before setting out, since temporary shows change over time.
Urban Light and the outdoor works
At the Wilshire Boulevard entrance, Chris Burden’s Urban Light brings together 202 cast-iron street lamps, many restored from streets around California. The lamps are arranged in rows and illuminated at night. The installation is outside the museum, so you can see it without entering the galleries.
Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass is another prominent outdoor work. A large boulder sits above a walkway, which visitors can pass beneath. LACMA’s grounds also have sculpture areas, giving you more to see between gallery visits. Families may want to look for Metropolis II, a kinetic city sculpture with miniature cars and trains moving along a network of tracks and streets.
Planning time inside
The museum is at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, next to the La Brea Tar Pits and close to other Museum Row attractions. Its exhibitions and collections are spread across a large campus, and construction has affected which indoor spaces are available. The Resnick Pavilion and BCAM have remained in use during this work, but check the museum website for current access and exhibitions before your visit.
Two hours may not cover everything you want to see. Choose a few galleries or exhibitions in advance, then leave room for the outdoor works. The textiles and prints area is one section to seek out if you want to go beyond the better-known installations. LACMA also presents concerts and other programs; its music events have included classical, jazz, Latin and new music. Check the event calendar for what is scheduled during your trip.
Free admission options
The museum has offered free general admission on the second Tuesday of each month. Los Angeles County residents can also visit for free on weekdays after 3 PM. These options can draw crowds, so advance tickets are a useful way to plan around busy entry periods. Urban Light is outdoors and can be visited without a museum admission ticket.
FAQ
How long do you need at LACMA?
Allow around two to four hours. The campus and collections are extensive, and two hours may not be enough if you plan to explore several galleries.
Is Urban Light free to visit?
Yes. The outdoor installation is accessible without a museum admission ticket.
When is admission to LACMA free?
General admission is free on the second Tuesday of each month. Los Angeles County residents can also visit free on weekdays after 3 PM.
What is there to see at LACMA?
The museum has art from ancient times to the present, with collections including Latin American, Islamic, Asian, European and American art. Outside, look for Urban Light and Levitated Mass.
