Craft and Folk Art Museum Los Angeles
Discover contemporary craft and folk art, often highlighting women artists, with interactive workshops and a unique gift shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pay what you can admission
Craft and Folk Art Museum Los Angeles
Best Time
Pay what you can admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover contemporary craft and folk art, often highlighting women artists, with interactive workshops and a unique gift shop.
"A niche museum with cool art, it's small but worth going, especially on Sundays!"
🎯 Sunday 'Pay What You Can'
Visit on Sundays for 'pay what you can' admission. A great budget-friendly option!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tricky; consider off-site lots or metered street parking a few blocks away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
IAO Olfactory Storylab
Exhibition Space
An experimental perfume lab where visitors interact with perfumers and explore scent narratives.
Textile and Fiber Art
Exhibition Space
Discover sculptures and weaves made from textiles and thread, often with commentary on resistance and colonialism.
Museum Shop Treasures
Museum Shop
Find unique handcrafted jewelry, Day of the Dead collections, and locally made crafts.
Interactive Workshops
Workshop Area
Engage in hands-on workshops like mosaic or fabric dyeing, suitable for all skill levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Funday: Pay What You Can
Small but Mighty: Plan Your Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunday 'Pay What You Can'
Visit on Sundays for 'pay what you can' admission. A great budget-friendly option!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tricky; consider off-site lots or metered street parking a few blocks away.
🛍️ Unique Gift Finds
The museum shop offers handcrafted jewelry and local artisan goods – perfect for gifts! +1
👃 Scent-sational Exhibits
Don't miss exhibits like the Olfactory Storylab for a multi-sensory art experience. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunday 'Pay What You Can'
Visit on Sundays for 'pay what you can' admission. A great budget-friendly option!
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tricky; consider off-site lots or metered street parking a few blocks away.
🛍️ Unique Gift Finds
The museum shop offers handcrafted jewelry and local artisan goods – perfect for gifts! +1
👃 Scent-sational Exhibits
Don't miss exhibits like the Olfactory Storylab for a multi-sensory art experience. +1
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
The museum is compact; plan for a visit of 30-60 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Craft Contemporary for its unique focus on women's art and engaging craft exhibits, particularly enjoying the Olfactory Storylab and the diverse gift shop. While some note its smaller size, the 'pay what you can' Sundays and the friendly staff enhance the experience. Parking can be a minor challenge.
"Amazing museum showcasing primarily women's art, which isn't the case in most LA museums. Really enjoyed the perfume exhibit, Tea Towel installation and the gift shop!"
G B
"I visited the Craft Contemporary for an event and loved it. The event was delightful, it was during scent week and perfumers from around the globe were present. The music was 🔥, free samples of drinks and water were available. I walked the museum store afterwards and found lots of cute nick nacks and wares. Parking is off site, good luck tbh. I parked a couple blocks away at a small lot. Haven’t walked the entire museum yet, maybe in the future."
Rebecca Rodriguez
"interesting museum with cool art, but it is pretty small. we paid $4 bc we went on a sunday, the museum is so tiny i wouldn’t have wanted to pay much more than that but it’s still worth going."
charisma barriger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Craft Contemporary Museum is located at 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. It's accessible by public transport, and many visitors find metered street parking or nearby off-site lots.
Parking can be challenging. While some visitors have found metered street parking, others recommend using off-site lots a few blocks away.
Yes, the museum is accessible via various bus routes in the Mid-Wilshire area. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options.
Absolutely! It's located near other museums like LACMA, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the La Brea Tar Pits, making it easy to combine with a museum-hopping day.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are popular options for getting around LA. If driving, be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices can vary, but Sundays offer a 'pay what you can' option, making it very accessible. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Sundays are 'pay what you can' days, offering a significant discount. It's always a good idea to check their website for any special promotions or events.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website before your visit. They often have specific hours for weekdays and weekends.
While some museums offer online ticket purchases, the 'pay what you can' on Sundays might be an in-person transaction. It's recommended to check their website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
The museum generally strives to be accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum directly or check their website for specific accessibility details regarding ramps, elevators, and other facilities.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on contemporary craft and folk art, often showcasing works by women artists, textiles, ceramics, and unique handcrafted pieces.
Most visitors find the museum to be on the smaller side, with a visit typically lasting between 30 minutes to an hour.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts interactive workshops, such as fabric dyeing and mosaic making, catering to various skill levels. +1
This is an experimental perfume laboratory where visitors can engage with perfumers and explore personal and cultural narratives through scent. +1
The museum can be engaging for children, especially with its interactive workshops and hands-on elements in some exhibits. The smaller size also makes it manageable for families. +1
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The museum shop features a curated selection of handcrafted jewelry, unique home goods, local artisan crafts, and seasonal collections like 'Day of the Dead' items. +2
The museum itself doesn't typically have a full-service restaurant, but there are many cafes and eateries in the surrounding Mid-Wilshire area.
Absolutely! The museum shop is a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and art pieces from local makers. +1
While they focus on finished artisan goods, it's worth checking the shop for unique craft-related items or materials, especially during special events or markets.
Craft Contemporary often hosts Makers Markets showcasing curated selections of contemporary craft and design by LA-based makers, perfect for holiday shopping.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff if personal photography is permitted, especially without flash.
The unique exhibits, especially those with vibrant textiles or interactive elements, offer great photo opportunities. The museum shop also has visually appealing items. +1
Professional photography or videography usually requires prior permission and may involve fees. Contact the museum's administration for their specific policies.
Exhibits featuring intricate textile art, colorful ceramic pieces, or the Olfactory Storylab can be visually striking and make for memorable photos. +1
Popular hashtags include #CraftContemporary, #LACraft, #LosAngelesArt, #FolkArtLA, and #HandmadeLA to connect with other visitors and art enthusiasts. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum's manageable size means it won't overwhelm younger visitors, and the 'pay what you can' Sundays make it an affordable outing. While some exhibits might be more abstract, the tactile nature of many craft pieces can spark curiosity. The friendly staff are often happy to share insights, making the visit more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the nearby museums like LACMA or the Petersen Automotive Museum, which are all in close proximity. This allows you to see a lot of art and culture without breaking the bank. Remember to factor in potential parking costs, as free parking can be scarce.
🎁 Gift Shoppers & Art Lovers
Art lovers will appreciate the museum's focus on contemporary craft and folk art, often highlighting underrepresented artists. The rotating exhibits ensure there's always something new and inspiring to discover, making it a worthwhile visit for those seeking fresh perspectives in the art world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Contemporary Craft and Folk Art
Many exhibits delve into themes of cultural commentary, resistance, and personal narratives. For instance, the museum has featured art made from recycled materials, including striking pieces crafted from saris, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and creative reuse. The IAO Olfactory Storylab is another unique offering, allowing visitors to engage with scent as an artistic medium, exploring personal and cultural stories through experimental perfumes.
Beyond the exhibitions, Craft Contemporary actively engages the community through workshops and events. These hands-on experiences, such as fabric dyeing and mosaic making, are designed for all skill levels, making art creation accessible to everyone. This commitment to participation and education is a hallmark of the museum's mission.
The Museum Shop: A Curated Collection
This space is a fantastic resource for finding one-of-a-kind gifts and pieces that reflect the vibrant local art scene in Los Angeles. You'll find everything from rings and earrings to necklaces and other accessories, all crafted with an eye for detail and artistic flair. The emphasis is on supporting local makers and offering items that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Beyond jewelry, the shop also offers a variety of other handcrafted goods, including ceramics, textiles, and unique design objects. It's a place where visitors can take a piece of the museum's spirit home with them, supporting contemporary craft and folk art with every purchase.
Community Engagement and Workshops
Workshops often cover diverse techniques, such as fabric dyeing, mosaic creation, and other craft-based skills. Led by exhibiting artists or skilled instructors, these events provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn new techniques, express their creativity, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. The museum encourages participation from all ages and skill levels, fostering a welcoming environment for artistic exploration.
In addition to workshops, the museum frequently hosts special events, including exhibition openings and makers' markets. These events not only provide platforms for artists to showcase and sell their work but also create vibrant community gatherings. The Makers Market, in particular, is a highlight, featuring a curated selection of contemporary craft and design from local LA-based makers, making it an ideal spot for holiday shopping or finding unique treasures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit