LACMA
A sprawling campus featuring diverse art collections, iconic installations like Urban Light, and free Friday night jazz concerts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free Jazz concerts!
LACMA
Best Time
Free Jazz concerts!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling campus featuring diverse art collections, iconic installations like Urban Light, and free Friday night jazz concerts.
"Urban Light is a must-see, and the free Friday jazz nights are a fantastic community event. "
🎯 Arrive early for Jazz
For Jazz at LACMA, aim for 5-5:15 PM to snag a good spot on the lawn.
🧺 Picnic & BYOB for Jazz
Bring blankets, chairs, food, and drinks for a relaxed Jazz night.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Urban Light
Outdoor installation
Chris Burden's iconic forest of 202 restored streetlights is a must-see, especially at dusk.
Jazz at LACMA
Smidt Welcome Plaza
Free Friday night jazz concerts offer a vibrant atmosphere with live music and picnicking.
Yoshitomo Nara Exhibition
Resnick Pavilion
Explore the whimsical and thought-provoking works of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Construction & Current Offerings
Free Friday Jazz Nights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive early for Jazz
For Jazz at LACMA, aim for 5-5:15 PM to snag a good spot on the lawn.
🧺 Picnic & BYOB for Jazz
Bring blankets, chairs, food, and drinks for a relaxed Jazz night.
🚗 Consider ride-sharing
Uber/Lyft can be easier if arriving late for Jazz nights.
🎟️ Check current exhibits
Due to construction, verify what's open before buying tickets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive early for Jazz
For Jazz at LACMA, aim for 5-5:15 PM to snag a good spot on the lawn.
🧺 Picnic & BYOB for Jazz
Bring blankets, chairs, food, and drinks for a relaxed Jazz night.
🚗 Consider ride-sharing
Uber/Lyft can be easier if arriving late for Jazz nights.
🎟️ Check current exhibits
Due to construction, verify what's open before buying tickets.
🚶♀️ Free entry for locals
LA County residents get free weekday admission after 3 PM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise LACMA's iconic 'Urban Light' installation and the free 'Jazz at LACMA' events as highlights. However, many note that current construction significantly limits access to permanent collections, leading to mixed reviews regarding value for money.
"Nice installations. You’ll love it if you loeve modern art. Free for LA county residences after 3pm. Labels are informative. Easier to get in book earlier online. However there’s the lights and the floating rock to see outside. They also do scheduled free tours. Parking ticket was $23 flat rate."
Dominique Ara
"World class museum with great prehispanic Mexican art exhibits and great artists like Nara! There are other incredible exhibits too, like Asian calligraphy and more!
Recently I visited the new exhibition gallery building and it’s awesome! I’ve been a member for a while and I recommend it because I got a preview to see the new building because of it! My only gripe is the expensive parking but there are meters all around the LACMA."
Anna V Garibay
"As the largest art museum on the West Coast, LACMA absolutely deserves its reputation! With over 120,000 artworks, it's famous for the stunning Urban Light installation featuring 202 vintage street lamps that create magical photo ops day and night. The lights automatically turn on at dusk which is absolutely breathtaking✨
Don't miss Levitated Mass - walking under that 340-ton suspended boulder is such a surreal experience! Inside, the Metropolis II kinetic sculpture with tiny cars racing around tracks is mesmerizing to watch.
Admission is $25 ($20 for LA residents) with kids under 12 free, plus the entire museum is free on the second Tuesday of each month. Plan at least 3 hours and book timed tickets in advance. Even if you skip the galleries, the outdoor sculptures alone are worth the trip and completely free to enjoy! The summer Jazz concerts add such a great vibe to the whole experience."
Eliz Guei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
LACMA is accessible via public transport, including numerous bus lines. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular options, especially for evening events like Jazz at LACMA. Parking is available, but can be pricey; consider street parking on 6th Street or walking from nearby shopping centers if you don't mind a stroll.
LACMA offers on-site parking, but it can be expensive. Some visitors suggest parking on 6th Street along the Park La Brea residences or walking from The Grove area. Always check signage for restrictions to avoid towing.
Yes, LACMA is well-served by public transportation. Several Metro bus lines stop near the museum, making it an accessible option for visitors without a car. Check the LACMA website or LA Metro for specific route information.
The main address for LACMA is 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
While there isn't a direct Metro Rail station at LACMA, you can take a Metro bus from nearby rail stations. Plan your route using the LA Metro Trip Planner for the most efficient journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official LACMA website for the most current pricing and any special offers. LA County residents can enjoy free admission on weekdays after 3 PM.
While not always mandatory, purchasing LACMA tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially for popular exhibitions or during peak times, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Yes, LA County residents receive free general admission on weekdays after 3 PM. Additionally, the 'Jazz at LACMA' concert series on Friday nights is a free event.
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LACMA's hours can change due to exhibitions and ongoing construction. It's crucial to check the official LACMA website for the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
The Rain Room exhibit was a popular installation, but its availability can change. Check the LACMA website for current special exhibitions and installations.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Given the current construction and limited open buildings, most visitors find 1-2 hours sufficient to see what's on display. This can be longer if you plan to attend special events or linger in the gift shop.
The iconic 'Urban Light' installation by Chris Burden is a major draw, especially for photos. +1 Check for current special exhibitions like Yoshitomo Nara's work.
Opinions vary. While some buildings and permanent collections are inaccessible due to renovations, 'Urban Light' and special exhibitions remain popular. The free Friday Jazz nights are also a significant draw.
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Photography is generally allowed in many areas of LACMA, especially for personal use, including the 'Urban Light' installation.
LACMA often offers guided tours for its collections and special exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule on their website for availability and topics.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
LACMA has a museum store (LACMA Store) offering a wide range of art-related books, gifts, and merchandise. You can find items related to current exhibitions and the museum's permanent collections.
LACMA typically has dining options available, such as cafes or restaurants, where visitors can grab a bite to eat. Check the LACMA website for current dining facilities and hours.
For general museum entry, outside food and drinks are usually restricted. However, for events like 'Jazz at LACMA,' picnicking with food and beverages is encouraged.
The LACMA gift shop offers a curated selection of art books, prints, unique jewelry, home decor, and apparel inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.
Yes, the area around LACMA has numerous dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. The nearby Grove shopping center also offers a variety of food choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open spaces around the museum are great for letting kids stretch their legs. When planning a visit, check the LACMA website for any family-specific programming or kid-friendly exhibitions that might be on display.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on parking, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services, or explore street parking options if you're comfortable with a bit of a walk.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Beyond this iconic piece, the museum's architecture and various outdoor sculptures offer diverse photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions that might provide unique subjects for your lens. For the best shots, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for soft lighting or after dark to capture the full effect of 'Urban Light.'
Remember to check photography guidelines for indoor exhibits, as flash is often prohibited. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating LACMA During Renovations
While the physical footprint of the museum is in flux, the spirit of LACMA endures through its programming. The 'Urban Light' installation remains a popular spot for photos and evening strolls, offering a constant beacon of art in the city.
The 'Jazz at LACMA' series provides a vibrant, free cultural experience on Friday nights, transforming the plaza into a lively gathering space. For those planning a visit, managing expectations is key. Instead of expecting to see vast galleries of permanent collections, focus on the available highlights and events.
The Magic of 'Jazz at LACMA'
The success of 'Jazz at LACMA' lies in its relaxed, picnic-friendly format. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, foldable chairs, food, and beverages to create their own comfortable viewing spot on the lawn.
To make the most of this popular event, arriving early is highly recommended.
Photography at LACMA: Urban Light and Beyond
It's a popular spot for engagement photos, fashion shoots, and casual snapshots, especially as dusk settles and the lights begin to glow. The sheer scale and artistic design make it an unforgettable backdrop. Beyond 'Urban Light,' LACMA offers numerous opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The museum's architecture, outdoor sculptures, and the diverse art within its galleries (where permitted) provide endless creative possibilities.
Visitors often capture moments from special exhibitions, like the vibrant works of Yoshitomo Nara, or the unique perspectives offered by installations like the (now-closed) Rain Room. For those looking to capture the best shots, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' before sunset for soft, flattering light, or after dark to fully appreciate the illuminated 'Urban Light.'
The 'Jazz at LACMA' events also provide a lively atmosphere for candid photography, capturing the joy and energy of the crowd. 
Social
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