Curator’s statement
Los Angeles is far more than celebrities, traffic, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s a world-class cultural capital that I had the pleasure of living in for 12 years, and it’s where I met some of the most fascinating, creative people in my life. Exploring the city’s museums with friends, artists, and curious locals taught me to see Los Angeles not just as a backdrop for entertainment, but as an artistic experience in itself. From the wonderfully strange Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City to the sweeping views and masterpieces at the Getty Center, these spots showcase the incredible range of voices, ideas, and imagination that define the city.
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Things to do in Los Angeles
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City)
A true Los Angeles oddity, this surreal, subtly whimsical space defies easy description. With an eccentric mix of art, artifacts, and thought experiments, it’s one of LA’s most unforgettable museum experiences. Do not miss out on the tea on the roof.
The Getty Center
Set high above Brentwood with sweeping views over the city and ocean, the Getty Center is a masterpiece of architecture and gardens as well as one of LA’s most essential art museums. Its rich collection spans European painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and photography.
Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades)
Modeled on an ancient Roman villa, the Getty Villa’s classical sculptures, antiquities, and beautifully restored gardens offer a peaceful, transportive visit. After extensive restoration following a regional wildfire, it reopened with exhibitions that highlight ancient Greek and Roman cultures.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The largest art museum in the western U.S. offers a panoramic sweep of human creativity—from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Don’t miss Urban Light at the entrance, an iconic photo moment as beloved as any painting inside.
Museum of Broken Relationships (Hollywood)
This emotionally resonant museum showcases personal objects and stories collected from around the world, each representing love, loss, and memory in profound and often playful ways. (Opened in Hollywood, part of a global series rooted in Zagreb.)
The Broad
One of LA’s seminal contemporary art spaces, The Broad features an ever-rotating roster of iconic modern works, including popular installations and pieces by major international artists.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
For cinephiles, this is a must. The stories, costumes, props, and immersive exhibits celebrating Hollywood and film history make it perfect for museum lovers with a love of movie magic.
Hammer Museum
Located on the UCLA campus, this engaging contemporary art space offers rotating exhibitions and public programs with an energetic intellectual vibe.
Places to eat & drink in Los Angeles
Joan’s on Third (Mid-City): A classic LA café/deli perfect for brunch or a light lunch between museum stops, fresh salads, sandwiches, and local people-watching.
Ray’s & Stark Bar (LACMA): Right on the LACMA campus, this chic indoor/outdoor bistro is great for lunch or an early dinner after a day of art.
République (La Brea): A stylish all-day restaurant with French flair, ideal after visiting museums along Miracle Mile.
The Getty Center Cafe (Brentwood): Simple but beautifully situated, great for a midday break with views.
Musso & Frank Grill (Hollywood): Historic Hollywood institution, fitting if you’re exploring the Museum of Broken Relationships and want a classic LA dining experience.
In-N-Out Burger: A trip to Los Angeles almost isn’t complete without at least one stop at In-N-Out. The California burger chain has a famously simple menu and a cult following among locals. Even if you’re vegetarian, you can order the not-so-secret grilled cheese, which swaps the burger patty for melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature spread—simple, messy, and surprisingly delicious after a long day of museum hopping. Pro tip: order it “Animal Style” for extra grilled onions and sauce.
Need to know
Many LA museums require timed-entry tickets or advance reservations. Plan ahead, especially for The Getty and The Broad.
Traffic in LA is real and can be intimidating. Plan museum days by neighborhood (e.g., Getty and Getty Villa one day, Miracle Mile museums another). Traffic is a part of life in LA, and if you can avoid the 101/405 interchange at rush hour, you’ll be glad.
Pair museum visits with architectural and outdoor experiences: Getty gardens, Griffith Park views, or the La Brea Tar Pits (another absolute oddity right on Wilshire) next to LACMA.
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