Hammer, I love you. Free + open late + in the heart of Westwood = the perfect museum escape. The Hammer is not only a fun, dynamic museum with twenty exhibits a year, but it's also the best place to hang out when you need a break from Westside craziness. Staff is friendly, the crowd is diverse, and there's usually some fun event happening in the evenings. Food trucks always line the Lindbrook entrance too, so grab some snacks before cruising the galleries. Do I always like the collections? No, but for me that's not the point. The art is consistently fresh, mostly modern, and includes a variety of mediums. I never know what to expect when I enter The Hammer, and that playful element makes me a dedicated patron. The crowds are far thinner here than at Getty & LACMA, so couple a Westwood dinner with a Hammer event, and a very cool date is born. **FOR THE CLASSICS CONNOISSEUR** The permanent exhibit boasts an impressive collection of Van Goghs, Picassos, Rembrandts, and Monets. read more

Meh. If you're expecting something on the caliber of the Getty, LACMA or Norton Simon this isn't it. Smallish, one gallery of Mr. Hammer's traditional European art and the rest is modern art. The gift shop is nice and the courtyard pleasant with a cafe. Free admission, $8 parking with validation. read more

I always enjoy my time at the Hammer Museum. I love the minimalistic structure of the museum, the quaint museum store, and the fun architectural design. But it's a small museum; one can probably get through all the exhibits in roughly 30 minutes. I just wish there was more -- that's all. But it's free for visitors and most of the time, easy to find street parking for 30 minutes or so. read more

(I can't believe someone is actually named Armand Hammer hehe) I love this place! I've only been here three times so far (spread over about a year and a half) but each time has been great. There are always exhibits that will confuse you, challenge you, and even disgust you; there are some that are simply pretty, and some that will make you think. I think there will be something for everyone here, and the museum is completely free, so what is there to lose?! The majority is modern/contemporary art, but one of my favorite pieces here is also ironically a Monet tucked away in the small classics collection. I also have my eye on the wide-open courtyard space, which I definitely will be back for for study sessions in fresh air! Small but never crowded, located conveniently in Westwood, definitely a not-so-hidden hidden gem. read more

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When I first walked in the people automatically helped me. It was my first time and I was extremely greatful that they approached my first. They were helpful in directing where everything is, and if you forget what they said thats okay, there are more workers in every corner to help you out. When you first go out past the splatter paint stairs, there's an opening where there's a restaurant and these interesting chairs. Then you go to the back of the area and go up the orange stairs until you reach the third level. There there are three art galleries and the ping pong tables. For service and the entertainment aspect I was really satisfied. The art was wonderful and ping pong was great. My sister hit the ball over onto the courtyard and we met some new people who helped us get the ball back (shoutout to those people) Just a little reminder: there is a nude gallery, so if you're bringing children just watch out of that read more

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Good that was free admission! And also I like sooo much inside zone of rest so cute with trees and decor, and restaurant But was not so much to see this time Just few famous artists of course , and parking was expensive- for less 1 hour we paid 6$ Good to visit if nothing to do read more

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Everything was closed. It's a confusing layout with no maps or guides anywhere and I'm still not certain if I missed the actual museum somehow?? The woman at the check-in told me that there were only 4 small exhibits open, but online it looks like there is a permanent collection somewhere? I am so disappointed read more

It's free. It's open on Sundays. It's got art you recognize, and art you don't. It's got ping-pong which in this instance, is art from a sound-experiential thing. The whole place is very inviting, airy, and full of goodness. I can't believe it's taken me this long to visit, and I'll certainly be back. The chairs that swivel will catch anyone's attention. They're fun and unpredictable and worth a spin. There's also a cafe adjacent to that, and I would love to check that out. Nice looking menu - brunch starts at 11am on the weekends, I believe. Park nearby ($3) or on the street. Leave whatever expectations you might have at the door and let yourself explore. There's also the Billy Wilder Theatre there for special screenings. Love this. Kids may be ok here for a little while. read more

Hammer Museum - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

FREE MUSEUM!! With awesome courtyards that seem miraculously free of the hustle and bustle of Westwood. So peaceful and beautiful. Those spinning tops in the courtyard were fun. The permanent Impressionist paintings collection was small, but very impressive. Each one is from a master! You will recognize every name, even if you are an art neophyte. The Lyndbrook Terrace, at the time of our visit, was set up with Balinese gongs that were on auto-play. It was a great space for meditation. The music was ethereal. And I realized after that it was this music that was resonating throughout the indoor/outdoor space that set the mood as soon as we entered the property. A must-see! read more

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Had a great time at the museum! I especially like that it's free and there was a ping pong table on the top floor which was a lot of fun!

Wonderful Contemporary Art Museum. We had a blast! Guess what: not only the museum is free but they gave us free tickets for the Huntington Library. That is so so Amazing and we are so thankful. read more

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Cute little museum on the corner of a small shopping district with cafes lining the block. This museum is free; it's also part of UCLA where you can see students frolicking the hallways and in the study halls getting together discussing art or their latest midterm exams/finals. They're currently exhibiting one of their professor's creation from the 80s til now. Multiple large abstract like art creations, in my opinion, really out there but colorful and interesting to look at. There is a cafe that serves food and drinks in case you and you're friend is tired and bored in need of a place to sit and chat. Definitely recommend to come and check it out read more

Love this collection and special exhibitions. There's even a theater for films. Admission is free. Worth your time to wander through anytime you're in Westwood area. read more

Hammer the museum that will not hammer away at your wallet! IT IS FREE AND IS GREAT PLACE FOR A WEEKEND EVENT. The staff are friendly, and the art pieces are thought provoking! I love their art pieces, and I enjoyed strolling through and just enjoying the pieces created by multitudes of artists. There is a really cool calming music section in the museum and reverberates throughout the museum which is just so tranquil and relaxing! You can mediate on the third floor, or just sit on the first floor and just enjoy the sounds as you do some work. PRO TIP: ITS free, park outside on the street, or just walk, its way cheaper, also he entrance from the Wilshire side has a cool wood block building set! read more

Hammer Museum - Tranquillity - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Pretty small but very nice environment. Their art collections are minimal but it worth to go check it out if you visit UCLA read more

Hammer Museum - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great day for museum date.. It wasn't busy.. Had lunch at Lulu's.. Overall great outing..

Fun museum in the heart of Westwood village. Admission was free and they validate parking for a discount ($6 first 3 hours). It's 3 floors but the first floor only had one gallery . Free wifi. A beautiful outdoor courtyard featuring those wobbly chairs and also looked like they had a restaurant and tables out there to relax and enjoy. Lots of modern art on display and also a room with the classics. The classics were my favorite. This is the permanent collection. I loved seeing Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Manet, and Renoir. Beautiful room. Small collection but impressive. My second favorite exhibit was one that is only there until August. It's in the middle of one of the hallways outside of the galleries. It was called the Gamelatron Sactuary by Aaron Taylor Kuffner. It's basically a giant gong (sonic installation) and it plays music by itself (robotics orchestration). Guests can sit on individual chairlike straw matts on a carpet. It's basically just one artistic piece but it is super peaceful. Wonderful combination of art and music. I could have sat listening to this all day. It's a very meditative sanctuary. LOVED it! Third favorite was the collaboration exhibit of Oliver Payne and Keiichi Tanaami which was in a small gallery. It will also only be here until August. It combined Japanese idols, monsters, and deities (an avatar, so to speak) with Japanese icons from arcade games. This was so different and extremely cool. The child in me really appreciated this unique display. We went on a Thursday which is wonderful since the Farmer's market is also on a Thursday and is walking distance. Super close to everything Westwood village has to offer. Location could not be better. So glad I came here. Highly suggest! read more

Hammer Museum - Gamelatron Sactuary. Not just art. It's also a robotic musical instrument. So peaceful to sit here and listen to this. - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here today on a whim since we were waiting for a nearby restaurant to open up. Found free parking along the street since it was a Sunday. Entrance is FREE to the museum, which is awesome. :) There are 3 floors, first level is just lobby + 1 exhibit. 2nd floor has the outdoor atrium w/ some fun swivel chairs and restrooms, the theater is located there too. We spent 5 minutes in the theater today because they had a special screening of the cartoon "The American Tail". On the 3rd floor, they have the galleries: there's permanent + feature galleries of artwork. We saw Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, and more. We really enjoyed the meditation center towards the back of the 3rd floor -- seating area available for you to sit on these mats on the floor and meditate/relax from the hustle and bustle of the urban city. It's a fun way to spend 1-2 hours of your day, see some nice artwork, and bask in the sun / enjoy the bamboo groves too. :) read more

Hammer Museum - Gamelatron Sanctuary - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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*** R. Crumb "The Book of Genesis" *** Robert Crumb is known for comicbooks. They are of an "adult nature". So when I heard of this biblical exhibit I was curious. This exhibit is a display of the illustrations of every page of the book; they are black and white (a la The Wall Street Journal). Crumb illustrations here are adult as well, easy to read (we all know this story), and tastefully done. I am no way religious but I could appreciate this as a celebration of Crumb's career. I think he is an original. I then took a stroll thru Armand Hammer Collection to find a VanGogh & Gauguin. I do love the works from both - VanGogh's unbridled emotion, Gauguin's gentle way. I enjoyed this visit far more than my first. I stopped by the courtyard for happy hrs. I had an IPA and $2.50 Kobe beef slider, a nice way to wrap a leisurely afternoon. *** Thurs admission is free ... nice. *** read more

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It is very small without too much to see. I walked around the entire museum less than 30 minutes. But it is free. read more

This museum had the most beautiful spinny chairs that really added to the ambiance of the place. This review is not 5 stars because when i got up close and personal to admire an art piece (to look at, not to lick), I got reprimanded! I think that the security guard was prejudiced and assumed I was a common art licker. Don't come here if u also look like an art licker, art muncher also beware. ps. lost my wallet and it was returned with no cash (it had no cash in the first place) so appreciate that I didn't get robbed read more

For Thursday nights only: it's free. That's worth 5 stars for me. So you know that hunky actor Armie Hammer (The Social Network, etc..) well his grandfather was a baller oil tycoon and connected to the LA HQ in Westwood is this amazing art space with his private collection along with rotating works of art and a great little atrium/outdoor space/cafe in the middle perfect for sitting and hangin' which is exactly what we did before we toured some of the galleries. The art includes works from Renaut and many other artists I don't remember. This particular evening it was way more laid back than lets say the MoMa or the Met as in no one was really around. The security guards were present but not looming and, when I say no one was really there, I really mean only 20 other visitors but still, for the artwork presented and its location in downtown Westwood with free entry, it's a pretty awesome deal; definitely a must stop on a Thursday. Oh and for those with children, they have a kiddie corner care where your kids can do some arty stuff while you enjoy an hour or so touring the space and being adult like solo! Or pro tip: do what I would most likely do, sneak off and down some wine and enjoy a meal at the cafe. Yes, thank the lord I don't have kids. read more

Hammer Museum - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Um, it's free. Need I say more? Okay I'll say a bit more for the record... I went on a Sunday which was perfect. I'm not sure what their parking situation is, but if you go on a Sunday there is tons of metered parking right by the museum on all the little side streets. The exhibits can be viewed fairly quickly. I'd say you can check out this whole museum in about 2 hours or less. It's fun and something to do that's free :). And you can eat at one of the millions of local restaurants in Westwood after checking out all the art. Win-win! read more

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Overall, the museum had a ton of gorgeous and whimsical art to check out. From creepy white plaster sculptures with antlers and bulging eyes, to Monet and Van Gogh pieces, there's truly an exhibit for everyone at the Hammer Museum. The one exhibit that knocked a star off for me was the contemporary photography gallery. The vibe was very Portlandia overall---especially taking into account the ASMR nonsense that accompanied a video of hair being blown in the wind. Talk about an eye roll moment. read more

This free museum is on the smaller side, but they have an amazing permanent art collection as well as great temporary exhibits, film screenings, family events, and much more. There's a lovely courtyard restaurant and a good size store with lots of books. The staff is very friendly. Parking is $7 cash only. read more

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Amazing what classy joints corporate money can buy & create at least by the looks of what was done for the Getty Museum on the Hill, Getty Villa di Papiri in Malibu, and the Hammer Museum at Westwood Village. The Hammer is on prime property on Wilshire Boulevard just on the southern border of Westwood Village. The building itself from the outside is rather subdued, but the large foyer/reception space is dripping with thick premium white polished Carrera marble on the walls & for the staircase. To display a sense of Noblesse Oblige to us peons who are searchers of art & culture, the Getty & Hammer Foundations will let you step into their Palais des Arts gratis. Now I'm starting to sound rather cynical & sardonic....I'd like to thank Ms Glazer & Ms. Potter for making possible the free admission. All that must be paid is for parking on site if convenience trumps looking around the side streets for metered parking. Monday Closed Tuesday 11AM--8PM Wednesday 11AM--8PM Thursday 11AM--8PM Friday 11AM--8PM Saturday 11AM--5PM Sunday 11AM--5PM The museum is open every day, except Mondays, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Convenient parking is available under the Museum. Rates are $3 for the first three hours with validation at the Welcome Desk, and $1.50 for each additional 15 minutes. There is a $3 flat rate after 6PM on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking for visitors with disabilities is provided on levels P1 and P3. Since the museum is open until 8pm Tuesday through Friday, one can opt for a $3.00 flat fee after 6pm which is a good deal considering forgetting to feed the meter constitutes a large fine. Just be sure to get your car out of the lot by 9pm when the gates close. Also on Saturday, parking at the Museum from 11am to 5pm only involves paying a total of $3.00. Not sure when you must leave the lot on the weekend. A group of us went to see the "Made in LA" exhibit which featured new up-&-coming artists based in Los Angeles. These artists are rooted in the modern art tradition so that sometimes concepts, constructs, ideology, ideas personal & theoretical, etc. seem to be more important than the actual objets d'arts themselves. The medium used by the various artists spans many forms of media from more traditional oils, wood, metal, etc. to electronic based visual & aural. Of course, most of the art escaped me as to meaning & purpose, but I was glad to have experienced an exercise in sensory perceptions & possible stimulation of the cerebral cortex. To add a bit of spice to the mostly static exhibit, 3 dancers wearing yellow orange & one older breaded gentleman in coat & tie glided through the rooms & stopped to do a pas de quatre. The Hammer has about 3 large viewing rooms so even under leisurely viewing & seeing two videos, one concerning "Mama" and the other about US military veterans returning to "real" civilian life, one can complete the tour comfortably in under 2 hours. If there is sensory overload, there is Ammo, a tastefully done restaurant that provides indoor as well as outdoor dining for a convenient break. The menu can be seen on the Hammer website. Apparently, depending on the day, other cultural happenings such as movies, speakers, etc. can be seen & the schedule found again on their website. When compared with the two Gettys which have one of the largest endowments in the world, the Hammer does lose some of its luster, but it is a pleasant space in which to view the arts. Periodically checking the website, there may be a subject or topic that may appeal to you. 3+ Yelp stars for providing another cultural, artistic venue in LA. read more

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On a super hot day, it was great to step into the Hammer Museum and spend an hour or so looking at a well curated collection of incredible artworks. Not the biggest museum around but it's still got a great collection including a Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and Cézanne. Several big open spaces meant that you weren't crowded and the little bit of noise was hushed. The museum is free, and that means that it more than worth the time to visit. Another rich oil baron, Armand Hammer (1898-1990) is laid to rest not far from here in the Westwood Villages Memorial Park. And no, he had nothing to do with the name "Arm & Hammer" which existed well before he was born. read more

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Aside from small collections of Inuit art, Canadian art is rarely on display on this side of the border so I was surprised and glad that an exhibition of my favorite member of 'The Group of Seven' is in LA. While only slightly less known than one of his Canadian counterparts, the now-mythical Tom Thompson, Lawren Harris' works resonate with me because they often glow. Harris reveled in nature and he, more than other members of the group, seemed to elevate it to pure exaltation. The power of his colorful paintings is due, in part, to the reduction of complex landscapes steeped in isolation into bold geometric shapes where he played with light to great effect. The Hammer has done a great job with this small exhibition as there are paintings here from private collections that are almost never on public display. An added benefit is the well-lighted display space because it makes an incredible difference. Frankly, many Canadian museums enshrine Group of Seven paintings into darker galleries. Here, Harris' dramatic use of color can truly be appreciated. As I said, his paintings glow and with that they seem a meditation. read more

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Absolutely loved the afternoon I spent at the Hammer. It's wonderful when a museum can make art so accessible to its public. Granted the admission is free, everyone in the city can adhere to some art therapy. They have various galleries, which rotate with different works. However, the Hammer collection is remarkable. There are a few van Gogh's, Rembrandt's, and a Monet. The Provocations exhibit was fun and interactive. It goes through a scheme of prototypes for buildings and bridges, and later shows you videos and photos of the actual work that have been created in full scale. The interactive component involved reeling your own program and the Spun Chair provided in the courtyard by the Heatherwick Studio. If you find yourself in Westwood on a bright sunny afternoon, make a pitstop to the Hammer and interact with some art! read more

This has become my favorite art museum in LA. Why, you may ask? Because they change their shows every two months, I will answer. Even the entry staircase features ever-changing original art made just for the space. Because it's the perfect size--you can spend a couple of hours and see it all and not be exhausted. Because they generally have fascinating, well-curated shows. Because it's a lovely place to see art. Because Armand's collection of classic and impressionist paintings is superb. Because the cafe here is great. Because the bookshop/giftshop has things you won't find elsewhere. And if all this weren't enough, because it's free (thank you Erika J. Glazer & Brenda R. Potter)! And parking, in the building, is only $3 (unlike at the Broad where it's $12) And--if all this wasn't enough, the courtyard has the brilliant "Spun" chairs by Thomas Heatherwick. You can sit comfortably, or you can lean back and spin like a top, which is great, great fun (and a good workout, too). read more

Hammer Museum - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Hammer is one of those landmarks of L.A. Not only do they have an ever-evolving display of art exhibits, they also show art-orientated films, and have live music events. At the Hammer you used to have to pay everyday. Then, it was free on Thursdays. Now, it is free all the time. What more can you ask for? A Great Museum! Highly Recommended !!! read more

On my most recent visit to LA, I wanted to do something educational. My friend lives in Brentwood and we saw the Hammer Museum on Yelp. Free admission is always a plus! There's also parking for $3, which is a great deal, considering this part of UCLA always has tons of cars and is pretty much impossible to find parking. I'm not too much of an art person so I can't say too much about the exhibits besides that there were a ton over the span of three floors - keep in mind this is all FREE! The exhibits are constantly changing, and there's a nice mix of modern to older pieces of art. I'm a huge fan of the chairs that are located on both the second and third floors of the museum. They are worth around $800 a piece ... one day, when I have that money to spend. :) read more

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The building itself is art. The architectural choices are fascinating. The nooks and crannies are cozy and inviting, if you know how to find them. But call ahead to make sure their permanent collection and current installations are available for viewing before you arrive. I somehow showed up two weeks before the exhibits today. Smile. Every visit is worth it. read more

Hammer Museum - I came for the art. - Museums Near Me - Los Angeles, California

5 stars to show good vibes, but I actually didn't enjoy this museum today. The exhibitions were mostly really un-inspiring and it seemed like everything was a "mish-mash". The only cool exhibit I saw today was the Network by Shiota; that was pretty interesting. My concern with Hammer is overall quality which was definitely lacking. To give one example, inside the Hammer's European oil paintings gallery, the noise from the Chinese photography exhibition's videos could be loudly heard, that's a major mismatch and a major distraction. Another criticism is the staff look very poorly dressed, things like this are noticed. I won't be intentionally coming back here for a while. read more

Took a visit recently to this museum in Westwood near UCLA. They rotate exhibits seasonally and the best part is that it's free! There's a parking garage that you enter form Westwood Blvd. we went on a weekend so it was $5 flat rate for parking so you can actually enjoy lunch in the area too without having to worry about moving your car. Currently, there is a "Made in LA" exhibit going on with work from various local artists ranging from sculptures, video projections to photography and paintings. It took us about an hour and a half to leisurely stroll through the museum. There was also a "meet the artist" session that we ended passing on but there were quite a few people gathered for it. The staff is really friendly and there's also a cafe/coffee shop in the courtyard as well. Keep in mind that you won't be able to take any food or drinks into the exhibits. read more

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And the honor of my 1400th review goes to.... the Hammer Museum! After meeting up for brunch with a few friends of mine, we decided to head over here in honor of National Museum Day. This is something I wasn't made aware of until that morning, and apparently museum admission is free during this day. So there was no admission fee to enter, which was nice. There is a parking structure adjacent to this building, but I luckily found parking along the street. It is metered parking so, be aware of the signs posted. I walked in to the lobby, which is one of two, and was informed that the majority of the exhibition were on the upper floors. This is because most of the first floor was being remodeled at the time. I met up with my friends by the other lobby, and found a small exhibition there. The paintings were interesting, and I took photos of the ones that stood out to me the most. These was also an exhibition that looked like a foosball table with sweet potatoes as play pieces. We then made our way to the upper level exhibitions. We came across some video pieces, which included a multi-sunset piece, a giant semi-transparent timer, and a video room with some random video pieces. Out one door, and through another door, and we were in another segment of the museum. There were paintings along the wall, and some stood out to me more than others. Check my uploaded pics to see them. A third segment of the upper floor led us to a big exhibition room with many abstract art pieces. The exhibition that stood out the most was the one acted out by a museum employee. All I can say about this piece is that it is not a good idea to bring your kids to see it. Mature audiences only. Once we were done checking out all the exhibitions, we perused the gift shop and made plans for the rest of the day. The gift shop had some pretty interesting merchandise, from random souvenirs such as pens and notepads, to books with some pretty interesting cover art. I like coming to museums, and this place most definitely left a good impression on me. I would recommend coming here, it had some pretty good artwork and a nice relaxed environment. Check it out. read more

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My favorite museum in LA so far, a great mix of contemporary and classic. Good place to go to get inspired and motivated. Friendly staff! read more

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A nifty free museum with eclectic art exhibits in the middle of Westwood. Great escape from the crowds in the area. The twirling chairs in the atrium on the second floor are a big hit with the younger set especially. Very Forrest Gump-esque. You never know what you're going to get as far as the exhibits. Which makes it worth a visit just for the surprise factor. Was impressed with the collection amassed from the defunct Black Mountain College. $3 parking with validation. Such a deal! Not as enthused with the cafe, but that's another review. read more

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Not a traditional museum in terms of the space/area. 10 (or so) small-ish galleries, but most of them were being re-shuffled, so there wasn't much to see while I was there. Unfortunately, there was nothing on the website or in their guide book about the timing of the re-shuffling. Even though the museum is free, it was still disappointing. The two galleries were open that day. One had an odd setup of furniture and smattering things around, capped off by the bizarre chair below (think Howard Stern). The second had a 16-minute documentary by David Lamelas, The Desert People, a "fictional documentary about a group of people recounting their experience visiting a Native American reservation in Arizona." The whole piece is apparently about the deficiencies of documentary-style filmmaking in 1974, and it's FICTIONAL. Bizarre, weird, and inadequate don't even come close to describing this "art." But, their guide does point to a number of lectures and movies they are having throughout the summer, which do sound interesting. It's a place to stop by if you're in Westwood and you have some time to kill. Oh, and the modern architecture of the buildings themselves are interesting. read more

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Super cool museum with free admission! Their permanent collection is beautiful featuring some masterpieces from Rembrandt and Monet. The other galleries have rotating exhibitions for which you can find info on their website ahead of time. The facility is very nice with a fun courtyard excellent for cool photo ops. They also have several events throughout the year from movie screenings to live music concerts Parking can be tough in this area as Meyers may be hard to come by. read more