My family and I were first-time visitors to this museum, and we truly enjoyed our visit…read more First and foremost, admission is free with advanced online reservations required. Parking was $19.00 for the first three hours with validation. The art museum is truly a gem of Los Angeles. It can be challenging to reserve tickets because open time slots fill up quickly, especially during the summer months when many people are on vacation. The artwork on display is mesmerizing, beautiful, and thought-provoking. Personally, I appreciated every single piece of art I observed, as so much work, love, and dedication went into each item on display that one can only wonder what the artists were thinking or feeling as they created their masterpieces. The entire museum is well-maintained, spotless, and fun. Security is extremely important, as evidenced by the many staff members closely monitoring the large crowds around each section of the museum. Staff members are also there to answer any questions. I wish to rerun here very soon with family and friends, as our visit was educational, inspiring, and fun.

My family visited The Broad Museum a couple of days ago, and let me tell you, the exhibits are…read moreworld class. Even though the museum is free, I suggest getting tickets on line to reserve a timed-entry in advance, It does get crowded. I did notice that there are some exhibits that require a separate paid ticket. Parking was $29 unless validated. Then it dropped down to $19. Definitely worth visiting. You won't be disappointed.

If this is your first time visiting, it's a must to visit! They have beautiful architecture and…read morehistorical statues, objects, etc. The admission is free, but parking is $25 on the weekend. You must reserve a ticket on their website. It took me around 3 hours to complete everything, but the villa is quite small, but with so many artifacts to look and read through. Overall, great museum to visit! Tip(s): - Parking is $25 on weekend - Admission is free, but must pay parking - Reserve tickets online

The Getty Villa was the highlight of our visit to Malibu. From the outside, it doesn't look…read moreparticularly large, but once you take a couple of elevators, you'll discover just how expansive it is. Admission is free, but parking costs $25. However, if you leave within two hours of entering the parking garage, parking is free. After parking, simply follow the signs to the main entrance. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with stunning views from the upper levels. There are plenty of fascinating artifacts and exhibits to explore, and the villa has many rooms to wander through, so plan to spend a few hours if you want to see everything. There is also a charming café and a gift shop. The gift shop has a lovely selection of unique jewelry, especially earrings, that are worth checking out.

Came in for their recent block party with the wife and had a blast! They were celebrating the…read moreopening of their new expanded campus, and it is a seriously cool (and huge) brutalist building that is so filled with art and carefully designed that you feel like you could shuffle around corner after corner seeing new things for eternity - and I mean that in a good way. I found myself so taken with the new building that I ran out of time to see the original building's new exhibit...I guess I'll have to come back ;) With this new addition, I think this place might just have become my single favorite art museum in LA. This museum is impressive, fascinating, and super well curated. I also love how they put on a great event here to show off the new digs and let us LA people in to see it for free! By the way, we loved that strawberry paleta too! A great (and tasty) relief for that hot day. Much appreciated, and can't wait to come see what they do for their next exhibit!

In the (many) years since the last time I was in LA, my list of things to see and do down here has…read moreonly gotten longer and longer. Yet, during that time, checking out LACMA has always managed to stay right near the top, just after eating in KTown. What can I say? I guess I'm just a connoisseur of food and culture...heavy emphasis on the former, far less on the latter. After all, as much as I appreciate museums and art, a big reason for wanting to come here was to also get our prerequisite IG photos of the Urban Lights display like everyone else! Since my gf's friend bought our tickets online for us, I can't really speak to the price or the process. However, what I can say is that buying tickets in advance is highly recommended so that you can lock in your preferred entry time slot, rather than taking a chance on whatever walk up slots are left when you get here. Similarly, their parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, but there are alternatives nearby. The surrounding streets offer spaces, but most of them seem to have time limits/meters. Otherwise, there are several other parking lots nearby, including a large one a half block away at the Petersen Automotive Museum that we parked at. Now, in all, LACMA is made up of four separate buildings/pavilions filled with exhibits and pieces from a variety of movements, periods, and artists from around the world, whether it be American, European, Latin, Egyptian, Asian, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Abstract, Surrealist, Pop Art, Picasso, Monet, Diego Rivera, Andy Warhol, and so much more. The artwork here also extends beyond just the physical, as there was even a live trio performing with a violin player, a singer, and a bicycle riding performer. I don't know if it's just me, but that felt pretty rare to see. Given how art is largely subjective, everyone will feel differently about LACMA's specific exhibits and pieces, but I think it's objectively safe to say that their overall collection of artwork is rather impressive. With so many different distinct styles curated together, there's so much to see and potentially something that speaks to everyone. What's more, the physical museum itself is great - a little congested in certain areas as guests milled about, but I definitely like how modern it felt and how it stretches over Wilshire (kind of cool to stand there and watch all of the cars passing below). Despite how big and spacious this place is, though, there were times inside the main building/gallery where it felt really hot and stuffy, so a bit more A/C would've been nice. Even though we spent a good chunk of the day wandering through so many of their halls and exhibits, I'd be lying if I said we got to see (and appreciate) everything that LACMA has to offer. My favorites were the pieces by Monet and Picasso, as well as the Pop Art wing with Warhol's pieces. However, I'm still kicking myself for neglecting the outside area and the very thing we came here for - the Urban Light display! Pretty horrendous on my part (I just wanted to see in the car with the A/C on blast), but at least it's accessible 24/7 to the public without needing to buy a ticket, so we can always correct that mistake the next time we're in LA. Which, hopefully, won't take nearly as long again.

How does this place even exist?! I genuinely can't believe it's free. This was easily one of the…read morebest places I've been to in LA, if not THE best. Admission is free, although you do need a timed-entry reservation. First you take the tram up the hill, which is already part of the experience. Then suddenly you're surrounded by gardens, flowers, modern architecture, and huge views of LA. The Central Garden is gorgeous and feels almost like you're walking through a giant living piece of art. There are also sculpture gardens, terraces, and plenty of places to just stop and enjoy the scenery. And then there's the actual museum. They have everything from medieval and Renaissance works to paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manuscripts, drawings, and photography. I saw so many pieces where I actually recognized the artist or had seen the work reproduced somewhere before. Seeing them in person was such a cool experience. One thing I REALLY appreciated was seeing an entire exhibition dealing with provenance and the histories of objects. A lot of museums seem to quietly move past the question of where artifacts came from, so I loved seeing that history actually being examined and discussed. The whole place is just so thoughtfully designed. Even the little things impressed me. They have sun umbrellas available because some of the outdoor areas get BRIGHT, which was such a thoughtful touch. The staff were also incredibly kind. They took the time to introduce me to the different areas and even suggested routes depending on what I wanted to see. It made the whole place feel much less overwhelming. The Getty is basically art museum + garden + architecture + LA skyline + nature escape all in one. What is there NOT to love here? Absolutely one of a kind. Highly recommend.

The Getty Center in Brentwood is a beautiful way to spend a Saturday morning, especially in June…read morewhen the weather is clear and comfortable. The outdoor gardens are wonderfully picturesque, with artistic sculptures thoughtfully placed throughout the landscape. Unlike the Huntington Library, though, there aren't placards identifying the different plants and flowers. Upstairs, the museum offers sweeping views that stretch past Hollywood and all the way toward the ocean. I brought a tripod hoping to take family photos, but tripods must be checked at the front. Fortunately, I found someone kind enough to take pictures for us. Inside, there is an impressive range of sculptures, paintings, antiques, and other artworks. The galleries are organized by historical period, and the informational placards provide helpful context without feeling overwhelming. I especially loved the rich collection of nineteenth-century pieces. Between the art, gardens, architecture, and panoramic views, the Getty is absolutely worth a visit.

Really lovely museum. Currently under construction, but had some great exhibits open. I got a…read moredocent tour which I was very happy about. The pieces of art were beautiful, and the docent was able to go into shocking detail about each one. On top of all that, the price was really reasonable for what you get here. If I lived in the area I'd absolutely become a member, huge fan!

Summer in Santa Barbara is beautiful...and absolutely overrun with tourists. I mean, they had every…read morerestaurant PACKED, every parking space TAKEN, every dessert shop FULL, and every sidewalk OVERFLOWING. Ironically, as tourists ourselves (LOL, sort of), we needed a break from THE TOURISTS! My best friend Catherine suggested we duck into the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and I'm glad she did. It's not a massive museum. Just two floors. But hear me when I say it punches above its weight. On the day we went, there was a thoughtful and curated mix of Southeast Asian and Indian artifacts, contemporary works, digital installations and enough classic pieces to keep serious art lovers happy. There were also funny art pieces that reminded everyone that art is allowed to have a sense of humor, too. I appreciated the balance. One of my favorite exhibits there let us enter our birth information and it generated our birth charts. Whether you believe in astrology or not, it was fun to interact with the art instead of just looking at it. I learned some cool stuff about myself looking at my birth chart. Hey...If you need a break from the crowds, this is the place. It's peaceful, cool inside, has clean restrooms and it's just the right size to explore without feeling overwhelmed. You won't lose your whole day here. You'll simply enjoy the bit of time you dedicate to visiting. Sometimes the best attraction in a tourist town is the one that gives you a break from other people. Consider.

I had did some research before I stepped into this creative expression of fun collections. This…read moremuseum is definitely an art experience worth visiting with iconic figures and street art that paints Mr. Brainwash's (Thierry Guetta) main mantra for the museum, "Life Is Beautiful" which is dedicated to honoring imagination, joy, creativity and inspiration. It's his own work that is displayed but he also references artists work such as the famous Banksy and other artists. A friend told me that the documentary, Exit through the Gift Shop, is connected to this museum. I have yet to watch but will do so to gain more understanding. Apparently, it was free museum day because there were hosts at the door greeting and letting visitors in. That was nice. It wasn't too busy but a good crowd to where I had to wait for my turn to take photos. It's three levels including the rooftop where more artwork is held and a view overlooking Beverly Hills. They also have a gift shop with unique items for purchase. I bought a cutesy pen with an engraved quote on it. To add, I was instantly moved by the creativity and effort they put into this museum. It brought a lot of inspiration. The art work gave me ideas of how I would want a part of my home to look like. It was a fun visit and would recommend for anyone wanting to dig into their imagination and enjoys art. I am also a sucker for anything that brings out the inner child in me and this place fed it well. Thank you, Mr. Brainwash and staff. Ps. The museum might be closed now. Unsure if it's temporary or permanently but still wanted to share my experience. I visited it in January of this year.

My friends and I had fun here. It's free and you get two hours free parking across the street…read morewhere Crate and Barrel is... Great place to visit. There are 3 floors and it's kind of like a maze inside. Unfortunately, this museum is closing January 6, 2026. Visit if you can! There is a lot to see and take pictures of... The art is like an Impressionist and pop culture fusion!

This was hands down one of the best out of nowhere experiences I had in a long time and it…read morecompletely blew my mind. Not just was it one of the coolest free things to do with a lot of content to be seen. I so glad I stopped in.

Terrific museum. There are two small buildings, one that offers rotating exhibits and the other, a…read morepermanent collection. I liked how the art was hung, as it was eye level and good lighting. The volunteer staff were very friendly and helpful! One suggestion for the room with the rocks, please have placards made that inform us what the rock is, and where it was found. Looking forward to returning and see more art.

There are 3 parking options: Tower Plaza Parking Structure (602 Anton Boulevard), Irvine Parking…read more(3201 Avenue of the Arts), and The MET Parking (535 Anton Boulevard). I chose the Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near the Westin Hotel), which was just a short walk to the museum, while the other options are a bit farther. Parking is paid, about $6 per hour. Once you arrive, check-in is quick and no reservation is needed. Admission is free, and they provide a sticker that you'll need to wear throughout your visit. The museum is two floors, featuring a variety of sections and artists. The architecture itself is beautiful and perfect for photos, and the artwork is unique and enjoyable to explore. Overall, it's a great experience, especially since it's free. Tip(s): - Park at Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near Westin Hotel) and just walk to the museum - Free entry - Restrooms available - No appointments needed

To be honest, it was mildly surprising to learn that Orange County has its own museum of art, if…read moreonly because not many of the counties in the Bay Area do, other than SF. Yet, at the same time, given the size and population of OC, it also makes perfect sense. Either way, I can't say I ever would've guessed it would be this nice, though! Just a shame that their exhibits didn't really blow us away... Located in the burgeoning arts and theater district of Costa Mesa, just down the road from South Coast Plaza, OCMA is such a gorgeous looking building. Sure, it helps that it's only a few years old, but the look of this place is no less impressive. Right out in front, there's a 65-foot art piece in the middle of the plaza that helps connect all of the neighboring buildings. Inside, there's a fairly large gallery space on the ground level with rotating exhibits, an upper level that appears to hold their more permanent collection of pieces, a coffee shop right next to the gift shop, and a rooftop restaurant with a large open area/garden. Sadly, though, as nice as the museum's design and amenities may be, though, much of the artwork was just okay. While the artwork upstairs was fine, the featured exhibits didn't really speak to us. Obviously, art is subjective, but one included pieces that appear to have just been drawn with a spirograph. The other consisted of several photographic series, whose commentary on social media I can appreciate, but felt exceedingly voyeuristic in nature - one following/semi-stalking a fellow after a chance encounter, another of strangers invited to sleep in the artist's bed so they could be photographed/documented, and a third showing the belongings of guests at the hotel she worked at. Artwork aside, the thing that I like most about OCMA is how admission is entirely free. So, in that sense, it's impossible to be too disappointed with the experience and/or what we saw. However, one thing to note is that you do have to pay if you park at any of the nearby garages, which are all unaffiliated with OCMA. For example, at the one on the other side of the Segerstrom Center, it cost us about $10 for two hours or so. Alternatively, South Coast Plaza is just a few blocks over and parking there is free, but I don't know how aggressive they are with towing and it feels like a big gamble just to save a few bucks. All in all, even though none of the exhibits were really our flavor, we still had a good time checking out OCMA. Oddly, there weren't many other visitors here when we arrived, but it did seem to get busier as the day wore on (there was a big group walking in as we were walking out) and we certainly didn't mind not having to deal with a bunch of crowds around. Plus, as nice as the museum looks, it's actually fairly small compared to others I've been to elsewhere. Since the featured exhibits have so much influence on the experience, I absolutely wouldn't mind coming back to see whatever they happen to have featured down the line. The ones they had when we were here may not have interested us, but the next ones might! Plus, it doesn't hurt that admission is free! All in all, THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.