1. Wende Museum

1. Wende Museum

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Culver City, CA

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Wende Museum

4.3 (74 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Bauhaus legacy lecture
Lauretta N.

I attended a lecture on the Bauhaus legacy today in the AFrame museum in the Gloria Kaufman center on the museum grounds. Speaker was interesting and this is one of the many free programs offered from the museum. Refreshments were offered afterwards (coffee and a vegetable/cheese appetizer) which was a surprise and very nice. I've been to the museum a few times (a David Bowie exhibit on his time in Berlin) and they have fascinating displays on the Cold War. There's always something new. The place itself is immaculate including the beautiful gardens and grounds at the back. Parking is plentiful and free. Admission is also free. A wonderful place.... go and see for yourself.

Aaron O.

This place is awesome. From the literal bomb shelter brutalist structure of the building itself to the fascinating exhibits, this is one of my favorite museums in LA! I'm a big Cold War history guy and this place has tons of it. We've been a few times now, and my favorite two exhibits were the global flags exhibit and the recording/espionage one, but our most recent visit had a neat one too - a horse and house built entirely from sugar. This place is everything a Cold War enthusiast could love and then some. We also love the grounds and the rooftop area...so pretty and meticulously maintained. They throw events here regularly too, which is great for the area and families. I love any excuse I can find to come back. See ya next time Wende!

Monica R.

It is educational! I learned about the Cold War at school in Brazil. You can check the information about music, customs, habits, advertising the Countries not capitalist lived and developed. It is important to learn the past and take lessons. It is free! Very well organized.

Interior -- Garden View through Hyperreality
Norbert K.

I have visited a number of Cold War museums around the world, and I must say The Wende Museum of the Cold War is among the best! It's bright, airy, and curated very well. Exhibitions in the main gallery rotate every six months. Today we saw "Counter/Survelliance: Control, Privacy, Agency" which presents technologies and their links with scientific and pseudo-scientific research, artistic methods, and popular culture. There are exhibits on facial recognition, message encoding, passport control, surveillance, and more from Europe, United States, and Southeast Asia. A large portion of the artifacts displayed came from the former U.S.S.R. and East Germany. The glass wall and doors at the rear of the museum held a unique display of Hyperreality that you look through to view the museum garden. There are also a library and permanent displays of artifacts related to the nuclear arms race, space race, life behind the Iron Curtain, and more. The Wende has free admission Friday-Sunday.

Judy T.

I love this little museum. If interested in history, media, propaganda it's seriously worth a visit. I've been several times over the years and I appreciate the thoughtful curation. Great collection of pieces in their permanent collection and they always have fascinating special exhibits. The grounds are beautiful as well. Admission always free and plenty of easy (and free) parking in the lot right out front.

Lisa T.

This new community center is dedicated to the arts, education, outreach, and networking. All programs and services are offered free of charge. I attended a free yoga class and it was lovely. There's plenty of parking in the lot. The museum is next door. The outdoor space is serene and tranquil. This is a lovely addition to the community.

The Exterior
Kathryn L.

Been on The Wende email list for awhile, but I had never visited it. The latest email had an awesome, complimentary, Summer Camp Watercolor event on a Sunday morning, so I signed up. There was plenty of free parking in front of the museum when I arrived. Then, I followed the sign to a beautiful, serene, hidden garden where this lovely class was happening. Our teacher, Anne Austin Pearce, was welcoming and encouraging. She gave us helpful tips about how to use the paint, the water and the brushes. Then, she gave us a prompt to start. I'm creative, but not artistic. I just wanted to play with the glorious colors while enjoying the company of other people (mostly women) in a relaxing environment. It was fun to see what everyone else chose to do, too. What a fantastic experience! I can't wait to Wende my way back to camp!

Apollo 15 Lunar Sample
David C.

While I'm not a British spy with a license to ask for my martinis strictly shaken and not stirred, being apart of this museums tour had me feeling like I might as well be wearing a tux everywhere I go. My tour guide who's name I'll keep anonymous because of my newfound paranoia, was awesome!. But I'll call her 'Jean' for the sake of proper narrative. Not only was she completely knowledgeable with all my random questions along the way, there was a sense of genuine appreciation for all that was on display and with sharing it's history. Most but not everything on display were actual devices, gadgets, and methods used during the Cold War espionage era. And while I found it all to be fascinating, and even relevant to the world today, my favorite item in the museum hands down was 'Lunar Sample #15418'. YES, an actual rock from the moon itself. I mean, how often does one get to stand arms length away from the moon? Credit to everone who works at this museum. They were all great. From the moment I walked in to when I left. Everyone was very welcoming and just pleasant. Really enjoyed walking through the gift area as well. Just know its digital payment only.

Nathan N.

I am so glad I learned about a free lecture here somehow. A Vietnamese American art historian, Thuy N.D. Tran, was giving a talk on South Vietnam's Artistic Legacy here. It was an honor and so enriching learning about an art tradition that was interrupted both by war and then the dissolution of a government. As an aspiring artist of South Vietnamese descent, it felt like my own history was being presented to me. I had been trying to self-study these artists, the history of the arts in Vietnam and myself be a continuation of that story. I do not claim to be affiliated in any way with these masters, but I am undoubtedly influenced by their work. After the talk ended, because we are in a museum, I walked around to look at the current exhibitions. Directly adjacent to us were works by Vietnamese artists or about Vietnamese themes, namely the war and its subsequent refugees. Growing up, I saw very little about my homeland in museums or textbooks. I am thankful to have been able to learn more about the factors that have shaped me and my lived experiences. Parking is free, and admission is free. This is a really neat cultural center to check out!

Maruko X.

The Wende is not just an art museum, which presents archive of the Cold War and preserves history through exhibitions, and but also a cultural center in the area, involving in education and community engagement. The museum only opens Friday through Sunday to public, and they host special events periodically, the staff said they usually have limited spots and early registration is recommended, and I liked the event I attended and the museum itself is worth revisiting as well.

Kirk J.

A hidden gem among hidden gems. Before Santa Monica largely became associated with strange tech people with too much money and weird hipsters with too much money and other groups of people with fairly similar vibes, it was referred to (either derisively or admiringly, honestly not sure which) as Santa Moskau - or more artistically as Weimar on the Pacific (partly because a lot of Weimar Republic-era German intellectual washups landed there for some reason). Regardless, I want to highlight the old heritage of Santa Monica, because this museum embodies all the good it still has to offer. First, the museum is free! It's clearly being sponsored by several very rich people, because it's sitting on prime real estate in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, has ample parking, is beautiful inside and out, and is absolutely free! Whoever is funding this actively wants people to learn much more about the subject! Although some may ascribe some sort of nefarious goal to this - the museum ultimately focuses in on a period of history that many people still alive grew up in - and it's not really that far-fetched to assume that some old and rich people want the rest of us to learn about the world they grew up in. They also have a wonderful rotating exhibit. In short, the vast majority of the museum is a rotating exhibit, so you can come back to the museums and see essentially an entirely different museum. That's very exciting and I struggle to think of any museum I've seen with that much rotation. When I went, they were holding an exhibit on art during the Cultural Revolution period in China, as well as art about the time period. Was a great exhibit with lots of varied things, some historical, some contemporary. One of my favorite museums in Southern California and one that I would recommend to anyone, especially locals because the exhibits change so much! Parking is also easy and they have a nice garden area outside that you might be able to hold events in if you ask them (though I don't know what the pricing is).

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4 months ago

The The Wende Museum is a must-visit. It's a quaint space filled with unique history--one of those places that quietly leaves an impression.

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8 months ago

I love visiting the Wende Museum and Glorya Kaufman Community Center for mindful meditation and yoga classes.

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Ask the Community - Wende Museum

Review Highlights - Wende Museum

The museum has neat period stuff like Cold War games and old phones, maps, art, and all sorts of ephemera.

Mentioned in 24 reviews

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4.3
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9.3 mi

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.

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Michael Jackson and Bubbles the Chimp art piece
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STAR Eco Station

STAR Eco Station

4.1
(107 reviews)
0.8 mi

I had such a great time at this place. Who would have known that an exotic animal rescue was in…read moreCulver and that so many animals were found in or around LA like at a 7/11 or just walking the streets lol 16$ admissions and tours at every hour on the hour Our guide was super sweet and super funny I initially found this place because I wanted to take my BF here for his bday and ended up scoping it out with a friend before hand. We had such a great time, a little juvenile for sure as there are a lot of families/lil kids on the tour, but we still had a great time Animals are interactive, they have creative names for the animals, and even a domesticated bob cat

This is a wonderfully done rescue station/education program. The center rescues exotic animals,…read moreusually ones that have been trafficked or exotic pets that people didn't do any research on and discover they can't care for them properly. (Don't get me started--oh wait, do. Please, please don't get a parrot unless you plan to hang with them 24/7 until they die at age 80.) I've taken my children numerous times and even brought them a baby tortoise we found wandering down the alley behind a pizza place. We most recently went for their Enchanted Hallow's Eve. Each room was decorated with a different theme, from Inside Out to pirates to Star Wars. It was so well done with fun trick or treat stations along the way. Take a tour, support the animals, and adopt, don't shop!

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Who doesn't love a dragon?
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Inside Out control station.
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Mr Brainwash Art Museum

Mr Brainwash Art Museum

4.7
(178 reviews)
4.1 mi

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!

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Art recreation with an added Tesla
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A miniature made Life size... $1.95 price tag lol
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Hammer Museum

Hammer Museum

4.2
(501 reviews)
4.0 mi

Consistently one of the most impressive museums in the city, with engaging exhibitions coming…read moreseemingly every 3 months. This one's a favorite of mine, so it's tough not to be biased. My most recent visit was in early June, and I loved the several eternities in a day exhibit. How tactile and fascinating! This place has a killer permanent exhibition and even the exhibitions I haven't been as in love with have something interesting to say, so I will keep coming back. The service is always helpful, and there are some nice spots to sit and enjoy the vibe (including the fun top-shaped chairs). I miss the ping pong tables they used to have...but no complaints found here! Go visit asap.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into the Hammer Museum, but I ended up…read moreabsolutely loving it. The museum is beautiful, peaceful, and incredibly well organized. I also loved that there are a few dining options inside, making it easy to spend a couple of hours exploring without feeling rushed. One of the best things about the Hammer Museum is that admission is free, and they offer generous hours, which makes it a great activity whether you're a local or just visiting Los Angeles. The exhibitions were stunning. I loved the mix of contemporary and modern art, along with works from iconic artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. Every gallery felt thoughtfully curated, and there was always something interesting to discover around the next corner. And the museum store? Absolutely beautiful. I honestly wanted to buy everything. From art books to unique gifts and home items, it's worth visiting on its own. If you're in Los Angeles and looking for a relaxing and inspiring way to spend an afternoon, I highly recommend the Hammer Museum. I'll definitely be back! Note: While the museum has featured works by artists such as Van Gogh and Monet in certain exhibitions or collections, the exhibits rotate, so what's on display may vary during your visit.

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Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

4.2
(2.1k reviews)
4.4 mi

Hard to get through in one day, just because your feet will be so tired from walking around and…read moreseeing every exhibit. But so much to learn and observe Haven't been here in a long time but the David Geffen expansion was huge and so packed with exhibits Admission is pricey, ($26 student, $30 adult) especially for mere students, but I guess it goes to a great cause. Parking is also difficult/pricey for visitors who may be coming from afar, but I just took the new D line expansion which is covered by the Metrolink day pass and that was a great and convenient experience.

LACMA reopens with a spectacular new building, but the abjectly worst curation that I have ever…read moreseen anywhere. The point of curation is to enlighten the visitor. Here, they've decided to make the curation the focus, not the art. I have seen hundreds of museums, all over the world. I've never wanted to know this but: What are these people smoking? This is an "experiment," in curation, I was told, when I asked the person at the front door. Contemporary and ancient art thrown together . Egyptian and Dutch masters. Muslim artifacts and a stray Jesus. Without rhyme, or reason. Reason would be great, in the form of explanations for the truly baffling scrambling of exhibits, time periods etc. This is so baffling that both veteran museum goer and those just visiting a museum for the first time really have no context clues for this madness. When I caught one of the curation staff? They really couldn't explain it either. They're just doing as they're told. The experiment? It has miserably failed. It was so maddening, and overwhelming, I didn't get to see the whole main museum. I had to leave. I would avoid this museum, until they bring in a curator who understands that museums are about ART, not their EGO.

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La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

4.2
(1.3k reviews)
4.5 mi
Not-for-profit
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I'm so glad I made it out to the La Brea Tar Pits yesterday! I knew it was the last day they'd be…read moreopen for a while, and I really wanted to check it out one last time before they start the big renovation. It's pretty wild to think this place is going to be closed for the next two years for a massive update. It's definitely going to be missed while the doors are locked, but I'm actually pretty excited to see how it turns out when it finally reopens. They have some big plans to add more space and update the whole experience. If you missed your chance to get inside before yesterday, at least you can still walk around the park and look at the excavation sites while they work. It's still such a cool, surreal spot to have right in the middle of L.A......seeing actual Ice Age history being pulled out of the ground never gets old. Can't wait to see the final product in a couple of years!

4.5 My family and I went to the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum when we were vacationing in Los Angeles…read morein late May. We took a rideshare there. Upon arrival we followed the signs to go see the tar pits. It was hot outside but not too bad as there was a breeze and it was early. The tar pits had information that you could read as you look around. You can check out the dig sites and walk around at the park in the area. In the museum they had all kinds of prehistoric facts and information. Apparently the museum has now closed due to a renovation and won't reopen for awhile. So I'm glad we got to see everything before they shut it down. Overall the La Brea Tar Pits and dig sites are cool to see if you like that kind of thing. There's not much to it but it's informative. Hopefully they will get the museum reopened soon so that people can enjoy that as well.

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See you again in two years!
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La Brea Tar Pits Atrium
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Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

3.9
(53 reviews)
4.0 mi
$$$$

I recently visited the Academy of motion pictures and the current exhibits are fabulous. I…read morespecifically went there to see one of my favorite animation films "Ponyo" but there was so much more to see. They currently have a jaws exhibit, beauty, and the beast, and Barbie as usual they have all of the fabulous costumes from various cinematic greats. It's a must see and definitely worth taking a day to visit. The admission is $25 parking is also around $25. You can get lost in there for an entire day. It's a day well spent. There is a café and a bar and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. if you're looking for something to do in LA this is a place to go. I always enjoy myself and exhibits rotate so there's always something new to see!

As someone who isn't super into cinematic or movies, this museum was still a fun one to visit! It's…read moreright next to LACMA, and doesn't have its own parking lot, so your next best bet is using LACMA's parking lot. Tickets are $25 per adult, with discounts for seniors, students, and kids. The only additional charge is a $10 ticket for the special Oscar exhibit, which I think lets you hold a real Oscar. This is a 5 story building that houses various exhibits of different movies. The fifth floor as the terrace, which also has a great view of DTLA! It also has a bar if you wanted to grab a drink or 2. The other floors have rotating exhibits that give additional insight to various movies. I particularly enjoyed the room which housed various props used in blockbuster movies like the Avengers, the Shape of Water, and Spiderman! The way each exhibit is displayed is also stunning and unique to each film. It's fun to just walk around and read the many thoughts and skills put in behind the scenes to produce these films. There are also some cute photo ops if you're looking to snap a cute pic or two!

Photos
Outside entrance
Outside entrance
Cheesy Oscar announcements
Cheesy Oscar announcements
Ponyo fish

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Ponyo fish

Wende Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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