The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, located in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles. Established in 1961, the museum has grown to house an impressive collection of over 150,000 works spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. LACMA is an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore an impressive array of art, film, and concert series, as well as experience unique geological wonders right in the heart of Los Angeles.
LACMA’s history began in 1910 when it was part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art located in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California. Thanks to the generous lead donation of $2 million by Howard F. Ahmanson, Sr., the museum was split from the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art and moved to the Wilshire Boulevard complex designed by William Pereira in 1965. In the ensuing decades, LACMA’s campus and collection have grown considerably with the addition of new buildings, open-air gathering places, and monumental public artworks.
Today, LACMA is renowned for its spectacular collection of art spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. Visitors can explore 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe, with collections that illuminate the Pacific Rim, including numerous works from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In addition to art exhibits, the museum also features film and concert series, as well as a gallery at Charles White Elementary School in MacArthur Park.
LACMA also boasts unique geological wonders that make it a truly special place for travelers. Visitors can explore the nearby La Brea Tar Pits and George C. Page Museum, which are located adjacent to the museum on Museum Row. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the tar pits and experience the fossilized remains of ancient creatures that were trapped in the tar and preserved for thousands of years.
For travelers looking to get the most out of their visit to LACMA, here are some of the top things to do and see:
- Explore the museum’s impressive collection of art spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present.
- Attend a film or concert series at the museum.
- Visit the La Brea Tar Pits and George C. Page Museum.
- Explore the gallery at Charles White Elementary School.
- Enjoy the open-air gathering places and monumental public artworks on the LACMA campus.
- Participate in local events taking place in the area, such as art walks and food truck nights.
No matter what type of traveler you are, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is an ideal destination for experiencing art, film, and concert series, as well as unique geological wonders and local events. From its impressive collections to its open-air gathering places, LACMA is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore the best of Los Angeles.