Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture and the city also offers a wealth of free cultural experiences. One of the best ways to dive into the city’s artistic and historical offerings is by visiting one of our incredible museums.
The best part? Many of these museums offer free admission, making them perfect for families, students, homeschoolers, and visitors looking for free and interactive ways to explore the world of art, science, and history.
LA’s museums are a gateway to exploring art, history, and science. In this list we have some of the best museums in town and their free admission days info.
We also have a special hack for LA residents, so keep reading.
1 – The Getty Center and Getty Villa
Description:
If you’re looking for a day filled with art, history, and stunning gardens, look no further than the Getty Center and Getty Villa. These world-renowned institutions offer a wealth of cultural experiences and the best part? Admission is always free!
The Getty Center perched atop a hill overlooking the city, is a striking architectural marvel designed by Richard Meier. Its clean lines, white exterior, and central courtyard create a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find a vast collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. Don’t miss the Central Garden, a peaceful oasis with cascading waterfalls and lush landscaping. This beautiful museum is located in Brentwood, and it opens at 10:00 am everyday except Mondays.
If you wish for a Roman retreat head over to The Getty Villa. This phenomenal venue transports visitors to the Roman era with its replica of a Roman villa. Located in Malibu, the often overlooked Villa showcases a collection of antiquities, including sculptures, mosaics, and decorative arts.
Explore the gardens, courtyards, and outdoor theater to immerse yourself in the Roman lifestyle.
Admission: Always Free except for parking
Location:
GETTY VILLA: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
GETTY CENTER: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Pic Credit: @Timeout
2 – Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Description:
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art or LACMA is one of the largest art museums in the Western Hemisphere and one of our cities cultural crown jewels.
It offers a stunning collection of over 150,000 works of art from around the world. Spanning centuries and cultures, LACMA’s exhibits are sure to captivate art enthusiasts of all ages.
With its diverse collection spanning centuries and continents, LACMA offers a captivating journey through the world of art.
Beyond its galleries, LACMA offers a serene outdoor experience. The museum’s expansive grounds are adorned with sculptures, fountains, and lush gardens, providing a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
Visitors can enjoy picnics, relax on the lawn, or simply stroll through the beautiful surroundings.
Free Admission: The museum normally has a cost but offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month. It is also offers free admission to Los Angels County residents after 3PM on weekdays.
Location:5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
PIC Credit: @KTLA
3 – California Science Center
Description:
The California Science Center offers an engaging blend of science, technology, and fun for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re a curious student, a science enthusiast, or a family looking for an exciting day out, this interactive museum is a top destination that provides hands-on learning opportunities, fascinating exhibits, and even the chance to see a space shuttle up close.
This center is home to a wide variety of exhibits that cover everything from biology and ecology to aerospace technology. You can wander through fascinating exhibits on ecosystems, air and space, and even hands-on science fun.
It’s the perfect spot for an exciting day of discovery, where learning feels like an adventure!
Free Admission: Entrance to the permanent exhibits is always free, making this museum accessible to all while offering rich educational experiences.
Location:700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA
PIC Credit: @californiasciencecenter
4 – The Broad
Description:
The Broad is one of the city’s premier contemporary art museums, offering visitors free access to an impressive collection of postwar and contemporary works.
Since its opening in 2015, The Broad has become a cultural hotspot, attracting art lovers from around the globe who come to experience the museum’s innovative exhibitions, iconic works, and striking architecture.
The museum’s collection features over 2,000 pieces of contemporary art, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive private collections in the world. Eli and Edy the Broad, the museum’s founders, have long been dedicated to supporting contemporary artists, and their collection spans a diverse range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation art.
Free Admission: Admission to this beloved museum is always free! But you must make reservations ahead of time.
Location:221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit: @thebroad
5 – The Autry Museum of the American West
Description:
Embark in a journey through the American West! Tucked into the scenic Griffith Park, the Autry Museum of the American West offers visitors a captivating look at the diverse stories, cultures, and history of the American West.
Founded by actor Gene Autry in 1988, this museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of the American West, showcasing artifacts, artwork, films, and multimedia exhibits that tell the stories of Native peoples, cowboys, explorers, and pioneers.
The Autry Museum’s diverse exhibits span a wide range of topics—from the lives of Native American tribes to Hollywood’s depiction of the Old West, giving visitors an in-depth look at both historical and contemporary views of this iconic region.
Free Admission: Free admission is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 pm. You must make a reservation or registration the day before your visit.
Location: Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @dailynewsreader’schoice
Bonus Hack!
We have an extra special hack just for you culture loving LA Hackers!
Use your LA County library card and access Discover and Go through your local library. With this program you can reserve free passes to all participating museums including Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, California Botanic Garden, Catalina Island Museum, LA County Fire Museum, and more.
For more details visit https://lacountylibrary.org/discover/
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!