With famous places like LACMA, The Getty Center, and The Broad, Los Angeles does not lack for world class museums.
It’s one of the many great luxuries that should be taken advantage of for those of us living here. But the fun doesn’t need to stop with just those big name attractions.
In the urban sprawl that is the City of Angels, chances are you can find a museum that caters to pretty much every interest if you’re only willing to look.
From the fluorescent sheen of all things neon to the locomotive passion of an LA icon, if it can be put on exhibition, it’s probably awaiting your visit.
Here are ten super unique museums to get you started on your adventure.
1 – Bunny Museum
Description:
You might find it hard to believe, but there’s an entire museum devoted to all things rabbit, and it’s located right here in the greater Los Angeles area.
Founded by husband and wife; Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski, a collection that originally began with a single stuffed bunny has multiplied (like rabbits) to over 35,000 pieces and counting. 35,000 pieces!!!
Location: 2605 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Pic Credit: @oohlalola
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If you decided to become a member of the “24 Carrot Garden Club”, you’ll get daily access to the museum, library, Peter Rabbit Bedroom, gift shop discounts, and invitations to yearly events like their Valentine’s Day celebration, Christmas and Easter parties, and their Summer Sock-Hops.
2 – Walt’s Barn
Description:
There are few people more synonymous with California than Walt Disney. But long before he built a multi-media empire, Walt’s first love was the railroad.
It’s a infatuation that stayed with him throughout his entire life. Walt’s Barn contains a treasure trove of memorabilia dedicated to this passion and is a great look into the man behind the mouse.
Location: 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @waltsbarn
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While you’re visiting, why not catch a ride aboard a miniature train with The Los Angeles Live Steamers which is located right next door.
They operate most Sundays from 11AM to 3PM.
3 – Museum of Dream Space
Description:
Drawing inspiration from influential visual artists like Yayoi Kusama, The Museum of Dream Space bills itself as the first U.S. museum dedicated primarily to digital arts.
While calling it a “museum” would be a bit of an overstatement, the space can best be described as a series of immersive rooms that are as much about grabbing that choice photo op as it is about viewing the digital art being presented there.
But this is LA, after all, and who doesn’t love a great selfie?!
Location:
Formerly located on the 6th Floor of the Beverly Center, their new location will open in Hollywood on 2/28/20 at: 6757 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
PIC Credit:@museumofdreamspace
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If you really want to upgrade your photo game while visiting (since your smartphone might not capture the luminescence quite as effectively), you can hire a professional photographer from the museum who will document your experience there and bring envy to all your social media accounts.
4 – 3-D Space
Description:
Located in the basement of a barber shop in Echo Park, 3-D Space is the brainchild of Eric Kurland.
Despite it’s diminutive size, the collection boasts a cornucopia of 3-D artifacts and the technologies used to display them throughout history.
You’ll be amazed at how far-ranging the 3D medium can be and how it’s hardly dependent on a set of blue & red glasses!
Location:1200 N. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles CA 90026
PIC Credit@jedlackritz
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While visitation is by appointment only (via their website), you’ll be greeted by Eric Kurland and provided a tour of the space as he points out the various artifacts on display. With Eric’s vast knowledge and passion for all things 3D, it’ll be like receiving a master’s course on the topic.
5 – Museum of Neon Art
Description:
It’s hard to imagine an evening on any city street in the world without the presence of neon signs pointing out various businesses and watering holes that line the block.
The Museum of Neon Art is the only museum in the world devoted exclusively to this noble gas and its use in electric media, fine art, and historic signage.
It’s the type of place that even Las Vegas would be jealous of.
Location: 216 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204
PIC Credit:@musuemofneonart
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The museum offers several different classes where you’ll be taught the entire neon-making process (“from glass to glow”) which culminates by making your very own piece of original work that you get to go home with!
6 – Annenberg Space for Photography
Description:
The first museum in Los Angeles devoted entirely to photography, The Annenberg Space for Photography features world class photography that utilizes every inch of real estate that the facility can spare, even the bathroom mirrors!
Each exhibit is augmented by a short documentary film that provides a deeper appreciation of how that particular exhibit came into existence. Exhibits typically rotate quarterly.
Location: 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Pic Credit:@annenbergspace
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Thanks to the Annenberg Foundation and its philanthropic support of the arts, admission to the Annenberg Space for Photography is always FREE!
7 – Valley Relics Museum
Description:
All it takes is one visit to the Valley Relics Museum to realize that the other side of the hill has always had a vibrant history.
Whether it’s the BMX bikes hanging from the rafters or the nostalgic signs from businesses that once called the valley home, the collection is a dizzying potpourri of mementos in the very best way.
Location: 7900 Balboa Blvd. Lake Balboa, CA 91406
PIC Credit:@thriftaholic
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If you’re an aficionado of vintage t-shirts, you’re going to want to stop in the gift shop.
I promise that at least one of the t-shirts there, adorned with the classic logos of former valley businesses, will catch your eye and pocketbook.
8 – Automobile Driving Museum
Description:
Los Angeles has always been defined by its car culture. So it’s no coincidence that there are some pretty great car museums in the city like the Peterson Automotive Museum.
But The Driving Automobile Museum near LAX just might be the most unique one of them all.
Not only does it boast an impressive gallery of vintage and classic cars, but unlike the other car museums out there, they actually let you sit behind the wheel of most of them in order to get a hands-on feel for what it must’ve felt like to drive these beauties in their respective eras.
Location: 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
PIC Credit:@theadmorg
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Each Sunday, you have the opportunity to catch a ride in one of several classic cars that they’ve made available for the day which is covered with your admission.
On our visit, we were given rides in a 1957 Lincoln Premier Convertible, a 1964 Plymouth Valiant Signet Convertible, and a 1947 Packard Super Clipper.
9 – Museum of Jurassic Technology
Description:
A true cabinet of curiosities, it’s hard to say if the Museum of Jurassic Technology is a genuine museum devoted to the scholarly exploits of natural history and science or a social commentary (and quite possibly spoof) on the very concept of the museum itself.
Self-described as “an educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic” (what the heck does “Lower Jurassic” even mean?!), every one of its bizarre exhibits should probably be taken with a grain of salt.
But thanks to its darkly lit, almost macabre atmosphere, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Location: 9341 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, California 90232
PIC Credit@sundaynightartifice
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Once you’ve finished having your mind blown at the Museum of Jurassic Technology, make sure to visit the Tula Team Room located on the second floor for some complimentary tea and cookies which is located in a peaceful garden backdrop.
10 – Martial Arts History Museum
Description:
Opened in 1999, The Martial Arts History Museum is the world’s first museum dedicated to the martial arts.
In an era where diversity should always be recognized and appreciated, The Martial Arts History Museum not only pays tribute to the various disciplines that fall under its umbrella and the countries they originate from, but also highlights their numerous influences in pop culture and history.
Location: 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506
PIC Credit:@moedawg140
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Every summer (for 16 summers strong), the Martial Arts History Museum hosts DRAGONFEST; self-proclaimed as the world’s greatest martial arts expo.
It features almost 200 vendors selling martial arts products, toys, and other Asian-themed collectibles. 100% percent of the proceeds are donated to the Martial Arts History Museum.
Guest Writer
Michael Choi – CaliforniaByChoice.com
Michael Choi is a passionate #LAHacker and frequent guest writer for the blog. He also runs has his own blog called California By Choice where he helps readers discover the hidden side of California one experience at a time.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!