Since its inception in 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art spanning both history and geography. Today, the museum features exceptionally notable collections of Asian, Latin American, European, and American art and houses a contemporary museum on its campus, Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM). With this expanded space for contemporary art, innovative collaborations with artists, and an ongoing transformation project, LACMA is creating a truly modern lens through which to view its comprehensive fine collection of more than 100,000 works. With this much to explore, it is an ideal spot to spend an entire day at the museum.
Spread over 4,310 acres (1,744 hectares) of the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is often referred to as "the Central Park of Los Angeles". The municipal park is one of North America's largest urban green spaces. There's ample opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and tennis alongside popular attractions like the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theater, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. At the confluence of landscaped greenery and rugged wilderness, Griffith Park is Los Angeles' most treasured recreational venue and scenic escape.
160 acres (65 hectares) of unspoiled nature can be seen at the east point of the Santa Monica mountains at Runyon Canyon Park. This pet-friendly park has two southern entrances and a northern entrance at Mulholland Drive. Go for a hike or head to the play area where your kids can play. Keep your camera ready as celebrities are known to unwind here as well.
Since 1913 Natural History Museum has been delighting people of all ages with entertaining exhibits about our world, both natural and cultural. Visit such wonders as the rarest shark in the world, a zoo full of insects and 20 dinosaur skeletons. Several special exhibits are also presented throughout the year.
The Page Museum shares the same location as the La Brea Tar Pits, so after you've witnessed the Pits which once entrapped Ice Age mammals, you can step inside and view the fossil remains. There are massive displays of mammoths, saber-toothed cats and an incredible collection of dire wolves. There are also exhibits of insects, plants and birds. Especially fascinating is the display of the skeletal remains of the La Brea Woman who is said to have lived about 9000 years ago. This is an extraordinary experience for the entire family.
Japan's top architect, Arata Isozaki, built the Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA as it is called by locals, in 1986. The series of bright galleries with exposed vaults display some of this century's finest artwork. Works by Mark Rothco, Franz Kline, Claes Oldenburg and more are displayed year-round. In addition to the curators, artists and critics frequently give guided tours. Inside the museum is a great restaurant called Patinette serving great Mediterranean cuisine.
Quick Culture conducts tours that cover various museums and galleries in Los Angeles County. The well-read guides take visitors through art periods, painters, territories, etc. to help them appreciate art. The kids' tours are highly popular. They make sure you enjoy the sightseeing and traveling experience in the city, Call to reserve.
Bhagavad Gita Museum is a unique Los Angeles gem. Established in 1977, its aim was to teach visitors about the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture calling for selfless action. You will gain an insight into the scriptures through eleven large dioramas that depict colorful scenes. Some of the awe-inspiring dioramas include the Changing Bodies diorama and the the Precarious Condition of the Living Entity diorama. You'll also see animatronics that help bring life to the story. Sign up for a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the museum exhibits.
Put your walking shoes on and get ready for one of the best tours you will ever take of the city. Blissfully free of cost and incredibly enriching, the Free LA Tour takes you through the core of Los Angeles - Downtown and Hollywood. The dynamic Downtown tour includes walking through city landmarks such as Union Station, Pershing Square, City Hall and the Bradbury Building. The Grand Central Market, the Central Library and the historic theater district are featured in the tour as well. Stumble upon several hidden gems as well, and let LA surprise you. The tour requires a minimum of four people to conduct a free tour.
Though not a major tourist destination, Studio Pali Fekete Architects can be quite captivating if you are interested in architecture. The brainchild of Judit Meda Fekete, both an artist and architect herself, attracts a select few who absorb and appreciate the meeting of creativity and structural design. The place evokes a creative streak in even those uninterested.
The Gina M Woodruff Gallery should feature on the itineraries of connoisseurs of Modern Art visiting Long Beach. From eccentric canvases to thought-providing ideas, their displays are dynamic and they cater to a wider audience. In addition to displaying works by local artists, this gallery has a collection of art by national as well as international artists. Another hidden gem at The Gina M Woodruff Gallery is their Man Cave, a section exhibiting art targeted towards men. The casual vibe of this place makes it perfect for a date night or even for some family time amidst art. The gallery also extends itself for private events.
Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts is a lovely little art gallery that features beautiful artwork by some of the finest artists in the city. The gallery exhibits work in a wide range of mediums that includes paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and much more. Their exhibitions are very well curated, thought-provoking, and often inspirational. Art lovers should not miss a visit to this popular Los Angeles gallery.