Best Contemporary Art in Los Angeles

Since its inception in 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art going back to ancient times. 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.

Art collector and philanthropist Frederick Weisman opened his former private residence and collection to the general public in 1991. There is no admission charge to visit this gallery, since Weisman believed that art contributes to the public good. The residence is built in the Mediterranean Revival style, and you'll be able to see a range of art, from European modernist pieces to abstract expressionist works. Magritte, Rauschenberg, Rothko, and Picasso are featured in the collection. See contemporary sculptures on the outside lawn. Tours are held five days a week and must be pre-arranged.

This museum run by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an important landmark in Little Tokyo. It is one of the three MOCA museums in the city. The spacious establishment has a gallery where exhibitions of renowned artists are hosted and a reading room stocking books. Opened in 1963, it offers more than 40, 000 square feet of exhibition space.

Located in downtown L.A., The Broad is a modern building with an extensive post-war and contemporary art collection. Local billionaires and benefactors Eli and Edythe Broad have provided the collections as well as allowed admission to be gratis in perpetuity. In addition to the Broad Family's donations, some of the art has been sourced from talented artists such as Joseph Beuys, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Richard Artschwager. A sprawling art house covering an expanse of around 120000 square feet (11148 square meters), it is the best place to lose oneself for hours. Also, while entry to the museum is free of charge, there is a small fee for self-guided tours and some rotating exhibits.

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.

The latest addition to LACMA's sprawling grounds, Resnick Pavilion dazzles art lovers with its architectural elegance and brilliant contents alike. Conceived and designed by the renowned Renzo Piano of the Centre Pompidou fame, this building beautifully completes the western wing of the LACMA vast campus and in itself constitutes an ‘acre of arts'. Come here to browse a considerable collection of art and artifacts from all over the world, spanning the time period from the ancient eras to present day. Whether you make a day of it by selectively exploring the treasures of the main LACMA collections and the neighboring BCAM (a.k.a. the Broad) along with your visit to the Resnick, or focus your attentions on the pavilion alone, your experience is bound to be rewarding.