Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

4.6 (20,884 reviews)

Art MuseumTourist AttractionHistory MuseumPerforming Arts TheaterEvent Venue

Best time to visit

Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy both the exhibitions and the sunset at the Urban Light installation. On weekdays there are significantly fewer people than on weekends.

Budget tips

A full ticket is about 25 USD, but a discounted ticket is available for local residents. The museum is free on certain holidays and on the second Tuesday of each month; check their website in advance.

Recommended for

Art enthusiasts, Photo enthusiasts, Architecture lovers, Night strollers

Plan your visit

3-4 hours

About

Quick facts: LACMA holds over 150,000 works ranging from antiquity to the present day. It is also home to the world-famous Urban Light installation, where 202 restored street lamps create a photographer's favorite view.

Highlights: At dusk, the sea of Urban Light lamps lights up as if by themselves, turning the entire plaza into a magical island of outdoor lights. It is a place where locals come for a picnic, photographers wait for the golden hour, and no one is in a hurry to move on.

Insider tips

Parking at LACMA is expensive; instead use the nearest metro station or park on Wilshire Boulevard within walking distance.
Urban Light is best either at sunrise (no one is in the way) or during the blue hour, when the lamps light up and the sky is deep blue.
Don't limit yourself to the main building; also walk across the street to the BCAM (Broad Contemporary Art Museum) building, which features extensive contemporary art collections.
The museum restaurant has surprisingly good prices, especially the lunchtime special offer.