Best Museums in Los Angeles (65 Picks)

The Getty Center Museum, one of the most famous museums in Los Angeles, is renowned for its impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as its breathtaking architecture and gardens. Visitors can explore masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, alongside stunning temporary exhibitions.

The LACMA is the largest art museum in the western US, with a collection that spans over 6,000 years of art from around the world. There is an array of exhibitions ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Among the many art museums in Los Angeles, LACMA stands out for its massive collection, architecture, and public programs.

The Broad Museum is a contemporary art museum with a collection of over 2,000 works, featuring prominent artists such as Cindy Sherman. Known for its striking architecture, there are installations and rotating exhibitions that make it one of the best museums in LA. Highlights include Kusama's "Infinity Mirrored Rooms" and Koons' "Balloon Dog".

The MOCA is a top-tier art museum in Los Angeles, with contemporary artworks from the 1940s to the present. There are over 7,000 pieces with large-scale installations, thought-provoking exhibitions, and a public programs calendar.

The Getty Villa has a classical interior and beautiful well-kept gardens. The Villa has a range of different art and artifacts such as statues, paintings, jewelry, and more, with a strong focus on ancient Greek and Roman art.

The Institute of Contemporary Art in LA is a cultural museum in the Arts District of DTLA focused on contemporary art. It provides an inclusive space with rotating exhibitions for both well-known and underrepresented artists.

The Hammer Museum at UCLA is known for its commitment to social justice. The museum has interesting installations, performances, and lectures. The Hammer's collections feature historical works, contemporary art, and more.

The MOLAA is one of the best museums in Los Angeles because of their art from the mid-20th century, with paintings, sculptures, and more. The only museum in the US that is focused on modern and contemporary Latin American art.

LAMAG in Barnsdall Art Park showcases the work of artists from Southern California, making it one of the best museums in Los Angeles. LAMAG hosts exhibitions that explore different artistic practices and cultural perspectives. Note: LAMAG is closed for a gallery install through September 3, 2026, so check its site before visiting in the meantime.

This museum is a cultural hub that intertwines contemporary art and architecture. Located in the home of renowned architect Rudolf Schindler, it hosts exhibitions, residencies, and public programs that explore modern living and design.

The Mosaic Tile House is an eclectic, vibrantly-decorated beach home by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. Covered in mosaic tiles, ceramics, and colorful designs, the house is an artistic statement that began in 1994.

The Gagosian Gallery is a contemporary art gallery known for showcasing works by leading modern and contemporary artists. Founded by Larry Gagosian, the gallery offers spaces for exhibitions, artist collaborations, and art events.

This museum has an outdoor collection of over 100 sculptures by local and international artists. Located in the Hollywood Hills up to the iconic Hollywood Sign, it offers visitors a tranquil environment to experience contemporary art.

Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles offers exhibitions across various media, like painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations. It provides a dynamic space for cultural events, performances, and community engagement.

MASH Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that showcases thematic exhibitions and brightly colored, modern pieces of art by local and international artists.

Located at East Los Angeles College, VPAM is a renowned institution that showcases Chicano and Latino art and features a collection of contemporary and historical artworks, emphasizing cultural identity and social justice themes.

The LBMA is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a unique collection of art including American and European paintings, decorative arts, and contemporary works, with a central focus on California artists.

The ASU FIDM Museum showcases different pieces of fashion over 400 years. With over 15,000 pieces of fashion history from all different times, visitors can expect to see film costumes, accessories, garments, textiles, jewelry, and more. Now operated by Arizona State University and rebranded as the ASU FIDM Museum, it's open primarily during scheduled exhibition periods rather than as a standing daily museum, so check the current exhibition calendar before visiting.

The Museum of Neon Art in Glendale, California, is a unique museum that celebrates the art and history of neon signs. Visitors can experience the vibrant world of neon through hands-on classes and learn more about its history.

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, has European and Asian art spanning over 2,000 years. Its peaceful gardens and rotating exhibitions complement the permanent collection.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a cultural institution with books, manuscripts, and European and American art. Its gardens have plant species, creating a blend of art, literature, and nature.

The Japan House in LA showcases the best of the best upcoming and new Japanese art, design, gastronomy, technology, and more. It includes many features such as an exhibition gallery, event rooms, and views of Los Angeles.

The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles is a museum dedicated to confronting bigotry and promoting human dignity through interactive exhibits on the Holocaust and contemporary issues of prejudice. Its goal is to inspire visitors to understand the importance of tolerance and social justice in today's world.

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a historic U.S. Navy ship and a Los Angeles landmark, making it a great place for guests of all ages to learn about how the ship served time in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. People will be able to learn about general naval history and maritime heritage as well as the lives of the sailors who served time on the ship. The museum is in the process of rebranding as the National Museum of the Surface Navy in 2026, so don't be surprised to see the new name on-site or online.

Get ready to rev your engines at the Petersen Automotive Museum, a nonprofit organization which educates visitor's on the history of the automobile through exhibitions of old vehicles like cars, race cars, and motorbikes. There are different rotating exhibitions to check out as well such as their current Porsche exhibit called "We Are Porsche".

The CAAM in Exposition Park showcases and preserves the art, history, and culture of African Americans. The museum has artworks, historical artifacts, and multimedia installations that highlight their experiences.

The Wende Museum in Culver City, California, preserves Cold War-era artifacts and history from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Its extensive collection includes art, films, documents, and everyday items.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is full of the rich history, art, and culture of the San Fernando Valley region. It features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the area's unique heritage and contributions to LA.

The Holocaust Museum educates visitors through artifacts, survivor testimonies, and interactive exhibits. It promotes understanding, tolerance, and remembrance by highlighting the horrible memories and the resilience of its survivors.

The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Japanese Americans. It offers exhibits and educational programs that explore the Japanese American experience. Note: JANM is temporarily closed for renovation, with reopening expected in late 2026, so check its site before planning a visit.

The Skirball Cultural Center shows the Jewish culture through exhibits, programs, and a community space. It has one of the world's largest collections of Jewish ceremonial art, with collections including over 25,000 pieces.

The Nethercutt Museum has collections of vintage cars, rare musical instruments, and antique furniture that makes this place a true hidden gem. The museum has over 250 American and European perfectly restored automobiles.

This museum honors the bravery and history of firefighters with exhibits and vintage fire equipment on display from the Long Beach Fire Department. The collection of equipment includes some items that are over 100 years old. We couldn't confirm current public hours as of this writing, so call or check its site before making the trip to Historic Fire Station 10.

The Museum of Social Justice showcases the history of Los Angeles's social culture and tries to change the perspective of marginalized groups such as the poor and minorities. Their goal is to tell peoples neglected stories.

The Medieval Torture Museum explores the dark history of torture with chilling exhibits and artifacts. It gives guests the chance to enter into the dark parts of human history through things like confinement and torture devices.

The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum presents exhibits and multimedia presentations that allege abuses and harms associated with psychiatry, aiming to advocate for reform and awareness regarding mental health treatments.

The International Printing Museum has to be one of the most unique things to do in Los Angeles, with guests being able to dive into the history of printing, books, and graphic arts with hands-on exhibits and working antique presses.

This museum explores the spiritual and philosophical teachings of the Bhagavad-gita through stunning sculptures, galleries of art, and transformative exhibitions. Their goal is to share and educate spiritual knowledge of the world.

The Autry Western Museum explores the history and cultures of the American West through engaging exhibits and programs. The Autry Museum of the American West has galleries with over 600,000 different pieces of art.

The Martial Arts History Museum not only showcases the rich history and cultural impact of martial arts in American culture, but it also aims to share how Asian history and culture became a large part of American history and culture.

The Lomita Railroad Museum showcases memorabilia about the history of railroads. Located in a restored train depot, the museum offers a glimpse into the region's railroad heritage through exhibits, model trains, and educational displays.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a community hub in Los Angeles which celebrates the Latino culture and history in LA. This spot hosts a number of different events such as art exhibits, music events, concerts, culinary shows, and more.

Gaze at the stars and explore the cosmos with stunning science and astronomy-related exhibits and telescopes at one of the most iconic museums in Los Angeles. Visitors to the observatory will be able to catch an iconic shot of the Hollywood Sign, which easily makes it one of the best museums in LA for tourists.

This LA Science Center is the perfect place to ignite your curiosity with interactive exhibits and awe-inspiring displays like their Space Shuttle Endeavour. They even have an IMAX Theater and special exhibits that cover topics such as space exploration, ecosystems, technology advancements, and more.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a prominent scientific and educational institution dedicated to showcasing the natural world through collections and exhibits. It features dinosaur fossils, gem and mineral displays, wildlife dioramas, and interactive experiences that engage visitors of all ages.

Enter a world of wonder with eclectic exhibits that defy conventional museum norms. It presents a collection of curious exhibits and installations that blend science, art, and storytelling, creating an immersive experience.

Step back in time at The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Los Angeles to a unique natural history site where visitors can explore Ice Age fossils preserved in asphalt seeps. The museum has fossils of many different species. Note: the Page Museum closed to the public on July 6, 2026, for a roughly two-year “Reimagine” renovation, with reopening expected in 2028. Check tarpits.org for updates before visiting.

The Western Museum of Flight allows guests to soar through aviation history and see a remarkable collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts of the achievements of aerospace pioneers and their impact on aviation history.

The Travel Town Museum is a family-friendly destination dedicated to preserving historic railroad equipment. Located in Griffith Park, it offers a look into the golden age of railroads through locomotives, passenger cars, and more.

The Museum of Flying in Santa Monica represents the history of aviation through different exhibits, aircraft displays, and interactive experiences. It features historic planes as well as artifacts and memorabilia related to aviation pioneers.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood highlights the studio's rich history and iconic productions. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring authentic costumes, props, and sets from beloved films and TV shows like "Harry Potter" and "Friends." The tour also includes behind-the-scenes insights and interactive displays.

Get up close and personal with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities and icons at one of the best museums in Los Angeles. This museum is the most visited attraction on Hollywood Boulevard since 1965, plus you'll be able to take photo's and learn more about your favorite stars.

One of the best museums in Los Angeles celebrates the magic of cinema with exhibits and artifacts of the Academy Museum. The museum has temporary exhibitions, an Oscars night simulation, a theater, plus a café and restaurant.

Celebrate the history and impact of music with interactive exhibits and iconic memorabilia at the GRAMMY Museum. The four-floor museum features special exhibits, an intimate theater a café, and different outfits and pieces of history.

Step into the spotlight with lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars at this famous Hollywood attraction. There are different zones of wax figures, from a Marvel section to a Music section to Modern Classics and much, much more.

Journey through Hollywood's glamorous past with iconic memorabilia and exhibits. Visitors will be able to see over 10,000 props, costumes, and more from Silent Movies, Hollywood's Golden Era, Feature Films, and so much more.

This museum celebrates the history and cultural significance of the iconic Hollywood Bowl amphitheater. It's artifacts highlight the venue's storied performances, artists, and contributions to the music and entertainment industry.

Before Walt Disney became who he is today, he had a passion for railroading. Experience Walt Disney before the fame by visiting the original barn in which he worked in, collected toy train sets, and built a variety of interesting things.

The Giant Robot Museum is an innovative cultural space that celebrates Asian and Asian American pop culture, art, and creativity. It features exhibitions, installations, and events that showcase contemporary art, toys, and collectibles.

Soap Plant Wacko is a cultural landmark because of their vibrant art gallery mixed with a traditional gift shop. Visitors can expect a quirky blend of captivating art exhibits along with an eclectic mix of curiosities and random collectibles.

The Valley Relics Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and pop culture of the San Fernando Valley. Its collection has vintage neon signs, memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that highlight the region's unique heritage.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not! in Hollywood is a museum featuring a vast collection of oddities, unusual artifacts, and rare exhibits from around the world, showcasing some bizarre and extraordinary things. Visitors can explore interactive displays and immersive experiences that highlight some strange things of human history and nature.

The Love Museum in Los Angeles, often regarded as one of the best museums in Los Angeles, offers a unique and intimate exploration of human relationships and romance through various artistic exhibits. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive installations and thought-provoking displays that celebrate love in its many forms.

Chromasonic is a private, appointment-only immersive light-and-sound installation in Venice, built for small groups rather than walk-in visitors. Sessions run roughly $200 to $250 and accommodate up to 6 to 8 guests, booked directly through the studio.

Spark creativity and imagination with interactive exhibits and outdoor play areas designed for children. This museum is full of immersive games, exhibits, programs, and classes to kickstart a child's creative side.