Free admission for all with a suggested donation of $5, a small neighborhood museum with rotating…read moreexhibits that reflect current events.

I would call this a hidden gem in Torrance. I had heard about it, but finally decided to visit…read more Best part, it's free. No charge. It's located in the civic center, in the back, so you can't see it off of the street. It's almost a game of hide and seek, where you need to find it. Even when I did finally find it, I wasn't sure I was at the right place or if it was even open. However, I was not disappointed when I finally walked inside. It's a teeny place. More like a gallery than what I would call a museum. Open floor plan. Great art though. An eclectic collection of paintings and mixed media when I visited. There were a couple other parties viewing the artwork. Not crowded. Parking: Free lot.

I love the design of the building by Elizabeth Diller, and that the you get a free entry for a…read moregreat modern art collection. It can get really crowded at times, but the permanent collection is stellar. Best to get timed entry to the Kusama Infinity Mirror room at the same time as your general admission. Temporary exhibits can be hit or miss, but loved the recent Yoko Ono show! And am looking forward to the new expansion.

I am very picky when it comes to the merits of museums - science, history, natural history, art,…read moreetc - as I have been blessed to visit museums in many major cities such as Seattle, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Cleveland to name a few. Los Angeles is great in many ways but museums is not the city's strong suit, in my opinion, with a few strong exceptions (Getty, Huntington, LACMA). When The Broad opened its doors next to the Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles; the entire city was upside down with excitement and it was the talk of the town. Lines circled around the building for admission and everyone wanted to check it out. I tend to wait out crowds so it took me this long to visit The Broad but I finally went to celebrate my 42nd birthday alongside fellow Yelper Michael B. Everyone is familiar with the story behind The Broad with its existence made through the art contributions of Eli Broad and his wife sharing their private art acquisitions with the City of Angels. Not to be outdone by the world-famous architecture of the Disney Concert Hall; The Broad went full-force to make its own building a work of art resembling a structural masterpiece versus simply a piece of real estate and in that respect, it succeeded; as The Broad is unique, artistic and satisfying for the eyes. Admission is free which is also an inviting plus-side to The Broad. But to me, that is where I stopped being impressed. The Broad has sooo much potential and so much unused space (but it is expanding in 2027 so perhaps it will level up) but it honestly comes off as a glorified art gallery that is simply a tourist trap. The building is so large and in charge but there the ratio of art to the space is minimal and not truly that mind-boggling. The MOCA across the street is a much better choice, honestly. There was only one piece I was in-love with (the melting street lamp) and have already seen everyone's photos for years of the large table, ballon sculptures, Michael Jackson and Bubbles, mirror room, etc; that they don't even require a second glance at this point. Yelper Michael B. is a long time Basquiat respectee and enjoyed the Basquiat room (and he said there was a rare piece included in the exhibit) plus Murakami; but I stick by the lamp post (the silver train is cool, too). My other area of excitement at The Broad? Entrance and exit to the bathrooms include waving your hand over motion sensors which is not only futuristic but hygienically sound and I found this super amazing. But if there is only one piece of art and the BATHROOMS that I find notable; then The Broad is a bust. Honestly, I would have been upset if I had paid for admission. The Broad just seems like another overly-hyped spot that has potential but doesn't live up to its popularity. Or, again, perhaps I am a museum snob and too picky. The Broad is worth a single visit (even though free, make reservations ahead of time); but don't expect some world-class art museum with extensive viewing. We were in and out in about an hour, maximum. Thanks Eli Broad and family; but the actual building is more impressive than your museum.

The Huntington Gardens have always been an amazing place to visit in the Pasadena area. I remember…read moregoing on a high school trip in the 1980s, and being amazed by all the foliage. You purchase your ticket ahead of time - though maybe you can get one when you show up. They do have free parking and it was easy enough to find a space. We walked around the Chinese and Japanese gardens mostly, and they were really lovely. It's kind of amazing just how much space there is, how much it is kept up. There are lovely paths everywhere. It was a little hot when I visited, so I probably would have wandered longer if I wasn't as hot. It does look like they have a shuttle now to get people around, and and also more accessible access for people with mobility issues.

This is my second time back here, last time was over 7 years ago! Definitely worth the trip, I…read moreabsolutely love it here. Tickets are on the pricier end, but its an all-in-one spot, with the vast botanical gardens grounds, art museums, however note that the library is currently closed for reconstruction. It was still beautiful and I had an amazing time exploring this place with my friend, and its his first time here. I love their attention to details, which you can tell with the beautiful gift shop bags. All of the gardens were beautiful, but as pictured - the Japanese and Chinese Gardens were my obvious favorites. Would highly recommend checking this place out, and I may come back again someday.

So there I was, sitting at home watching Hulu when I stumbled across a new show called The Trust…read moreabout the Getty family. I was only a couple of episodes in when I realized I needed something to do! John is in town visiting from Colorado, and we were officially on the prowl for some excitement. And then it hit me... HOW HAS THIS LA GIRL NEVER BEEN TO THE GETTY CENTER?! I've heard about this place for YEARS. The beautiful architecture, the gardens, the art, the views, and of course, all those gorgeous photos people take of themselves looking like they belong in a magazine. So today, we finally made it happen! First of all, admission is FREE! You just need to reserve your visit ahead of time. How have I lived in Los Angeles all these years and never done this before? Better late than never! Now, let me tell you something I wasn't expecting: this place made me feel GOOD about myself. I've always heard people talk about getting dressed up, bringing a really good camera, and having somebody take pictures of you surrounded by beautiful art and architecture. And honestly, I think this is something everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime. Get dressed up, take the pictures, admire the artwork, and let yourself be part of the beauty around you. And ladies, let's talk about BODY POSITIVITY for a minute! After walking around and looking at the artwork and photographs, I started noticing something wonderful. There were images celebrating women's bodies in all their glory, including beautiful, full-figured women with curves, dimples, and bodacious bodies. And I'm not just talking about the old statues! There were contemporary photographs celebrating the beauty of real bodies, too. It got me thinking: why do we spend so much time waiting until we reach a certain size, a certain age, or some imaginary version of perfection before we let ourselves feel beautiful? Looking at all this art reminded me that beauty has never belonged to just one body type. Your prime isn't a particular size, and it doesn't expire at a certain age. There is beauty in every stage of life! By the time I finished walking around, I was really feeling myself! I may not have a model-size body, but honey...I AM A GETTY-SIZE BODY! And that, my friends, is the energy I'm taking home with me! The Getty Center is more than a place to look at art. It's an opportunity to slow down, appreciate beauty, enjoy an incredible setting, and maybe even see yourself a little differently by the time you leave. Whether you're a longtime Angeleno like me, visiting from out of town, planning a special day with someone, or simply looking for something different to do, put this on your list. Bring your camera, wear something that makes you feel fabulous, and don't be afraid to take up space in those pictures! John and I had a wonderful time, and I can't believe it took me this long to finally visit . Come for the art, stay for the views, take the pictures, and leave knowing that you belong in the picture, too.

What an amazing time today at the Getty Center with my family! We saw so many unique art pieces as…read morewell as sculptures but our favorite was Irises from Vincent Van Gogh! What a great piece, and worth millions of dollars! So interesting to see how both painting and sculpting changed throughout the years and how here at the Getty they are preserved for our viewing pleasure. Although admission is free, everything else isn't lol Parking is 25 before 3pm and after that it's 15 but it drops even more to 10 dollars after 6pm. The cafe and restaurant at the Getty are wild when it comes to pricing, so take snack if you have little ones! They have the audacity to charge 6.45 for an olli pop soda and close to 20 dollars for a prepackaged cold sandwich, but I get it...it's for a good cause haha Overall it was a great time, and now we have to go check out the Getty villas in Malibu!

The Hilbert Museum was such a pleasure. The museum has two small wings filled with CA art. The…read moreentry was free and you can make a donation if you want. There is a free small parking lot so you may get a nice spot if you get there early. This is a great place for kids. They can complete a scavenger hunt and get a small surprise at the end. This allows kids to be engaged while they look at the art to find clues.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art is the best museum in Orange County that you've never heard…read moreof. Even me, walking around recommending the place now, can barely remember its name. But still, since coming here for the first time only a couple of weeks ago I've recommended it multiple times. And now? Multiple + 1. Though you'll be asked, at entry, if you've made reservations, don't be daunted. Reservations are unnecessary and museum admittance is free of charge. Though the Hilbert had been on my radar earlier, I'd forgotten about it until noticing, at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts, that several artists had pieces acquired by the Hilbert, spurring me to visit. Housed in two separate buildings connected by a central plaza framed with an astounding Millard Sheets mosaic, the building you enter for check-in has a frequently changing (3 times annually) display. On this visit they featured the California Art Club's 115th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition. Outstanding in every respect, I couldn't help but notice how many artists were there touring the show and how many of the pieces were already sold. Yes, the works in this particular exhibit were for sale, much of it quite reasonably priced considering the astounding talent on display. The second building features exhibits from the Hilbert's permanent collection and there was nary a dud in this space either. In that this is a museum of California art, the collection includes a lot of Disney-adjacent artists but also, so much more. I particularly enjoyed the way they kept each of these exhibits relatively bite-sized, to enable a broad showing of their remarkable collection. Knowing that the Hilbert is free, excellent, and always mixing things up pretty much guarantees a return visit on every future trip to Southern California. If you like museums and are anywhere nearby this is a museum definitely worth making time for.

This is a review for LBMA as a wedding venue. Wow, what a fabulous event LBMA creates for a…read morecouple's special day. They are professional, flexible and very kind. I loved working with the staff to create the perfect day for my daughter Simone and her new husband Ujwal. The venue is lovely on a warm summer night with the palm trees and the setting sun over the Pacific. Worth every penny! The memories are forever.

Love it here! There are two buildings. It's the building on the right…read more The computers were down on the Saturday I visited, so admission was free. Otherwise, general admission is $15 and admission for seniors is $10. I visited during the Robert Williams exhibit. Great, comprehensive collection of artwork, past and present. Paintings and sculpture, large and small. There's a small gift shop located immediately next to reception. The basement exhibit was artwork created by middle school, up and coming artists. The second floor was an exhibit surrounding paper and books. Although visitors are not allowed to go outdoors, awesome ocean view from the second floor window and patio. You can either take the stairs or elevator. Parking: I parked on the next block. Free, residential street parking.

There are 3 parking options: Tower Plaza Parking Structure (602 Anton Boulevard), Irvine Parking…read more(3201 Avenue of the Arts), and The MET Parking (535 Anton Boulevard). I chose the Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near the Westin Hotel), which was just a short walk to the museum, while the other options are a bit farther. Parking is paid, about $6 per hour. Once you arrive, check-in is quick and no reservation is needed. Admission is free, and they provide a sticker that you'll need to wear throughout your visit. The museum is two floors, featuring a variety of sections and artists. The architecture itself is beautiful and perfect for photos, and the artwork is unique and enjoyable to explore. Overall, it's a great experience, especially since it's free. Tip(s): - Park at Tower Plaza Parking Structure (near Westin Hotel) and just walk to the museum - Free entry - Restrooms available - No appointments needed

Well any museum with a Serra sculpture outside that you can just walk into is an automatic 4 stars…read more The museum itself is wonderful to walk thru. A small modern space, very museum. The two exhibits on the main floor were nicely spaced out. There was a large group of young people with energy and enthusiasm. I asked one of the docents if they were a student group and she said no, they just showed up. So props to the young people just showing up for art.

An absolute must-visit in LA! Fully enjoyed Urban Light, Monet, and Do Ho Suh's masterpieces…read more I had an increy time fully immersing myself in the art here! Starting with an essential photo at the signature Urban Light installation, I was blown away by the beautiful Claude Monet painting and the breathtaking, large-scale Hanok installation by Do Ho Suh. The level of detail in Suh's work was absolutely mesmerizing, and I found myself staring at it for a long time. Beyond the artwork, the panoramic views of the LA cityscape looking out through the massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows were a visual treat in themselves-it felt like looking at a living painting! 입구의 시그니처 포토존인 어반 라이트 조명 샷으로 시작해, 고전 명화인 모네의 작품과 특별 전시된 서도호 작가님의 대형 한옥 설치 작픔까지 정말 알차게 감상했습니다. 특히 서도호 작가님의 작품은 경이로울 정도로 섬세해서 한참을 머물었네요. 전시장 곳곳에 있는 커다란 통창 유리 너머로 내려다 보이는 LA 시내 전경도 하나의 예술 작품처럼 아름다워 보는 내낸 힐링 되었습니다

This is a limited review...first visit to LACMA since the opening of Zumthor's building, 5 months…read moreafter opening. We were there for the Fashioning Chinese Women exhibit @ BCAM, so did not enter the Geffen galleries. But we did want to get a drink at Erewhon on this 100+ degree day, visit the store, and also use the restrooms, all on the ground floor. I will defer a more thoughtful judgement on the merits of Zumthor's design, but it appears to me that, sadly, someone or possibly more than someone has ignored the Miesian dictum "God is in the details." There are several specific shortcomings in the new LACMA design and resulting experience, in no particular order: 1. Inadequate wayfinding signage and legible cues. Firstly, the site orientation map handed out at the ticket booth looks like it was drawn by an 8-year old (my apologies to 8-year olds) and is lacking in scale and specificity to be able to find the most direct route to ground floor destinations. There is not enough directional signage, and what there is, is too subtle to be obvious and thus useful. Unlike the pre-Zumthor LACMA, there are several staff stationed around the building to help direct people (not very helpfully), as well as freestanding signs, that are clearly afterthoughts. 2. While the plazas facing Wilshire are better than I expected, the other outdoor spaces are utterly bleak and soulless. They need to hurry up and figure out how to humanize those spaces. 3. Someone was not paying attention to workmanship in the restroom construction. Poorly masked painting, peeling paint at the restroom sink, toilet grab bars coming off the walls, and wobbly coat hook on the door, only 5 months after opening do not bode well for longevity. Was someone cutting corners for budget and or schedule? I can foresee excessive maintenance costs to keep things in a condition that befits such an important civic institution. Does this portend a higher rate of membership fee increases to fund necessary upkeep? Who is accountable to the membership and the taxpayers for such lack of oversight?

This museum is a very neat experience! It is intended for adults, but our little ones had a great…read moretime here too! The whole place is decorated with art and it is very immersive! It's a bit difficult to find parking, but after that's settled, knock 3 times on the door and upon entry, you are greeted and signed in. We were greeted by Sabrina and Alyssa. They were friendly and welcoming and made sure that all of our questions were answered. The whole experience is neat because in such a small area, there are so many things to see, smell, and read! They have their own section of a gift shop as well. I can't wait until they expand their location and I'm so glad they our family had the opportunity to experience the Museum of Make Believe.

A hidden gem (quite literally) in Laguna Beach, the Museum of Make Believe truly lives up to the…read morewhimsy and magic it seeks to bestow upon its travelers. Highly recommend to anyone seeking a trip of puzzle-mystery with a nostalgic edge. Huge shoutout to Sabrina & Sylvan for guiding us along the way and their warm hospitality.

This is easy to miss, but shouldn't be missed. This Art Gallery is free AND for sale. It showcases…read moreartists from all sorts of different walks and sometimes are for sale. We came while they showcased pastels and wow, the attention to detail is incredible. We appreciated the art no matter how big or small and noticed they host events here and even have the artists in person at times. It's a nice change of pace, being able to wander here, appreciate the art, and if you're feeling generous, even purchase some of the art for yourself. Anyway, if you even get bored of Del Amo Mall, this is a nice alternative to enjoy. VEFA Gallery is quaint and personal without the pretentiousness of bigger art galleries (if they are that at all).

VEFA is one of the most exciting additions to the Los Angeles art scene and a true cultural gem in…read morethe South Bay. Located on Hawthorne Boulevard, this innovative gallery has created a space where emerging talent and internationally established artists are celebrated side by side. Every visit offers something extraordinary. I've had the opportunity to meet remarkable artists, including Andy Scott, the sculptor and designer of The Kelpies, Scotland's magnificent monumental horse-head sculptures. I've also met acclaimed street artists such as Rick Rock, along with artists from around the world whose work spans an impressive range of styles and genres. VEFA is far more than an art gallery--it's a complete artistic experience. The gallery seamlessly weaves together fine art with exceptional food, music, and dance, creating unforgettable evenings. One of the highlights was a spectacular Salvador Dalí-themed dinner, featuring recipes created by Salvador Dalí himself. It was imaginative, immersive, and unlike anything else I've experienced. The venue is magnificent. Housed in a beautifully transformed building that began life as a bank and later served as a doctor's office, the architecture has been reinvented into a vibrant, contemporary gallery. Even the restrooms are works of art and worth seeing on their own. The current exhibitions feature outstanding fine artists, including Michael Dargas, Alexandra Manukyan, Rino Gonzalez, and my personal favorite, Kenya Verse. The quality of the artwork is exceptional, and every exhibition demonstrates VEFA's commitment to presenting museum-quality fine art. VEFA also champions artists, providing opportunities for both rising and established talent while fostering a welcoming community for collectors, art lovers, and creatives alike. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply someone who appreciates beauty and creativity, VEFA is a destination not to be missed. It is bold, imaginative, beautifully curated, and has become one of Southern California's premier destinations for contemporary fine art.