The Santa Monica Art Museum is located on the Third Street Promenade…read more I was surprised to discover this museum existed and while on a stroll along the walkway. Current exhibition on window display is the Elephant Parade art where various celebrities/personalities design an Elephant and express a statement. The museum website hasn't been updated to provide more insight on this exhibit, but I am speculating it is a fund raising effort as well, which makes Art appreciation more meaningful. Worth a visit!

This place was cool as they hosted the Pop up Fan museum for Star Wars. The layout was great and it…read morewas pretty decent size to see a lot of amazing figurines and statues from the movie. The staff were super nice and courteous during our visit. Plus the location is great - right down the promenade which offers stores and great little views too.

I had did some research before I stepped into this creative expression of fun collections. This…read moremuseum is definitely an art experience worth visiting with iconic figures and street art that paints Mr. Brainwash's (Thierry Guetta) main mantra for the museum, "Life Is Beautiful" which is dedicated to honoring imagination, joy, creativity and inspiration. It's his own work that is displayed but he also references artists work such as the famous Banksy and other artists. A friend told me that the documentary, Exit through the Gift Shop, is connected to this museum. I have yet to watch but will do so to gain more understanding. Apparently, it was free museum day because there were hosts at the door greeting and letting visitors in. That was nice. It wasn't too busy but a good crowd to where I had to wait for my turn to take photos. It's three levels including the rooftop where more artwork is held and a view overlooking Beverly Hills. They also have a gift shop with unique items for purchase. I bought a cutesy pen with an engraved quote on it. To add, I was instantly moved by the creativity and effort they put into this museum. It brought a lot of inspiration. The art work gave me ideas of how I would want a part of my home to look like. It was a fun visit and would recommend for anyone wanting to dig into their imagination and enjoys art. I am also a sucker for anything that brings out the inner child in me and this place fed it well. Thank you, Mr. Brainwash and staff. Ps. The museum might be closed now. Unsure if it's temporary or permanently but still wanted to share my experience. I visited it in January of this year.

Wow! Had a wonderful experience coming here before the museum officially CLOSES this Sunday! (Jan…read more18). All of the work of one artist, Mr. Brainwash, is showcased in this whimsical three story building located across from a parking garage that offers free 2 hour parking. The art pieces were like none other I've seen before from other art museums, yet at the same time, poke fun/homage to all types of classic art. There is a big focus on pop culture icons such as Kobe, Tupac, cartoon characters, and especially Disney characters. Their Disney collaboration is at the rooftop and overall the museum is a great spot for some unique photos and videos. It is truly a shame this museum is closing so soon (it will literally be demolished after all the art here is moved out!) but I'm so thankful my boyfriend and I were able to experience this before the museum closes. - restrooms located on every floor, well-maintained and clean - art pieces come in a variety of mediums, well-decorated space full of so many masterpieces - Qr codes next to some paintings that are available for purchase - free admission, you don't even need any tickets to walk in

Very unique and entertaining exhibits. I enjoyed the combination of nontraditional exhibit topics…read moreand truly eclectic array of specimens, though I found some of the exhibits to be a bit misleading, such as the collection of diatoms. My favorite exhibits were the Decaying Dice, Tell The Bees, and Cat's Cradle. Partner really enjoyed the architecture-focused set of exhibits. A bit crowded in the exhibits near the entrance, but the crowd thins out the further you walk into the museum. If the jumble of information I presented in this review confuses you, then I would recommend that you visit the museum. It's immersive in the sense that I feel as though I traveled to many different worlds just by walking from room to room in a large house. I would certainly visit again if I was in the area.

This is more than a museum - it's an experience…read more Take your time. There are countless pockets with some of the most unique exhibitions you'll ever find. Amazing culture and ambiance; need multiple visits to truly let it all sink in. An absolute LA staple.

This is a beautiful campus. I had some visitors come from outside the country so I was the…read moredesignated tour guide. The daughter loves museums, so this was definitely on my list to take them. There are a variety of art pieces, paintings, photos and what not to look at and admire. The view is amazing a dm there are a few places to grab some snacks and food if you get hungry. As far as the tours, you can guide yourself, get audio devices for a guided tour and there are staff ready to answer your questions if needed. The staff is friendly and professional. Parking is easy and there is a tram that takes you from the parking structure to the museum. Definitely a great place to visit to appreciate art and the views. Great place to take photos also.

I never really know how to write reviews for museums because I'm not someone who can effortlessly…read moreanalyze art and start speaking in poetic paragraphs but I do love the Getty & just wanted to share my experiences so far. I've visited the Getty several times over the years and at first I found it a little overwhelming because there are so many exhibits and paintings that it's hard knowing where to even begin. Eventually I decided to make a game out of my visits instead. I started using ChatGPT to give me lists of paintings to look for, questions to ask myself while observing them, facts about the artwork, and prompts about what I do and don't like about each piece. Weirdly enough, that completely transformed my experience at the museum and made each visit feel much more intentional instead of me just wandering around aimlessly pretending to understand everything. Highly recommend trying this if you're someone who enjoys museums but doesn't necessarily feel "educated" in art. As a huge Van Gogh fan, I was shocked to learn that his painting Irises is actually displayed here. I had seen some of his work at MoMA in New York City and somehow never realized one of his paintings was practically in my own backyard. If you love Van Gogh, definitely don't miss it. I also personally enjoy exploring the North Pavilion the most because it's where many of the religious paintings are located. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and probably one of the most photographed parts of the museum for good reason. Great spot for pictures, especially if you enjoy Instagram-worthy scenery. There are also several areas throughout the Getty where you get gorgeous views overlooking Los Angeles. The Getty also has two restaurants, several cafés/coffee carts, and recently added a lounge bar around the plaza level. The food is decent but definitely expensive (which honestly shouldn't surprise anyone at this point). The café areas sell salads, sandwiches, pita and dip plates, pastries, snacks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Personally, I don't think the salads are worth the $18-$19 price tag, so I usually just grab coffee, snacks, or occasionally a small bottle of champagne and save my actual appetite for afterward. One thing I appreciate is that they have charging stations in the entrance hall in case your phone is dying halfway through your visit. There are also multiple gift shops throughout the museum with a pretty wide variety of books, souvenirs, stationery, art prints, and gifts. I think weekdays are probably best if you want smaller crowds, but I usually go on Saturdays because the museum stays open until 9 PM and parking becomes free after 6 PM on Saturdays specifically. Otherwise, parking is usually around $25, though reduced rates kick in later in the afternoon. A few tips in case you plan to visit for the first time: - Bring a sweater or coat because it can get surprisingly cold and windy. - Download the Getty app beforehand so you have the map available. - Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot. - And don't pressure yourself to "understand" every piece of art. Some aren't going to stand out to you and that's okay. - Be ready for traffic. The downside of the museums location is that it's smack next to one of the worst freeways known to man -- the dreaded 405.

The house itself is interesting, and the rotating exhibits offer a reason to come back…read more Sadly the atmosphere isn't always welcoming. I've been a couple times now, the first time I don't recall any issues, but recently I found the docents oddly unfriendly. As I waited for a friend to use the restroom, they kept peering out of their office to check on me as though I was looking for trouble. Their problem was that you're not supposed to explore the bottom level without guidance. It's a stupid rule. The museum is small enough to explore in less than 30 minutes, so being forced to have someone guide you makes it feel very stuffy. It'd be much nicer to simply offer a guide, that's the point of a docent, I thought. Maybe just go in and ignore them, it'll be more entertaining that way.

California Heritage Museum was built in 1894, the building that houses different museum exhibits…read more It is a multicultural facility that promote the history and cultures of the people that comprise the California community. This museum is located on Main street in Ocean Park, Santa Monica. I accidentally strolled by Main street and saw this museum. It's a very small museum whereby you can see the entire museum in 5 minutes! And I'm not being facetious. You'll find some interesting artifacts. Today, the admission was free. They have a permanent collection and rotating exhibit. Overall, this museum is a bonafide golden gem of the community. I recommend you visit if you have 5 minutes to spare.

Roman, Greek and Etruscan art spanning 4000 plus years right here in Pacific Palisades in Los…read moreAngeles with breathtaking views of the gorgeous Pacific? Free admission? No way!! After driving past the world renowned Getty Villa so many times on the 405 Freeway I finally made it to this absolutely stunning gem. I was joined by my three very curious and ready to travel and conquer the world granddaughters who had read up on this. No guide needed. This replica of a First Century Roman Country house that was buried under Mt Vesuvius also had a coincidental close call with the recent fires In the area and came back stronger. Behold the lovely Roman style gardens that feature plants and herbs from the Mediterranean; the mosaic floors and the classical fountains in this calm and serene environment. There are over 1400 spectacular pieces of art( pottery, jewelry, statues and sculptures) plus an outdoor theater for special events and plays. Please do set aside 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours to truly enjoy the entire experience. You also have to just sit in the gardens and take in the fresh air and the views. Goose bumps and conversations for days. Online timed reservations that are gratis. Parking is $25 and drops $10 after 3 pm.( you have to wrap things up by 4:30 pm). Closed on Tuesdays. There is a nice cafe on the villa campus. There is something for every age group. This truly was a WOW experience.

As an LA native, this remains at the top of my family's favorite museums in our entire city and we…read morelove bringing over friends and family here when they come to visit to impress them with its stunning beauty. Built to be a 1:1 replica of a destroyed villa from Mt. Vesuvius at Herculaneum, Mr. Getty really did his thing with this one!! I personally find the architecture of this museum to be its best part because it feels like you've been transported back into Ancient Rome before the eruption. The museum itself contains antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other societies both pre-dating the two civilizations from the same region as well as those that existed at the same time in different regions (Egypt) in an effort to put antiquity in context. Parking here is $25 and the gift shop always contains some fun gems.

Cute little museum located next to the Library…read more I never heard of the Santa Monica History Museum till late last year and I figured it might be interested to visit it and learn more about the area. And we did, SM was part of Tongva land, and Tujunga, Cahuenga, etc major streets have their names originated form their tribal language. The museum is small, but the permanent collection is very interesting. It focuses on Santa Monica's history, its development, there are many fascinating stories on display along with great photos and older objects. There's a chapter dedicated to the Muscle Beach, history and highlights, another one to Pacific Park with great memorabilia on view and another one dedicated to the Entertainment Industry and some local members like Sherley Temple, and they have some of her costumes on display. I wasn't that taken with their exhibits, a tad on the depressing side. Also, there was noise coming from the library, lots of banging, so it was hard to concentrate in one room in particular. Otherwise, nice staff and clean restrooms. $5 regular admission, Free 1st Sunday of the month! Free for kids and seniors. Opened Thu. 2pm-5pm. Friday - Sunday 11am-5pm. Worth a visit for sure, it could be a nice way to spend an hour or so. Great activity if you visit Santa Monica or if you are like me, sometimes a tourist in your own town!

I was able to visit this museum and it was fun and informative. It has something for everyone for…read moreany age. The unhoused exhibit was very informative and it was interesting to see how much Santa Monica has changed over time. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. Parked in the parking structure.

The Hammer Museum is a must-visit. The exhibits are eclectic, unique, and definitely give you…read moresomething to think about. And the best part? It's free, y'all... you can't beat that.

My second time coming here, with my first time a few years back for one of the free events they…read morehosted. What I like most about this museum (other than that it's free admission) is that the inner courtyard is clean and modern with a nice breath of outdoor air!!! The iconic pieces from this museum is the roundtop chairs that are fun for anyone of all ages to sit and enjoy. We came here unplanned and only walked in to enjoy some art in the middle of the Cicla Via West LA event. If I remember correctly, there's garage parking. Lots of different art buildings to walk into. Good time to kill time and also to study at the courtyard. Well-maintained!!!

I brought my 10-month-old here on a Saturday hoping to see the infant play area. There's a sign…read morethat says it's for 2 years and below but some parents of older children were letting them play and some of them were so rough and almost falling or stepping on my baby. We took breaks leaving the soft play area but I wish someone was there to remind parents of the age group intended for the soft play area especially since the rest of the museum is open to the older children. This was the only section truly available for babies. I also wish there was staff wiping down the area more often or at least have sanitizing wipes available outside of the play area, especially since babies drool and spit up. I was there for 2 hours and didn't see any staff tidying up or wiping the area down. Some of the soft play sections were separated too where there would be small open spaces revealing the concrete underneath which was a little disappointing because it didn't feel so safe. The gate to close the section off kept opening up too. Aside from the issues above, my baby enjoyed himself. The soft play area is honestly small but I imagine it looks huge from my baby's perspective. There's a mirror, lots of hills and steps, and there's a little slide. He loved every second of it. He also loved the installation on the ceiling above the soft play area. Parking in the garage is free for 90 minutes I believe and it's right next to the museum. The staff at the desk are kind. You leave your strollers at the lobby in front of the front desk. There's several restrooms and there's a nursing/quiet room with 2 rocking chairs facing each other. I wish there was a privacy screen or something though because I was just nursing in front of a stranger and I would have felt more comfortable if we weren't directly facing each other haha. The rest of the museum was great. Lots of sections for older children to run around.

I'm disappointed a "museum" teaching children about imagination and community dismisses actual…read morepublic servants when they are innocently visiting the premises to see their family for a moment and interact in a healthy way with the community. And if you know anything about anything, a police officer visiting his family while on duty is completely legal for the uneducated people all up in the reviews trying to claim he was acting entitled. YOU WEREN'T EVEN THERE, KAREN. Nobody made a "stink" about the policy in the moment it was being upheld. Nobody pulled out a weapon. It was a bunch of kids meeting a cop and getting FREE STICKERS.

Museum of Flying (est 1974) is a 22,000 sq ft aerospace museum in Santa Monica, CA. This museum…read moreexhibits aviation history, a dozen aircrafts including a replica of the Wright bros and a Max FS 3000 simulator. MOF is basically a large hanger with a mezzanine. I have been to every aerospace museums in LA/OC except this one. It's very organized and well maintained; you can go through the entire exhibits within 90 minutes. Staff were cordial. Admission ticket is affordable. Souvenir shop is very small with very limited merch and stuff. Overall, it's a nice lil museum good for family and kids to visit.

If you love aircraft this the place for you. It's kind of small but they have so many exhibits to…read moresee. My favorite was the motto of the Wright brothers aircraft. They also have a flight simulator that is awesome and amazing, the price is a little steep for eight dollars you get one trip, but you can buy a pack for $24. All in all a great excursion for airplane lovers.