Academy Museum, Los Angeles Arts

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, newest anchor to the LA Arts scene; credit AMPAS

Los Angeles Arts

Los Angeles Arts have never been finer with the Getty Center, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Grammy Museum, Getty Museum Malibu, Broad Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Hammer Museum, Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum, Dolby Theater, Greek Theater, Pantages Theatre, and Hollywood Bowl all ready for their close-up. When the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is reborn in 2024, the wealth of LA art riches goes next level.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
DESCRIPTION: A new star has arrived on the Los Angeles Arts scene. The “Academy Museum” as locals call it, opened softly in September 2021 due to the pandemic. But make no mistake, it checks all boxes to merit a full-day visit. International importance, Check. Located in a grand Museum District, Check. Remarkable adaptive re-use architecture, Check. Superb fit & finish to exhibits, Check. A unique engagement experience is available, Check. Incredible landscape views from the museum, Check. Well-stocked & inviting museum store, Check. A museum cafe that serves delicious menu items, Check. Parking is easy and a Metro Rail station is open or coming, Check. Entry Price on par with top museums, Check. Wheelchair Accessible, Check. At this point, you’re probably wondering if there’s a catch. Not really. The $388-million conversion of MayCo Department Store was years in the making. Fundraising was spearheaded by Tom Hanks and Annette Benning. Six levels of Hollywood-only treasures embrace a diversity of programming overseen by Dr. Jacqueline Stewart of Turner Classic Movies. From Walt Disney Company Piazza, enter Sidney Poitier Lobby, then notice the Stories of Cinema gallery. It explains filmmaking in front and behind the camera. At the lower level, you’ll notice Shirley Temple Education Studio for young students and Ted Mann Theater for smaller movies of special note. On the second level visit Stories of Cinema Part 2, which includes the rise of Black Cinema. More broadly, see film artifacts and costumes with context for their impact from the 1900s to the present day. Without censoring the past, the museum pulls no punches that people of color had to overcome racial insensitivity in Hollywood. Exhibits for classic movies include Wizard of Oz, North By Northwest, Enter The Dragon, ET, Do The Right Thing, as well contemporary trendsetter, The Avengers. They will give you a sense of how the movie industry grew and influenced American culture. It’s easy to believe The Oscars Experience would be a gimmick that sucks. And yet you’ll be genuinely surprised at how fun it is to win and hold a real Oscar statuette. In the changing exhibits gallery, there was a Pixar Toy Story 3D Zoetrope exhibit that gives new movie lovers a sense of what movies looked like around 1900. Count yourself fortunate if time and invitation permit you to experience a movie in the David Geffen Theater. And when you visit the museum store, appreciate a hefty dose of Spike Lee movie memorabilia.
ADMISSION: Adults $25, Age 62+ $19, College Students w/ID $15, Ages 17 aand below enter free
DAYS & HOURS: 365 days/year Sun-Thu 10a-6p and Fri-Sat 10a-8p
ADDRESS: 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on the premises for $15-20
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Wilshire-Fairfax Station coming 2024
PHONE: 323-930-3000
WEBSITE: https://www.academymuseum.org

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION: A 347,000-square foot makeover is advancing LACMA’s mission as a great encyclopedic art museum. Current Exhibits gallery built in the 2010s remains as vibrant as ever. It recently featured works by Black American Portrait artists and there are new interpretations of artwork about European colonization of Indigenous tribes affected artworks. The solar panel-covered Grand Entrance, linear palm gardens, and a concourse unify its constituent parts with the Broad Contemporary Art Museum — a light-filled design that engages the visitor with critically lauded masterpieces. The Pavilion for Japanese Art represents the largest specialized collection of its type in America. Next door, the syrupy La Brea Tar Pits are still yielding the remains of Ice Age animals. Four buildings that housed most of the museum’s permanent collection have been stored away for construction of a new $650 million building for the Permanent Collection —- David Geffen Galleries opening in 2024. Its 100,000 artwork collection of European Renaissance, Latin American, African, Chinese, Korean, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Southeast Asian, Costume, Textile, Photography, Print, and Drawings will shine as never before. When the dramatic David Geffen Galleries opens it will span across Wilshire Boulevard and have complimentary landscaping and design motifs. More than anything, the new LACMA combined with the Academy Museum, will form an integrated campus experience that signals Los Angeles’ emergence as a world-renown art capital.
ADMISSION: see the website
DAYS & HOURS: Mon, Tue, Thu Noon-8p; Fri Noon-9p; Sat-Sun 11a-8p
ADDRESS: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on street and parking across the street
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Wilshire-Fairfax Station coming 2024
PHONE: 323-857-6000
WEBSITE: https://www.lacma.org

Craft and Folk Art Museum
DESCRIPTION: One experiences folk art and craft exhibitions that range from historical to contemporary, traditional to eclectic in this nearly 5,000-square-foot building; a visit is always enlightening because it presents slices of the artistic merger between social order and individual creativity while offering insight into global lifestyles. Craft collectors will appreciate the many gift shop books, jewelry, pendants, and baubles.
ADMISSION: Adults $5, Seniors & Students with ID $3, Age 11 and under Free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Wed & Fri 11a-5p, Thu 11a-7p, Sat & Sun 12p-6p
ADDRESS: 5814 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on street
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Wilshire-Fairfax Station coming 2024
PHONE: 323-937-4230
WEBSITE: https://www.craftcontemporary.org

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GRAMMY Museum
DESCRIPTION: A 30,000-square foot venue of films, memorabilia and multimedia exhibits that celebrate the power of recorded music; 1ST FLOOR introduces you to a small sample of what’s to come, then take the elevator up; 2ND FLOOR – witness The Making of a GRAMMY Moment shot backstage during the 50th Annual GRAMMY telecast with Tina Turner and Beyonce’ up close in the 200-seat GRAMMY Sound Stage; a priceless collection of GRAMMY artist photos and videos by artists like Marvin Gaye and touring exhibits; 3RD FLOOR – a behind the scenes look into the art and technology of the recording process as told by musicians, producers and engineers; 4TH FLOOR – keystone exhibits are the interactive touch-table sample of American music genres and the Michael Jackson Tribute.
ADMISSION: see website
DAYS & HOURS: 10a-6p
ADDRESS: 800 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on the premises for $15-20
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro 12th-Flower Station
PHONE: box office 213-765-6803
WEBSITE: https://grammymuseum.org

Museum of Contemporary Art
DESCRIPTION: Arata Isozaki’s wondrous pyramid and barrel-vaulted ceiling design draw you into this venue from many angles. Founded in 1979, MOCA Los Angeles is committed to the collection and presentation of artwork produced since 1940 in all media. It features over 5,000 works by artists that include Franz Kline, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenberg, Mark Rothko, Robert Therrien, and Roy Thurston. The museum store features a bounty of innovative art pieces and art books.
ADMISSION: Adults $8, Students with ID $5, Age 65+ $5, Children under 12 Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon, Fri 11a–5p, Thu 11a–8p is Free, Sat-Sun 11a–6p
ADDRESS: 250 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: garage under premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Civic Center Station & Metro 2nd Avenue Station
PHONE: 213-621-2766
WEBSITE: http://www.moca-la.org

Hollywood Museum
DESCRIPTION: Hosted in the Max Factor Building, the museum features an astonishing collection of Hollywood memorabilia. The exterior and lobby are Art Deco gems with marble, crystal chandeliers, and pastel hues suggestive of cinematic glitter. Four floors of exhibits are crowded with thousands of artifacts from the earliest movie days to the latest blockbusters; Max Factor was the premier make-up man of Hollywood.
ADMISSION: see website
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sun 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 1660 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on-premises and nearby streets
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Hollywood-Highland Station
PHONE: 323-464-7776
WEBSITE: http://thehollywoodmuseum.com

UCLA Hammer Museum
DESCRIPTION: The former Getty Oil baron bequeath this treasure chest for art lovers with European historical and contemporary art exhibitions, music, dance, poetry, symposiums, and gallery tours. For decades, few people of color could relate to it. But today, galleries also reflect LA’s diverse and contemporary culture. UCLA art students add youthful zest and energy to its galleries. If visiting Westwood/UCLA for more than one day, a stop at the Hammer Museum is well worth your time.
ADMISSION: $10 Adults, $5 Age 65+, Thursdays Free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue, Sat, Sun 12a-7p; Wed-Fri 12a-9p
ADDRESS: 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Wilshire-Westwood Station coming 2028
PHONE: 310-443-7000
WEBSITE: https://hammer.ucla.edu

Getty Center
DESCRIPTION: World-class art collections ranging from Greek and Roman antiquities to postmodernist Western art are opulent and bombastic; you could spend a week seeing every captivating exhibit at a leisurely pace. To find what’s most appealing to you in a 4 or 5-hour visit, review the Getty website to pre-select exhibits and plan to dine at the café or restaurant on-premises. Guests are required to park at a designated lot just off the 405 Freeway, then catch the Automated People Mover up to the museum – even the ride is a treat of landscape views.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p, Sun 10a-6p
ADMISSION: Free
ADDRESS: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: $10 per car, cash only
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PHONE: 310-440-7300
WEBSITE: https://www.getty.edu/museum

Hollywood Bowl
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1922, it’s
 one of the largest and most famous amphitheaters in the world; having a seating capacity of 18,000, it is the summer home of Los Angeles Philharmonic and hosts Jazz, Blues, Soul, Reggae, and Hip-Hop concerts. Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and the Jackson Five performed here. This is an unforgettable LA-only experience!
BOX OFFICE: book online
ADDRESS: 2301 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: Parking is limited, so catch the shuttle from Hollywood & Highland Lot at Orange Avenue for a small fee
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Hollywood-Highland Station, then shuttle from Orange Avenue side of Hollywood & Highland Complex
PHONE: 323-850-2000
WEBSITE: https://www.hollywoodpalladium.com

Greek Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built-in 1929, fully restored and nestled at an entrance to Griffith Park, this award-winning 5,800-seat amphitheater hosts Soul, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Reggae and Rock; War, Tower of Power, Alicia Keys, Tina Turner and Santana are just a few big artists who have graced the stage. It features a nicely tuned sound system for great acoustics in its wooded hills. The excellent site lines and wheelchair-accessible seating also make this an A-List concert venue. Since only Vermont Street leads to the theatre, allow extra patience when exiting shows.
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri Noon-6p, Sat-Sun 10a-4p; all tickets purchased at Greek Theatre Box Office are subject to handling fees
ADDRESS: 2700 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
MAP
PARKING: on-premises, including valet
RAPID TRANSIT: Meto Hollywood-Highland Station, then take a shuttle from the Orange Avenue side of Hollywood & Highland Complex
PHONE: 323-665-1927
WEBSITE: https://www.greektheatrela.com

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1964, the acclaimed venue is home to the Los Angeles Opera and Music Center Dance. Seating 3,197 patrons, this venue is one of the 3 largest performing arts centers in the nation and one of the two anchors of the Music Center of Los Angeles County.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on-premises and lot across the street
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Civic Center Station
PHONE: 213-972-7211
WEBSITE: https://www.musiccenter.org

Mark Taper Forum
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1967, this 752-seat theatre is part of the Center Theatre Group, and features small plays like those by August Wilson and other acclaimed playwrights.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: paid parking on the premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Civic Center Metro Station
PHONE: 213-972-7211
WEBSITE: https://www.musiccenter.org

Ahmanson Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1967 and renovated in 1994, it seats 1,400 to 2,000, depending on the drama, musical, comedy, or classic revival by the Center Theatre Group
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on-premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Civic Center Station
PHONE: 213-972-7211
WEBSITE: http://www.musiccenter.org

Walt Disney Concert Hall
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2003, this architectural eye candy is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. You’ll feel good just standing next to this marvel, like Robert Downey, Jr in Iron Man movie. The complete venue encompasses a spectacular modern 2,265-seat concert hall, a 250-seat theater, two small outdoor amphitheaters, and public gardens with ornamental landscaping. Fantastic acoustics inside match the looks outside.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Civic Center Station
PHONE: 
213-972-7211
WEBSITE: https://www.musiccenter.org

Microsoft Theater at LA LIVE
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2007, this 7,100-seat venue hits the sweet-spot size for big national acts while offering intimacy and good acoustics. No seat is more than 220 feet from the stage. Exceptional amenities include 4 levels of concessions, pre and post-events for VIPS. It has hosted the American Music Awards, BET Awards, American Idol Finales, ESPY Awards, Emmy Awards, and concerts like Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, Meek Mill, Bruno Mars, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx to name a few. This venue also had the privilege of hosting Michael Jackson’s posthumous This Is It movie premiere.
BOX OFFICE: 3 hours prior to events
ADDRESS: 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: garage onsite and less expensive parking on nearby lots
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Pico Station
PHONE: 213-763-6020‎
WEBSITE: https://www.microsofttheater.com

Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1926 as America’s largest theater with 6,300 seats, the Arabian-influenced design is an engineering marvel that features a huge proscenium stage; the cantilevered balcony built without pillars seats more patrons than the floor can seat without an obstructed viewing from any seat; renovations have upgraded seats, stage, lighting, and sound system. Today it hosts the People’s Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and numerous concerts; Michael Jackson catapulted to mega-stardom here with his Motown Billie Jean performance in 1983.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 665 Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: paid lot next door
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Jefferson-USC Station
PHONE: 213-748-5116
WEBSITE: http://www.shrineauditorium.com

Wiltern Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1929, the Art Deco neon marquee calls attention to a stunning landmark that combines performing arts with a dramatic 12-story office tower and a few retail establishments. The entrance is marked by a richly decorated lobby of mahogany doors and other intricate details; its flexible configurations support 1,000 to 2,000 seats.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: parking garage on-premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Wilshire-Western Station
PHONE: 213-388-1400
WEBSITE: https://www.wiltern.com

Dolby Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Glimpse the glamour and technical sophistication of the world’s most photographed theatre. See how award shows are produced in this astounding venue designed and optimized to host the Academy Awards. Ever wish you could be one of the 3,300 attendees at the Academy Awards? A 30-minute guided walking tour is available.
BOX OFFICE: 3 hours before events; see website for prices
DAYS & HOURS: daily from 10a-2:30p, tours depart every 15 minutes
ADDRESS: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: on-premises
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Hollywood-Highland Station
PHONE: tickets 323-308-6300
WEBSITE: https://www.dolbytheatre.com

Pantages Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1930, this magnificent palace is as star-studded as the movie premieres it hosted for many years and remains a joy to behold today; Howard Hughes bought it in 1949, and in the 1950s, it hosted early Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards were held here until 1977. A superb renovation brought new vigor to its Art Deco lobby and auditorium ceiling lined with ornate gold leaf hovering over 2,691 lush seats that render jaw-dropping stage views. As a venue for Broadway musicals, it has hosted Bubbling Brown Sugar, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, The King & I, Peter Pan, Les Miserables, Wicked, and concerts such as Patti LaBelle. It appears in Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone video.
BOX OFFICE: opens daily at 10a
ADDRESS: 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: parking lots nearby
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Hollywood-Vine Station
PHONE: 323-468-1770 or 323-468-1700
WEBSITE: https://hollywoodpantages.com

Hollywood Palladium
DESCRIPTION: Since 1940, it began as a palace for dining and big band dancing; this popular venue configured to seat 4,000 people, has hosted events a year that range from private parties, and concerts to award shows. Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Rolling Stones, and James Brown; last renovated in 2008.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 6215 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA MAP
PARKING: parking lots nearby
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Hollywood-Vine Station
PHONE: 323-962-7600
WEBSITE: https://www.thehollywoodpalladium.com

Kirk Douglas Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1947, as a modern movie palace with seating of 1,160 with no overhanging balcony, the Culver Theatre (as it was previously named) was originally next to the Columbia Pictures studio lot. With its well-received renovation, the venue operates as a regional performing arts center managed by Center Theatre Group.
BOX OFFICE: online purchase recommended
ADDRESS: 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA MAP
PARKING: lots and garages nearby
RAPID TRANSIT: Metro Culver City Station
PHONE: 213-628-2772
WEBSITE: https://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/douglas

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