Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, located in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles, California. Established in 1961, it houses an encyclopedic collection of artworks representing over 6,000 years of global artistic expression.

Key facts

• Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

• Founded: 1961 (opened 1965)

• Collection size: Over 150,000 objects

• Director: Michael Govan (CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director)

• Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu 11 am–6 pm; Fri 11 am–8 pm; Sat–Sun 10 am–7 pm; Wed closed

History and architecture

Originally part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art, LACMA became an independent art institution in 1961 and opened its Wilshire Boulevard campus in 1965. Notable expansions include the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (2008) and the Resnick Pavilion (2010), designed by architect Renzo Piano. A major redesign by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor—the David Geffen Galleries—is now open to everyone, as of May 2026.

Collections and highlights

LACMA’s holdings span ancient to contemporary art, including renowned works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Magritte, and Warhol. Strengths include Asian, Latin American, Islamic, and modern American art. Iconic outdoor installations such as Chris Burden’s Urban Light—a grid of vintage Los Angeles street lamps—and Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, a massive suspended boulder, are visitor favorites.

Programs and community engagement

The museum presents rotating exhibitions, music events like Jazz at LACMA, and education programs for all ages. Through initiatives such as the Art + Technology Lab and partnerships with regional schools, LACMA promotes art access and cultural dialogue across Los Angeles’s diverse communities.

Visiting information

LACMA is part of Hancock Park, adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits. The museum offers guided tours, on-site dining, and a gift shop. Admission varies, with free entry for Los Angeles County youth through the NexGenLA program. Parking and public transit via Metro lines are readily available.