Take in a year’s worth of arts & culture at your favorite institutions.
We’ve felt culturally starved for the last year—there are only so many virtual tours you can do until you the clicker in your mouse gives in and you lose the patience to try and keyboard-maneuver your way out of being zoomed on the corner of a room. But now, finally, the dormant institutions that offer an artistic and cultural refuge will reopen. We get to enjoy the hushed murmurs of fellow gallery-goers, the long contemplation of the visual expressions we’re confronted with and the tranquil space to get lost in with our thoughts.
While some museums have already opened their garden areas to the public, here are all the indoor museums and galleries that you can visit right now.
1. LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is open with six new shows which include “Bill Viola: Slowly Turning Narrative,” a show devoted to the work of Yoshitomo Nara, and “Vera Lutter: Museum in the Camera.” Masks are mandatory and there’ll be other safety protocols in place. Advance tickets are now available online here.
2. Hammer Museum
The hammer museum and its mix of historic and cutting-edge artworks are now open for visitors. Entry remains free and you’ll get to see exhibitions like “Made in L.A. 2020: a version” which features the works of 30 Los Angeles–based artists in person. “Patrisse Cullors: F*ck White Supremacy, Let’s Get Free” are two great exhibits to see right now. Find out more here.
3. Petersen Automotive Museum
Beyond this wacky exterior, houses a fascinating world of automobiles ranging from the flawless curves of vintage classics to high-tech supercars of the future. The museum is open with timed ticketing and health & safety measures in place. Find out more here.
4. Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
This expansive gallery in a former flour mill is open to visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be some exciting exhibitions coming over the next few months but the opening weekend kicks off with “Amy Sherald. The Great American Fact.” Find out more here.
5. Getty Museum
Getty Villa Museum is open and the Getty Center are both open. There’ll be a special Mesopotamia exhibition on display at the Getty Villa Museum and you’ll get to marvel at the newly acquired painting of Lucretia by Artemisia Gentileschi. A list of health and safety measures will be introduced including timed reservations, face coverings and temperature checks. Find out more here.
6. The Huntington
The first floor of the Huntington Art Gallery is open with the “Made in L.A. 2020: a version” exhibition on show. Along with the first floor, all the galleries showcasing the “Made in L.A. 2020” works will be open. Find out more here.
7. The Broad
The dynamic collection of contemporary art ranging from the 50s to the present is on show with extended summer evening hours on the fourth Friday of the month, June through September from 5–8 pm. On these particular evenings, there’ll be DJs will be spinning at the East West Bank Plaza at The Broad and dancer @alekss.perez will be performing in the El Anatsui and Alexander Calder gallery on the first floor. Find out more here.
8. MOCA
MOCA has announced plans to reopen this spring. The exact date will be announced via social media channels, so be sure to follow them for the latest news and updates. You also can still enjoy a virtual tour here, if you prefer.
9. Skirball
The Skirball is open with Ai Weiwei’s “Trace”. The moving exhibition highlights the power of resistance against authoritarianism. It was created when the famed artist was under house arrest in 2014. There are 83 of the 176 portraits depicting heroes that have stood up against injustices, they are assembled by hand from LEGO bricks. Find out more here.
10. Museum of Latin American Art
This incredible museum with works from legendary Latin American artists like Frida Kahlo is currently open to members. The public will be allowed to reserve tickets from July 2021. However, all exhibitions are available online, Find out more here.
11. Norton Simon Museum
One of Pasadena’s cultural gems, the Norton Simon Museum is home to one the most remarkable private collections in the world. Browse through over 12,000 art treasures, featuring European art from the Renaissance, Indian and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years along with contemporary pieces from both America and Europe. You’ll also have a stunning range of architecture to take in, including touches from the likes of Frank Gehry. Reserve tickets and out more here.
Featured Image: @bimalkumarrajendra