On Sunday, May 31st, from 12 to 4 pm, a handful of local museums are teaming up for the 36th annual Museums of the Arroyo (MOTA) Day!
MOTA Day is a once-yearly community event that offers Angelenos free admission to five museums in the Arroyo Seco area, whose general admission prices usually range from $5 to $15.
Participating museums will also host special activations on MOTA Day, including games, picnics, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. No advance tickets are required to enter the participating MOTA Day locations.
Participating museums
The following 5 museums are participating in MOTA Day on Sunday, May 31st, from 12 to 4 pm.
Keep in mind that there is no shuttle service available, and organizers recommend visiting no more than 3 of them during MOTA Day for the best experience.
You can get more details on the MOTA Day website.
1. The Gamble House
📍 Address: 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena
The Gamble House in Pasadena is a 1908 Arts and Crafts masterpiece by architects Greene & Greene, built as the Gamble family’s winter home.
This MOTA Day, the Gamble House is honoring the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with road trip-themed activities. Enjoy free self-guided tours, a make-your-own pinwheel craft, 36-cent specialty postcards, and more. The museum also invites guests to bring a picnic and enjoy games on the lawn.
2. Heritage Square
📍 Address: 3510 Pasadena Avenue, Los Angeles
Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles is a living history site where restored Victorian-era buildings tell the story of Southern California’s development.
Enjoy self-guided tours, home walk-throughs, and a picnic area. Guests can watch blacksmithing demonstrations by Adams Forge and enjoy engaging family-friendly arts and crafts.
3. Los Angeles Police Museum
📍 Address: 6045 York Boulevard, Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Police Museum, housed in a historic 1926 station, showcases the history of the LAPD and artifacts from some of the city’s most notable crimes.
On MOTA Day, visitors can tour the jail cells, vintage vehicle yard, and ongoing museum exhibits. Check out a craft table for kids and a make-your-own mug shot activity in the booking area.
4. Lummis Home
📍 Address: 200 East Avenue 43, Los Angeles
The Lummis Home, also called El Alisal, is a rustic stone historic house museum built by writer Charles Lummis that reflects his interest in Native American and Spanish colonial culture.
Take a self-guided tour or embark on a special scavenger hunt, which guides you through hidden gems and treasures. The museum also invites families to enjoy a picnic on the lawn.
5. Pasadena Museum of History
📍 Address: 470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena
The Pasadena Museum of History is the only museum and research library devoted to preserving and sharing the history, art, and culture of Pasadena and the West San Gabriel Valley.
On MOTA Day, take self-guided tours of the Fényes Mansion, Finnish Folk Art Museum, and the new Pasadena Palette exhibition. Kids can also join a craft workshop to create their own wooden medallion.