Museum Row

Museum Row, centered on Wilshire Blvd between Fairfax Ave and La Brea Ave, is home to several renowned museums and cultural institutions. Here are the primary attractions:

1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: lacma.org

LACMA is the crown jewel of Museum Row and the largest art museum in the western U.S., boasting a collection of over 150,000 works that span the history of art from ancient times to the present. The museum’s campus features multiple buildings and outdoor installations, including the iconic “Urban Light” sculpture—a forest of restored street lamps that’s become an LA selfie hotspot.

Inside, you’ll find everything from Egyptian antiquities and Islamic art to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. LACMA is internationally recognized for its encyclopedic collections, including standout galleries of Asian, Latin American, and American art. Rotating exhibitions bring in masterworks from around the globe, and the museum frequently hosts film screenings, concerts, and family-friendly events. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a casual visitor, LACMA offers a world-class cultural experience.

2. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: tarpits.org

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are a true Los Angeles institution—so much so that just about every school kid within a 25-mile radius has visited at least once on a field trip during their childhood. This one-of-a-kind site is both a working paleontological dig and a fascinating museum, giving visitors a front-row seat to Ice Age history in the heart of the city. Outside, you’ll see bubbling tar pits and dramatic life-sized sculptures of mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Step inside the museum to discover thousands of fossils unearthed right on site, from dire wolves to giant ground sloths, and watch real scientists at work in the Fossil Lab. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays make it a must-see for families, curious adults, and anyone who wants to experience LA’s prehistoric past up close.

3. Petersen Automotive Museum

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: petersen.org

With its striking red-and-silver steel ribbon exterior, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must for car lovers and design enthusiasts alike. Its three floors are packed with more than 300 vehicles, from antique classics and Hollywood movie cars to futuristic concept models and supercars.

Exhibits rotate regularly, but highlights have included rare Ferraris, the Batmobile, and Steve McQueen’s motorcycles. The museum offers immersive experiences like the “Vault” tour, where you can see some of the world’s rarest cars not on public display. Interactive displays, racing simulators, and family-friendly activities make it an engaging stop for all ages. The Petersen also explores the cultural and technological impact of the automobile on Los Angeles and the world.

4. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Address: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: academymuseum.org

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the newest star on Museum Row, having opened its doors in late 2021. While it’s still relatively new to the LA museum scene, give it another 10–15 years and it’s destined to be world famous. The museum celebrates the art, science, and history of film, offering immersive exhibitions, interactive installations, and a treasure trove of cinematic artifacts (like Dorothy’s ruby slippers and original Oscar statuettes). The building itself is a showstopper, featuring the striking glass-and-steel Sphere and the state-of-the-art David Geffen Theater. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just love a great story, this museum is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike—and its reputation is only going to grow.

5. Craft Contemporary

Address: 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: craftcontemporary.org

Craft Contemporary (formerly the Craft & Folk Art Museum) is a small but vibrant space devoted to contemporary craft and community-based art. The museum is known for its innovative exhibitions featuring works in ceramics, textiles, wood, and mixed media, often spotlighting local and underrepresented artists.

Unlike traditional museums, Craft Contemporary encourages hands-on participation through workshops, classes, and family programs. Its rotating exhibitions are thought-provoking and often address social issues, identity, and the role of craft in modern life. The museum shop is also a great place to find unique, handmade gifts from local artisans.

Bonus: Nearby Attractions

• The Grove & Original Farmers Market (189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036): Just a short drive north, perfect for dining and shopping after your museum visits.

Public Transit

• The Metro’s Purple (D) Line extension is under construction, but several bus lines serve Wilshire Blvd.