A Guide to the Los Angeles Exposition Park Museums๏ฟผ
Exposition Park houses some of the most iconic museums in Los Angeles (and the best part is most of them are FREE!). Check out this post to learn more about Exposition Park and how to get the most out of your visit to the museums available!
Related post: Getty Center Guide & Vlog
Exposition Parkย Museum Guide
What is Exposition Park?ย
Founded in 1913, Exposition Park is located next to USC and is one of the best places to learn about science, culture, history, and more! Events take place in and around Exposition Park all year, so visit often to see whatโs coming up!
The park is home to world-class museums and educational centers all in one area. Thatโs why today, Iโm going to tell you about three museums you can hit in one day!
How much does Exposition Park cost?ย
Exposition Park is FREE to visit and walk around.
How much is parking?
Parking in Exposition Park is $15 during the day; $18 after 5 pm.
The Metro Expo Line also services Exposition Park. You get off at the Expo Park/USC station. Trains run daily from 5 am to 12:30 am.
What is being built in Exposition Park?
Exciting and noteworthy things are on their way to Exposition Park!
First, the space shuttle Endeavor is getting its own museum. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center will add 200,000 sq. ft. to the California Science Center. Construction just started, but you can learn more about the center and get updates from their website here.
Second, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is also under construction and will focus on the art of storytelling through images. The 300,000 sq. ft. museum building, will be located on an 11-acre campus filled with galleries, theaters, dedicated spaces for learning, and more! You can learn more about the $1-billion project here.
Now, letโs get into the three museums currently available to visit in Exposition Park Los Angeles!
Los Angeles Exposition Park Museums
California African American Museum
Founded in 1977, the California African American Museum (CAAM) is the first African American museum of art, history, and culture supported by the state. It focuses on African Americansโ artistic and historical achievements, emphasizing California and the western United States.
How much is admission?ย
FREE admission with no advanced timed entry reservation required.
Parking
Parking in Exposition Park is $15 during the day; $18 after 5 pm.
โฐ Hours of Operation
- Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Sundays 11:00 a.m.-5:00p.m.
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yearโs Day
Address
600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website
โก๏ธ You can learn more about the California African American Museum at their website: https://caamuseum.org/
California Science Center
The California Science Center is a kid-friendly museum that explores life sciences, human innovation, air and space exhibitions, and more! But, of course, one of the biggest attractions is the Space Shuttle Endeavour on display.
Fun Fact: The Endeavor will soon get a museum of its own, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center! Itโs currently under construction.
How much is admission?ย
- Admission is FREE to the permanent galleries, including the space shuttleย Endeavour, and does not require a reservation.
- The IMAX theater and special exhibitions require paid tickets.
- You can purchase advance tickets onlineย here.ย ย
Parkingย
Parking in Exposition Park is $15 during the day; $18 after 5 pm.
โฐ Hours of Operation
Open daily from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Address
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website
โก๏ธ You can learn more about the California Science Center at their website: https://californiasciencecenter.org/
Natural History Museum
The museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the city and the first museum building in Los Angeles. It opened with Exposition park in 1913. It was initially called the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art.
Fun fact: Over time, the collection outgrew the original 1913 building, and the art department moved into its own museum (LACMA) over by Hancock park in 1968. This is when the museum became the Natural History Museum.
How much is admission?ย
- Admission to the Natural History Museum requires a paid ticket. General admission is $7-$15.ย
- Special exhibits and shows are considered add-ons and require additional paid tickets.ย
- Advancedย online ticket purchasesย are recommended to ensure entry into the museum. But you can also purchase tickets at the museum entrance.ย
How to visit NHM for free?ย
- Museum members can always visit for free.ย
- LA County residents can visit for free daily from 3โ5 pm*.
- Free admission daily for*:
- CA EBT cardholders with ID
- CA teachers with ID
- Active or retired military with ID
- USC Students and Faculty with ID
- Children 2 and under
*Note that additional tickets still need to be purchased for special exhibits, specific pavilions, 3D theater, and other ticketed events.
Parking
- Museum visitors can park at NHM Car Park, located on Bill Robertson Lane, for a $15 flat rate.ย
- Parking in Exposition Park is also available for $15 during the day; $18 after 5 pm.ย
- You can find more info about transportation, directions, and parking on theย NHM visitor information page.
โฐ Hours of Operationย
- MondayโSunday 9:30 amโ5:00 pm
- Closed the first Tuesday of every month.
- Closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Yearโs Day
Address
900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Website
โก๏ธ You can learn more about the Natural History Museum at their website: https://nhm.org/
Check Out This Video!
See what itโs like to visit these Exposition Park Los Angeles museums in my YouTube video below!
Watch Next
Looking for more things to do in LA or want to see what itโs like to live in LA? Check out these videos next!
- Getty Villa Vlog
- Getty Center Vlog
- A Day at The Broad & Grand Central Market
- The Academy Museum, LACMA lights, Urth Caffรฉ, and dinner with friends in LA
Related post: Getty Villa Travel Guide
Museum Quotes
Lastly, I want to leave you with a few museum quotes (since I do love a good quote!).
