By LACMA is the largest art museum in the western U.S., featuring modern, contemporary, classical, and international art. Its most famous outdoor exhibit, Urban Light, is a must-see for photos and nighttime visits. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or a self-guided visit, here’s your ultimate guide!
📍 Where is LACMA & Urban Light Located?
📍 LACMA Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
📍 Urban Light: Right in front of LACMA’s entrance at Wilshire Blvd & Ogden Dr.
🚇 How to Get There:
- Metro: 🚇 Take the D Line (Purple) to Wilshire/Fairfax, then walk 10 minutes.
- Bus: 🚌 Metro Bus 20, 720 stop near LACMA.
- Car: 🚗 Paid parking available at LACMA’s garage ($18/day).
📌 Best Option: Take Metro or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to avoid parking fees!
🎟 LACMA Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Adults (18+) | Seniors (65+) | Students | Kids (Under 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $20 – $25 | $16 – $21 | $16 – $21 | FREE! |
🆓 FREE Admission for:
- L.A. County residents after 3 PM on weekdays.
- The second Tuesday of every month for all visitors.
- Kids under 17 (with an adult).
🎟 Buy tickets online at: LACMA.org
📌 Tip: Urban Light is always FREE and open 24/7!
🖼 LACMA & Urban Light Tour Options
1️⃣ LACMA Guided Tour 🎤
📅 Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
💰 Price: ~$30 – $50 (museum ticket not included)
⭐ Includes:
✔ Highlights of LACMA’s famous art collections.
✔ History of Urban Light & Chris Burden’s work.
✔ Behind-the-scenes details about LACMA’s architecture & redesign.
📌 Best Tour Companies:
✔ GetYourGuide
✔ Viator
✔ LACMA Official Tours (Check museum website for daily schedules).
2️⃣ Self-Guided LACMA & Urban Light Tour (FREE!)
📅 Time: 2 – 3 hours
💰 Price: FREE with admission
⭐ Best Route:
1️⃣ Start at Urban Light – Take photos of the famous lamp post installation.
2️⃣ Visit the Resnick Pavilion – Features rotating modern & contemporary exhibits.
3️⃣ Explore the Ahmanson Building – Houses classic European & American art.
4️⃣ Stop by the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) – Features works by Warhol, Koons, & Hockney.
5️⃣ End at Levitated Mass – A giant suspended rock you can walk under!
📌 Tip: Visit Urban Light at night for the best photos!
🎉 Best Things to See at LACMA & Urban Light
🖼 Must-See Artworks at LACMA:
✔ Urban Light – The famous outdoor lamp post installation by Chris Burden.
✔ Levitated Mass – A 340-ton boulder floating above a walkway.
✔ Andy Warhol’s Art – Pop culture icons & celebrity portraits.
✔ Japanese Pavilion – Beautiful, unique architecture & artwork.
✔ Ancient Egyptian & Latin American Art – Stunning historical collections.
📸 Best Photo Spots:
📷 Urban Light – The #1 Instagram spot in LA!
📷 Levitated Mass – Walk under a massive suspended rock.
📷 Wilshire Blvd at Night – Capture the museum’s glowing lights.
📌 Tip: Urban Light is most photogenic at sunset & nighttime!
💰 How Much Does a LACMA & Urban Light Tour Cost?
| Tour Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| LACMA General Admission | $20 – $25 |
| Guided Museum Tour | $30 – $50 |
| Self-Guided Tour | FREE! |
🚗 Parking: $18/day at the LACMA lot.
📌 Tip: Use rideshare or Metro to save money on parking!
🕒 Best Time to Visit LACMA & Urban Light
✔ Morning (10 AM – 12 PM) – Best for fewer crowds inside the museum.
✔ Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM) – Best for L.A. County residents (FREE entry).
✔ Evening (6 PM – 9 PM) – Best for Urban Light photos when it’s fully lit up!
🚫 Avoid weekends (12 PM – 3 PM) – Peak tourist hours!
📌 Tip: Go at sunset for golden-hour lighting at Urban Light.
🔥 Tips for the Best LACMA & Urban Light Experience
✅ Get FREE entry on the second Tuesday of the month!
✅ Visit Urban Light at night – The best time for photos.
✅ Check for temporary exhibits – LACMA rotates exhibits often.
✅ Use the LACMA app – Helps with maps & exhibit info.
✅ Wear comfy shoes – The museum is HUGE!
❓ LACMA & Urban Light Tour FAQ
1️⃣ Is Urban Light free to visit?
✅ Yes! Urban Light is always free and open 24/7.
2️⃣ How long does it take to explore LACMA?
⏳ 2 – 3 hours to see highlights.
⏳ 4 – 5 hours if exploring multiple exhibits & outdoor art.
📌 Tip: Start with Urban Light & Levitated Mass, then explore LACMA’s buildings.
3️⃣ Is LACMA worth visiting?
✅ Yes! It’s one of the best art museums in the U.S., featuring classic & modern art.
📌 Tip: If you love art, history, or photography, this is a must-see in LA!
4️⃣ Can I take photos inside LACMA?
📸 Yes! But no flash or tripods inside the museum.
📌 Tip: Urban Light & Levitated Mass are the best spots for pictures!
5️⃣ Are there places to eat near LACMA?
🍽 Best Nearby Restaurants & Cafés:
✔ Ray’s & Stark Bar – Inside LACMA, serves cocktails & small plates.
✔ République – Trendy bakery & café 5 minutes away.
✔ Joan’s on Third – Casual spot for sandwiches & salads.
📌 Tip: Grab coffee at La Brea Bakery nearby!
6️⃣ Can I visit LACMA & The Grove on the same day?
✅ Yes! The Grove (shopping & dining) is only 1.5 miles away.
📌 Best itinerary:
- Morning: LACMA & Urban Light
- Afternoon: The Grove & Farmers Market for shopping & food
🚗 Rideshare is best between locations.
🎟 Ready to Visit LACMA & Urban Light?
Need help booking tickets, finding hidden art spots, or planning your visit? Let me know! 😊🎨✨
🎨 Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) & Urban Light Tour – FAQ
Planning a visit to LACMA & Urban Light? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions!
1️⃣ Is Urban Light free to visit?
✅ Yes! Urban Light is always free and open 24/7.
📌 Tip: Visit at night for the best photos—the lights look amazing when fully lit!
2️⃣ How much does LACMA cost?
| Ticket Type | Adults (18-64) | Seniors (65+) | Students (18+ w/ ID) | Kids (Under 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $20 – $25 | $16 – $21 | $16 – $21 | FREE! |
🆓 FREE Admission for:
- L.A. County residents after 3 PM on weekdays.
- Everyone on the second Tuesday of every month.
- Kids under 17 (with an adult).
🎟 Buy tickets at: LACMA.org
📌 Tip: Tickets sell out for special exhibits, so book in advance!
3️⃣ Where is LACMA & Urban Light located?
📍 LACMA Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
📍 Urban Light: At the museum’s entrance, on Wilshire Blvd & Ogden Dr.
🚇 How to Get There:
- Metro: 🚇 Take the D Line (Purple) to Wilshire/Fairfax, then walk 10 minutes.
- Bus: 🚌 Metro Bus 20, 720 stop near LACMA.
- Car: 🚗 Paid parking at LACMA’s garage ($18/day).
📌 Best Option: Use Metro or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to avoid expensive parking!
4️⃣ How long does it take to explore LACMA?
⏳ 2 – 3 hours for highlights.
⏳ 4 – 5 hours if visiting multiple exhibits & outdoor art.
📌 Tip: Visit Urban Light first, then go inside LACMA!
5️⃣ What are the must-see exhibits at LACMA?
✔ Urban Light – Chris Burden’s famous lamp post installation.
✔ Levitated Mass – A massive boulder you can walk under.
✔ Modern Art (BCAM Building) – Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, & more.
✔ Japanese Pavilion – Unique architecture & traditional art.
✔ Ancient Egyptian & Latin American Art – Stunning historical collections.
📌 Tip: Check LACMA’s website for rotating special exhibits!
6️⃣ Can I take photos inside LACMA?
📸 Yes! But no flash or tripods inside the museum.
📌 Tip: Best photo spots:
✔ Urban Light (at night)
✔ Levitated Mass
✔ Wilshire Blvd at sunset
7️⃣ Is there food at LACMA?
🍽 Best Nearby Restaurants & Cafés:
✔ Ray’s & Stark Bar – Inside LACMA, serves cocktails & small plates.
✔ République – Trendy bakery & café 5 minutes away.
✔ Joan’s on Third – Casual spot for sandwiches & salads.
📌 Tip: Grab coffee at La Brea Bakery nearby!
8️⃣ What’s the best time to visit LACMA & Urban Light?
✔ Morning (10 AM – 12 PM) – Fewer crowds inside the museum.
✔ Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM) – Best for L.A. County residents (FREE entry).
✔ Evening (6 PM – 9 PM) – Best for Urban Light photos when it’s fully lit up!
🚫 Avoid weekends (12 PM – 3 PM) – It gets very crowded!
📌 Tip: Go at sunset for golden-hour lighting at Urban Light.
9️⃣ Where can I park near LACMA?
🚗 Best Parking Options:
✔ LACMA Garage – $18/day (6006 6th St).
✔ Petersen Automotive Museum Garage – $21/day (right across LACMA).
✔ Street Parking – Limited, metered parking available nearby.
📌 Tip: Take Metro or rideshare to avoid parking fees!
🔟 Can I visit LACMA & The Grove on the same day?
✅ Yes! The Grove (shopping & dining) is only 1.5 miles away.
📌 Best itinerary:
- Morning: LACMA & Urban Light
- Afternoon: The Grove & Farmers Market for shopping & food
🚗 Rideshare is best between locations.
Still Have Questions?
Need help planning your visit, booking tickets, or finding hidden art spots? Let me know! 😊🎨✨
