Our Top 5 Favorite Local Museums to Visit

From art and culture to nature and history, there are many remarkable museums around town. Whether you prefer a stroll through Huntington Botanical Garden & Library or to peruse The Broad Museum, there’s much to see and do. Read on for the list of our top 5 favorite local museums to visit.

The Broad Art Museum

Contemporary art from 1950 to the present is the focus at The Broad Art Museum in downtown LA. Likewise, two of Yayoi Kusama’s immersive mirror rooms are on display, along with works by Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and others.

The Getty Villa

Located in Pacific Palisades, The Getty Villa was founded in 1974 by J. Paul Getty and features Getty’s collection of Mediterranean antiquities. Likewise, the recreated Roman country home and courtyards are worth visiting. Just keep in mind that the Villa is closed on Tuesdays; admission is free but requires a reservation.

Norton Simon Museum

If you have a passion for French impressionist and 17th-century Dutch art, then the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is a can’t miss. Featuring paintings by Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, and many others, the museum also has an excellent sculptured garden for your aesthetic enjoyment. Open Thursday through Monday, 12:00 to 5:00 pm, admission for adults is $15.00, seniors $12.00, and children are free.

The Huntington, Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Simply a cultural delight, The Huntington in San Marino is a must. The museum features a vast library, art collection, and 120 acres of amazing botanical gardens. To access the library, you must apply for credentials prior to your visit, tickets for the Huntington range from $13.00 to $29.00.

Peterson Automotive Museum

If beautiful automobiles are a passion, this museum will delight you. Located in Miracle Mile, it has 150 cars on display, from vintage to contemporary high-performance and Hollywood favorites. Tickets for entry range from $16.00 for adults to $14.00 for seniors and $11.00 for children.