Best Museums (Arts and Culture)

California African American Museum: 600 State Dr, Los Angeles

DOWNTOWN. Through a wonderful collection of art and artifacts, this museum traces the history, experience, and culture of African Americans, with a focus on California and the western US. The museum offers permanent and changing exhibits of fine art, films, and artifacts, including a vibrant display depicting the early New Orleans jazz era. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops featuring music, film, and the fine arts. Admission is free except for special programs.

Heritage Square Museum: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles

DOWNTOWN. Located on the banks of the historic Arroyo Seco, this open-air museum features restored historically and architecturally significant buildings that reflect everyday life in LA from 1850-1950. Exhibits are arranged in a village-like setting. Guided tours begin at the visitor's center, which is housed in the Palms Depot, an 1887 train depot. Historic buildings at the museum range from an 1897 church and an 1899 barn, to several homes, including an octagonal house built in 1848.

Museum of Contemporary Art: 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles

DOWNTOWN. The primary location is the Arata Isozaki-designed building at California Plaza, but there are also two satellite locations. One is the Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo, and the other is at the Pacific Design Center. Pieces range from paintings and works on paper to sculptures and installations. The museum has works by well-known artists such as Jackson Pollock, Claes Oldenburg, Mark Rothko, Diane Arbus, Frank Stella, and Piet Mondrian, but emerging artists are also represented. The Geffen and the Pacific Design Center locations occasionally close while new exhibits are installed, so call ahead.

Museum of Tolerance: 9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles

PICO. This museum offers interactive, high-tech exhibits that explore and identify racism and prejudice in America and during the European Holocaust. Utilizes films, reconstructions, photographs and artifacts. The Point of View Diner offers an introspective look at individual responsibility as it relates to drunk driving, and it also discusses hate speech versus First Amendment rights issues. Museum tours available. Call in advance for reservations. Tickets are for a specific time of admission; allow three to four hours to see all the exhibits. Closed Saturdays.