About Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Spread across a 20-acre Wilshire Boulevard campus undergoing Peter Zumthor's reimagined building, LACMA holds 150,000 objects from antiquity to the present.
Founded in 1961, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been welcoming visitors for over 65 years. Today it draws approximately 1,300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Los Angeles, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 14,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) ranks #72
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #72 in our composite ranking, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Urban Light (Chris Burden)
- ◆Levitated Mass (Michael Heizer)
- ◆Japanese Pavilion
- ◆Pre-Columbian collection
- ◆Resnick Pavilion
Recognition & awards
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 11:00–18:00, Fri 11:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–19:00. Closed Wed.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is located in Los Angeles, United States at coordinates 34.0639°N, -118.3592°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) was established in 1961, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Los Angeles. With 1,300,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to 3 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) with these nearby institutions:
- #46J. Paul Getty Museum (Getty Center)🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #107Petersen Automotive Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)?
Mon, Tue, Thu 11:00–18:00, Fri 11:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–19:00. Closed Wed. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) located?
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is located in Los Angeles, United States. The exact coordinates are 34.0639°, -118.3592°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) known for?
The largest art museum in the western US. Key highlights include Urban Light (Chris Burden), Levitated Mass (Michael Heizer), Japanese Pavilion. The museum holds a 4.4/5 rating from 14,000 reviews.
How many people visit Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) each year?
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) receives approximately 1,300,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) founded?
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) was founded in 1961, making it 65 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
