If you’ve been looking for a reason to return to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, this is it. The new David Geffen Galleries have transformed LACMA into one of the most exciting cultural destinations in Los Angeles. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, this stunning new addition offers a fresh way to experience one of the city’s most beloved museums.
A museum experience unlike any other
Designed by acclaimed Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the David Geffen Galleries are unlike a traditional museum. The sweeping building stretches over Wilshire Boulevard, making it an architectural landmark long before you step inside. Large windows fill the galleries with natural light while framing beautiful views of Los Angeles throughout your visit.
Inside, you’ll find approximately 3,000 works of art selected from LACMA’s permanent collection, representing more than 6,000 years of human creativity. Instead of organizing artwork by country or time period, the galleries mix ancient sculptures, European paintings, contemporary installations, photography, decorative arts, textiles, and objects from cultures around the world. The result is a museum experience filled with surprising connections that encourage visitors to see art in a completely new way.
Why you should visit
The David Geffen Galleries are designed to inspire curiosity. Every turn reveals something unexpected, making each visit feel like an adventure rather than a history lesson. You might discover an ancient artifact displayed near a modern painting or find yourself comparing artistic traditions from opposite sides of the globe.
Even if you’ve visited LACMA many times before, the galleries feel entirely new. The open layout encourages you to wander at your own pace rather than follow a fixed route, making every visit a little different.
The architecture itself is worth the trip. As you walk through the galleries, expansive windows offer changing views of the Hollywood Hills, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Academy Museum, and bustling Wilshire Boulevard below. It’s a reminder that Los Angeles itself is part of the experience.
How to get tickets
To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to reserve timed-entry tickets online before your visit. I arrived on a Saturday at 10 am when it opened and practically had the entire gallery to myself. I even found metered street parking, as the LACMA parking lot is quite expensive.
LACMA members also need to reserve timed tickets, although admission is included with membership. You can reserve tickets directly through the LACMA website before arriving.
Explore Museum Row
One of the best things about visiting the David Geffen Galleries is their location in the heart of Museum Row. It’s easy to turn your museum visit into a full day of exploring.
Just steps away is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where movie lovers can dive into Hollywood history through interactive exhibits, costumes, props, and film memorabilia. Right next door are the La Brea Tar Pits (closing for a two-year renovation), the Peterson Automobile Museum, and the Craft Contemporary Museum.
If you’re ready for a break, you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, and the famous Original Farmers Market and The Grove just a short drive away. Whether you’re planning a date, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, the Miracle Mile neighborhood offers plenty to enjoy beyond the museum itself.
Make it a day to remember
The new David Geffen Galleries represent much more than a new building. They redefine how visitors experience art by bringing together cultures, time periods, and artistic styles in surprising ways. Combined with the surrounding attractions on Museum Row, LACMA has become one of the best places in Los Angeles to spend an inspiring afternoon.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the David Geffen Galleries offer something new to discover every time you walk through the doors.
Places to stay in the area.
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