Los Angeles County Museum of Art — the largest art museum in the western United States. Encyclopedic collection spanning continents and centuries. Chris Burden's Urban Light installation out front has become LA's most photographed artwork.
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Urban Light (the 202 restored street lamps) is the reason many people visit, and it is genuinely striking at dusk. Inside, the collection is broad: ancient art, Islamic art, Latin American art, and a strong Japanese pavilion. The contemporary and modern galleries are hit or miss depending on rotations. Plan to focus on one or two sections rather than attempting the entire museum. The Renzo Piano-designed BCAM building has the best natural light.
Friday evening (museum is open until 8pm) when the crowds thin and Urban Light begins to glow. Weekday mornings for a quieter experience. LACMA has been undergoing a major Peter Zumthor redesign (the David Geffen Galleries) — check ahead for gallery closures and reduced exhibition space, as parts of the campus have been demolished and rebuilt.
Founded in 1961, LACMA has grown into the largest art museum in the western US with over 150,000 works. The campus has been significantly transformed by the ongoing Peter Zumthor redesign (the David Geffen Galleries) — several original buildings have been demolished and replaced. The Japanese Pavilion and Renzo Piano additions remain. Urban Light (2008) by Chris Burden was intended as a temporary installation but became so popular it was made permanent. Check the museum website for current gallery availability, as the renovation has reduced accessible exhibition space. Admission is 25 dollars for adults, free for LA County residents after 3pm on weekdays. LACMA is ambitious and in transition — verify what is open before visiting.