The Best Alternative Museums In LA
Visitors who crave culture usually flock to a couple of big names in Los Angeles, including LACMA, MOCA, the Getty Museum and more recently, the Broad. But there are alternatives, both big and small, that help tourists and locals alike delve deeper into LA’s vivid and diverse history. Here are a handful of some of The Culture Trip’s favorite alternative museums operating in LA County.
1. Museum of Jurassic Technology
Museum
2. A+D Architecture and Design Museum
Building, Museum
A+D Architecture and Design Museum
The Culture Trip covered A+D in the past as one of the best places in the States for architecture and design, but it’s relocated in recent years to a dedicated building in downtown LA. Many of this museum’s exhibitions pair with local firms, studios, speakers and schools to answer past and present challenges of architecture and urban planning in LA’s quickly evolving landscape. The museum also offers a fantastic Urban Hikes program, taking visitors on foot to the hidden architectural and cultural gems of the city’s widely disparate neighborhoods.
A+D Architecture and Design Museum, 900 E 4th St, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 213 346 9734
3. Wende Museum
Museum
4. Craft and Folk Art Museum
Museum, Shop
Craft and Folk Art Museum
While perhaps not having the widespread repute of major art museums, CAFAM boasts a history of outstanding exhibits and roster of guest curators to rival the best of its LA rivals. With the aim of altering how visitors think of ‘craft,’ CAFAM’s has showcased elaborate paper cut sculptures, experimental shoe design, and the work of modern male quilters. Added bonus: CAFAM’s gift shop is one of the funkier in the museum circuit.
Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 937 4230
5. Petersen Automotive Museum
Museum
Reopening in December 2015, this museum’s newly revamped façade houses one of the largest automobile collections in the world. The expansive collection includes hundreds of vintage and limited-release models, as well as famous cars from films like Herbie: Fully Loaded and Thelma & Louise. In the past, younger automotive aficionados could learn about the science behind modern vehicles in the Discovery Center, while the museum’s Streetscape exhibit used scale models of Southern California city streets and storefronts to contextualize LA car culture throughout history.
6. Walt Disney's Barn
Museum, Park, Zoo
Walt Disney’s Barn
Located in Griffith Park as part of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, this small museum functions as homage to both an animation great and his lesser-known fascination with trains. In the 1950s, Walt Disney operated his own miniature railroad out of this backyard barn on Carolwood Road, only a few years before undertaking the construction of Disneyland. The barn houses Disney memorabilia largely centered on his love of railroads, as well as items gifted from his animators. This place is often portrayed as the ‘birthplace of Imagineering’ and a predecessor to the Disney theme parks, and at the very least is an interesting tribute to the man behind the Mouse. Open every third Sunday from 11am-3pm.
Walt Disney’s Barn, 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 213 0722
By Mayura Jain
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.