The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, located on Wilshire Boulevard within the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles. Established in 1965 as a separate institution from the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art, LACMA has since expanded into a multi-building complex housing a diverse collection of works spanning centuries and cultures.
Its permanent collection includes over 150,000 objects, ranging from ancient artefacts to contemporary art. The holdings cover European painting and sculpture, Asian art, Islamic art, Latin American art, and extensive photography collections. Notable works include pieces by Rembrandt, Diego Rivera, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, alongside significant holdings of Korean and Japanese art. The museum also actively commissions and exhibits contemporary works, reflecting current artistic trends.
LACMA is recognised for its outdoor installations, particularly Urban Light by Chris Burden, a widely photographed arrangement of restored street lamps located at the museum’s entrance. Another notable feature is Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass, a large-scale sculpture involving a suspended granite boulder. The museum grounds also host rotating outdoor exhibitions and public art.
In addition to permanent galleries, LACMA presents temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of artistic themes, often in collaboration with other institutions. Educational programs, lectures, film screenings, and live music events further extend its cultural reach.
The museum is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, with new buildings designed by architect Peter Zumthor under construction to replace older structures. During this period, select exhibitions and programs continue on-site and in partner locations.
LACMA is accessible by car and public transport, including Metro bus routes and the Metro D (Purple) Line extension under development. On-site parking is available for a fee. The museum complex is adjacent to other cultural institutions, including the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, facilitating multi-venue visits.
As a leading cultural institution in Los Angeles, LACMA combines global artistic representation with significant public engagement, offering a comprehensive survey of art history alongside contemporary expression.
Official website: https://www.lacma.org
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