All That Glitters: Life at the Renaissance Court: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit The objects featured in this exhibition include a selection of luxury textiles and clothing, a drawing, a hand colored print and glass that complement the wide variety of lavishly illuminated manuscripts that found an enthusiastic audience in the palaces and chateaus of late medieval and Renaissance Europe. Aug. 28-Dec. 2.
Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration: The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213/972-3099) www.HolidayCelebration.org Bring the whole family to Los Angeles’s biggest holiday show with choirs, music ensembles and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. to celebrate the season during this three-hour extravaganza. Free. Dec. 24, 3-6 pm.
Art of Three Faiths: A Torah, A Bible and a Qur’an: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit Represented is the medieval art of illumination in sacred texts from three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Thru Feb. 3, 2019.
Bob Woodward, Author of Fear: Trump in the White House: Microsoft Theater, Downtown Los Angeles (888/929-7849) www.microsofttheater.com, www.AXS.com The extraordinary interest in this book is fueled by people’s hunger to truly understand what is going on in Washington. Nov. 27.
Catalina Adventure Activities: www.catalinachamber.com/ A new ropes and planks course weaves through a grove of towering eucalyptus trees deep within Descanso Canyon. Other adventurous activities nearby include Zip line Eco Tour and Catalina Climbing Wall and there is always hiking, camping and an adventure expedition.
Champions of Magic: Microsoft Theater, Downtown Los Angeles (888/929-7849) www.microsofttheater.com, www.AXS.com Five world-class illusionists, coming from London, England, make up this mind-bending theatrical production. Nov. 23 & 24.
Cinema Tuesdays: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda B., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org Free movies featured on the first two Tuesdays of each month, 1:30 p.m.
Cold War – War of Nerves and Red Shoes: Wende Museum of the Cold War, 10808 Culver Bl., Culver City info@wendemuseum.org A collaborative initiative of the Wende Museum and Wellcome Collection and Red Shoes: Love, Politics and Dance During the Cold War. Opens Sept. 16.
Culinary Events at the Gettys: Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit The J. Paul Getty Museum is offering a number of culinary events in the coming months spotlighting the lush gardens and bountiful herbs at both locations. Tea by the Sea, at the Villa, ongoing Thursdays and Saturdays. Limited tickets.
Enchanted: Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge (818/949-4200) www.descansogardens.org www.enchantedla.com Seasonal light show, Nov. 18-Jan. 6, 2019. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Exhibitions and Events at the Norton Simon Museum: Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Bl., Pasadena www.nortonsimon.org
Hanukkah Festival: This Little Light of Mine: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.info@skirball.org This celebration of the ancient Jewish festival of light explores the themes of justice, courage and persistence at the core of the Hanukkah story and the current amazing story of the current exhibition, Notorious RBG. Dec. 2, 11am-4:00pm.
Holiday Activities at the Tram: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs (760/969-4385) www.pstramway.com Santa visitings on Dec. 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Free candy canes and photo opportunities for kids. Dec. 16 is the inaugural Brunch with Santa starting at 10:30 a.m. Join in for crafts, holiday treats and a delicious meal in an alpine setting. Ride and Dine at Pines Cafe or Peaks Restaurant with special holiday menus Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Reservations recommended.
Holiday Highlights Walking Tours: L.A. Conservancy, 523 West 6th St., #826, Los Angeles (213/623-2489) www.laconservancy.org If you love history and the holidays this tour explores some of downtown LA’s historic landmarks during the most festive time of year. Be dazzled by the holiday decorations adorning Pershing Square, The CalEdison, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, the PacMutual Building and more. Dec. 6, 13 & 20 at 5:30 p.m. Union Station Holiday tours take place Friday evenings in December where you will learn the history of this extraordinary Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco icon. Stay for the free Cocoa Concerts series.
Holiday Ice Rink: Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St., downtown Los Angeles. www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com The city’s largest outdoor rink offers visitors professional quality real ice for skating and entertainment. Special events take place throughout the season. General admission is $14 with skate rental. Thru January 21, 2019.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal City, www.universalstudioshollywood.com Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with new nightly snowfall in Hogsmeade, Nov. 17-Jan 6. Experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music. Plus join in on festivities with The Grinch, Thru Jan 6, 2019.
Jazz at LACMA: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org Free jazz concerts every Friday night at 6pm at the Grand Entrance.
Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (323/857-6000) www.lacma.org The first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankjan art organized by a U.S. museum. More than 250 works addressing nearly two millennia of history. Dec. 9-June 23, 2019.
King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Driver, Los Angeles (323/724 3623) www.californiasciencecenter.org To celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, the California Science Center presents the world premiere of this exhibit, the largest King Tut exhibition every toured. More than 150 authentic artifacts from the celebrated tomb — 60 of which have never traveled outside of Egypt until now. In a dramatic presentation, multimedia complements rare artifacts to take guests on an immersive journey of the pharaohs quest for immortality. Discover how the scientific analysis of King Tut’s 3,300 year old mummy has revealed new information about his health and lineage and how cutting edge technologies have played a role in discovering new tombs and analyzing existing ones in ways never before imagined. Thru Jan. 6, 2019.
Latkes and Laughs: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.info@skirball.org Celebrate Hanukkah — be entertained by young Jewish comedians whole enjoying tasty latkes, Dec. 6. Advance reservations are advised. Some events are free.
Meet and Greet Series: Skylight Studios, Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City (213/403-3000) www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org Multi-media venue located directly across from the Space for Photography offers a free lecture series with attendees given the opportunity to interact one on one with the featured guest speakers. Free. No reservations necessary.
Merce Cunningham, Clouds and Screens: Los Angeles County Museum of Art www.LACMA.org (323/857-6000 ) An exploration of the famed choreographer’s dynamic artistic collaborations. Cunningham revolutionized dance through his partnerships with leading artists who created costumes, films, music and decor and whose independent creative instincts he held in the highest regard. Known for embracing risk and chance, he believed in the radical notion that movement, sound and visual art could exist independently of each other, coming together only during the “common time” of a performance. This exhibition features immersive installations by Charles Atlas and Andy Warhol, two artists associated with the choreographer’s company along with two video projections of early dances by Cunningham. Oct. 28-March 31, 2019.
National Geographic Photo Ark: Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City www.annenbergphotospace.org The exhibition will bring visitors eye to eye with endangered wildlife. Features nearly 100 captivating large format prints of the world’s animals bringing visitors eye to eye with endangered wildlife. A short documentary film in included, interactive games, a gallery devoted to California’s indigenous species. Thru Jan. 13, 2019.
Natural History Museum Events: 900 Exposition Bl., Los Angeles (213/763-DINO) www.nhm.org First Fridays — Walk on the Wild Side after hours features cocktails, KCRW DJ lounge, LA bands, tours and talks…a unique adventure. Live music and discussion series continues. www.nhm.org/firstfridays
Portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.info@skirball.org The new exhibition on the Supreme Court Justice turned culture icon is based upon the popular Tumblr and best selling book of the same name, the exhibition will offer an entertaining yet rigorous look at the life and work of the famed associate justice. Through archival photographs and documents, contemporary art, media and interactives, the exhibition will present a unique take on the American Legal system and civic rights movements through the lens of Ginsburg’s personal experiences and public service. It will examine her continuing work to protect civil rights and equal opportunity for all. Oct. 19-March 10, 2019.
On Fire: Transcendent Landscapes by Michael Scott: Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323/667-2000) www.theAutry.org Featuring selections from the artist’s most recent series of paintings, this exhibition looks at the sublime visuals and transformative impact of fire on the land and the imagination. Sept. 15-July 28, 2019.
Paths of Gold: Japanese Landscape and Narrative Paintings from the Collection: Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara (805/963-4364) www.sbma.net This exhibition examines the aesthetics of Japanese art within both private and public interiors by showcasing nine folding screens, two scroll paintings and examples of lacquerware selected from the permanent collection and supplemented by two local loans. Nov. 10-Feb. 10, 2019.
Public Gardens of Santa Barbara: Tour these spectacular gardens but check websites in advance. Casa del Herrero www.casadelherrero.com; Ganna Walska Lotusland www.lotusland.org; Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden www.santabarbaraca.gov/Parks/parks_passive_main.html; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden www.sbbg.org
Public Programs and Exhibitions at The Huntington: The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., www.huntington.org An assortment of fascinating topics and displays with talks and book signings, garden tips, music, film, lectures, exhibitions and tours.
Rauschenberg: The 1/4 Mile: Los Angeles County Museum of Art www.LACMA.org (323/857-6000 ) An expansive and immersive installation featuring Robert Rauschenberg’s magnum opus The 1/4 Mile or 2 Furlong Piece (1981-98). Completed over a period of 17 years, the piece is composed of 190 panels that, combined, measure approximately 1,000 feet in length. The 1/4 mile span is representative of the artist’s central belief in working in the gap between art and life. Oct. 28-June 9, 2019.
Rick Bartow: Things You Know But Cannot Explain: Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323/667-2000) www.theAutry.org Artist Rick Bartow’s work transcends the notions of Western and Native art, realism and abstraction and the traditional and contemporary. The first comprehensive exhibition on this important American artist and member of the Mad River Band Wiyot tribe this exhibition examines forty years of the artist’s work across a variety of media. Thru Jan. 6, 2019.
Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings: J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit For more than 40 years Sally Mann has made experimental, intimate and hauntingly beautiful photographs that explore themes of memory, desire, death, the bonds of family and nature’s indifference to human endeavor.
Stones to Stains: The Drawing of Victor Hugo: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles, (310/443-7000) www.hammer.ucla.edu Exhibition sheds new light on Hugo’s experimental and enigmatic practice as a draftsman and includes over 75 drawings and photographs from major European and American collections. Closes Dec. 30.
UCLA Public Arts Program: UCLA Westwood campus (310/825-2101) www.arts.ucla.edu/calendars and www.tickets.ucla.edu Programs include distinguished lectures by luminaries such as Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne and Phillipe Vergne, student exhibitions showing work from UCLA’s top ranked fine arts programs, student performances directed by renowned faculty and the rich offerings of the Fowler Museum, the Hammer Museum and the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. Many of the events are free and all are open to the public.
Underworld: Imagining the Afterlife: J. Paul Getty Museum, Getty Center, 1200 Getty Drive off the 405. (310/440-7300) www.getty.edu/visit What did ancient Greeks believe would happen to them after they died? Organized around a monumental funerary vessel, this exhibition explores depictions of the Underworld in the art of Greece and Southern Italy. Beyond tales of famous wrongdoers and rulers of the dead, the works on view highlight the desire for a blessed existence after death. Oct. 31-March 18, 2019.
Your Ticket to Santa Barbara Car Free Experiences: www.SantaBarbaraCarFree.org The City’s award winning project with more than 100 community partners dedicated to making car free vacations care-free.