Academy Museum: 6067 Wilshire Bl, Los Angeles www.academymuseum@oscars.org (323/930-3000) This unique museum, dedicated to the moving picture industry, brings us back in time to the beginning of the film industry through never to be forgotten films and into the present. Fabulous costumes and even more fabulous and memorable creatures, Academy Award acceptance speeches, art, a look into the production work, movies and politics, documentaries, musicals.
Hollywoodland Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital – the museum’s first permanent exhibition. Experience the origin story of film making in early 20th century in Los Angeles with a spotlight on the impact of the predominately Jewish filmmakers whose establishment of the American film studio system transformed Los Angeles into a global epicenter of cinema. An original documentary delves into the nuances of what makes the founding of Hollywood a Jewish immigrant story.
Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema & Cyberpunk Envisioning Possible Future Futures Through Cinema Color…investigating the role of color in film from the technological advancements that made its use possible to the ways filmmakers use color as a storytelling tool to its psychological impact on audiences. Oct. 6, 2024-July 13, 2025. Cyberpunk examines the global impact and lasting influence of the science fiction subgenre cyberpunk on film culture, Oct.6-April 12, 2026.
Digital Witness: Revolution in Design, Photography and Film, Nov. 24-July 13, 2026.
Academy Museum Gala: The annual fundraising gala to be held October 19 celebrates the museum’s third anniversary and will honor Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Mescal, Academy Award winning actress singer, actress and dancer Rita Moreno and multi time award winning Quentin Tarantino.
The Academy Museum Store features merchandise designed and produced exclusively for the store including Oscars memorabilia and other film related items.
Annenberg Community Beach House: Santa Monica (310/458-4934) beachhouseevents@santamonica.gov . Grounds include playground, volleyball courts, sandy area, splash pad, courtyard, view deck, gallery. Beach house open. Pool closes Sept. 30. Back on the Beach, an indoor, outdoor restaurant overlooking the beach – (310/393-8282.)
Artist Simone Leigh: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles and the California African American Museum (CAAM) 600 State Drive, Los Angeles present the first comprehensive survey of this celebrated artist’s richly layered practice and her most expansive exhibition on the West Coast to date. The exhibition explores dozens of key works from across both institutions. May 26-January 20, 2025.
At the Hammer: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Bl., Westwood (310/443-7000) hammer.ucla.edu The Hammer Store offers a wide selection of books, housewares, artist projects and Hammer items plus a pop-up from Peoples Potter Project. Films, special events, fine dining and exceptional art.
AR Monuments: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 59005 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles lacma.org LACMA and Snap Inc.release the third and final collection of AR Monument, bringing together artists and technologists to create augmented reality, monuments that explore histories of Los Angeles s communities and amplify perspectives from across the region.
Benevolent Beings: Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Bl., Pasadena (626/449-6840) nortonsimon.org Buddhas and Bodhisatvas from south and southeast Asia, an exhibition that explores how representations of protective deities have been seen to offer blessings, guidance and security to their devotes.
Black Bar Social: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Founders’ Room, 135 North Grand Ave, Los Angeles The Music Center’s Black Bar Social offers a program designed to catalyze and engage Angelenos, artists and culture makers to collaborate on a spectrum of physical to digital experiences. DII explores and creates digital ad virtual reality experiences throughout Los Angeles that reflect the rapid changes in culture, technology and environment. It is a placer to conceive big ideas and build relationships to bring those ideas to life for a better L.A benefiting all Angelenos. Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m. info@Aug. 13, Sept. 17 and Oct. 8.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater: www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/summer2021 A rollicking trip through the calendar to all things celebratory throughout the year.
Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles (310/443-7000) hammer.ucla.edu This exhibition considers environmental art practices that address the climate and anthropogenic disasters and their inescapable intersection with issues of equity and social justice. Breath(e) features works by more than 20 artists. The exhibition strives to challenge and deconstruct polarized political attitudes surrounding climate justice in America and offers new perspectives around land and indigenous rights of nature. Sept. 14-Jan. 5, 2025
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.
Cinelounge Sunset: 6464 Sunset Bl, Hollywood. (323/924-1644) http://cineloungehollywood.com Cinelounge Sunset re-opened in Hollywood .
Ed Ruscha/ Now Then: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles lacma.org The artist’s first retrospective in more than 20 years. This comprehensive retrospective presents his remarkable career and extensive exploration of all media, including painting, drawing, printmaking and artist’s books. With more than 250 works, the exhibition will feature his most acclaimed works alongside lesser known aspects of his more than 60 years practice. April 7-Oct. 6.
Fowler Museum at UCLA: 308 Charles E. Young Dr., N. Los Angeles (310/825-4361) fowler.ucla.edu Public programs celebrating world arts and culture online and in person. All programs are free. Must RSVP.
Frogs: Facing a Changing World: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach (562-590-3100) aquariumofpacific.org See amphibians found in California and around the world, get the latest on their importance, the threats they face and what can be done to help in this new exhibition. May 24-April 30, 2025. Reservations required.
Gloria Molina Grand Park Sunday Sessions: 200 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles The return of free House music dance party series with a lineup of artists and musicians who have shaped how House music has made LA one of the leading destinations for the art form. Taking place on the third Sunday on August 18 and September 16 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Enjoy a picnic and dance.
Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios, Late Night with Chucky, an all -original live talk show located in the Dream Works theatre will feature the notorious doll infusing his self deprecating sense of humor takes over Late Night. An interactive attraction, Sept. 5-Nov. 3.
Historic Downtown in-person & Virtual Tours: Los Angeles Conservancy (213/623-2489) info@laconservancy.org Award winning docent led tours include the L.As most beloved landmarks including the Los Angeles Central Library, the Million Dollar Theatre and the Bradbury Building. Visit Pershing Square and learn about the founding of this great city and its architecture. In person Walking tours, Saturdays at 10 a.m.. general public sales begin Thursday at noon. Live and virtual tours held Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
LA Auto Show- Automobility LA: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St., downtown Los Angeles.An overwhelming display of every automotive brand imaginable and featuring RDJ Dream Cars, the Kevin Hart Kollection, Test Drives, The Garage, Galpin Hall and more. This year for the first time Nov. 22.-Dec. 1.
LA County Arboretum: 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Arcadia (626/793-7172) Pasadena POPS concerts with conductor Michael Feinstein presents six concerts over the summer in a beautiful outdoor setting. The series features Harlem Nights, Waterloo: A tribute to ABBA, Tony Bennett & Frank Sinatra Tribute, Michael Cavanaugh: Singer Songwriters California Dreamin’, Oscar Meets Tony. Bring a picnic. July 13, 27 Aug. 10, 24, Sept. 7.
Legoland’s Driving School: (760/918-LEGO) www.legoland.com This popular attraction will feature, from Sept. 23-29, 225 young drivers will receive prizes in honor of the theme park’s 25th birthday. Young drivers will have the opportunity to win LEGO tickets and annual passes to return next year and be one of the fist to experience the new Driving Schools when they reopen in a new location.
Magdalena Suarez Frimkess: The Finest Disregard: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles lacma.org Spanning over five decades, the exhibition explores ceramics, paintings and drawings including an important selection of works made collaboratively with her husband, Michael Frimkess, and numerous works never before shown in public. Aug. 18-Jan. 5, 2025.
Magic of Movies: The Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles hammer.ucla.edu The Museum of Modern Arts renowned series of influential, innovative films.
Mapping the Infinite: Cosmologies Across Cultures: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles This exhibition is an expansive exhibition that brings together nearly 120 works from around the world to explore how humans have endeavored to explain he universe’s origins, mechanics and meaning over 12 millennia. Oct. 20-March 2, 2025.
Marionette Theater: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Bl., Highland Park www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love: The Broad,221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles Through Large scale acrylic paintings adorned with rhinestones, intricate collages and installations, Thomas features Black women in states of leisure, power and joy. Closes Sept. 29.
Mindful Awareness Meditation: presented by the Hammer Museum Thursdays 12:30-1:00. Reserve in advance. Free. www.hammer.ucla.edu/programs-events
Palm Springs Ariel Tramway: www.pstramway.com (888-515-TRAM) The world’s largest rotating tram car. Celebrate Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 311-June 9 at Peaks Restaurant. Three course $59 prix fixe menu and reduced tram fares after 4:00 p.m. Tramway summer hours begin Memorial Day Weekend. Every Friday and Saturday the last tram up will be at 9:00 p.m. and the last tram down will be at 10:30 p.m. Guided Nature Walks take place May 26-Sept. 1.
Photography at The Getty: www.visitorservices@getty.edu The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, West Los Angeles (310/440-7300) The museum has recently acquired works by Japanese American artists of the 1920s and 30s, members of the Kamoinge Workshop, contemporary women photographers and Southern California artists, all to shape a more inclusive canon of photography for current and future generations.
Plugged In art and electric light: Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Bl., Pasadena www.nortonsimon.org Opens Sept.21.
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.
Revered Residences: Los Angeles Conservancy Virtual Program https://www.laconservancy.org/events/2021-benefit-revered-residences-virtual-program Historic walking tour adventures are offered on Saturdays. Register in advance.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art: 1130 State St., Santa Barbara (805/963-4364) www.sbma.net Renovation of the original 1812 building has improved the exhibition space, making it possible to show more of the 27,000-object permanent collection and will enhance visitor experience through improved flow through the museum, newly created galleries dedicated to contemporary art, photography and new media. Advanced tickets are encouraged for admission and can be purchased at tickets.sbma.net+
Skirball Exhibitions: Skirball Museum, 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org Common Ground, is a major new addition to the Skirball’s permanent museum collection, 224 pieces of tableware and ceremonial pots created by artist Adam Silverman celebrate American pluralism while fostering human connection. Exhibited throughout 2024. The Art pf Maurice Sendak: Wild Things Are Happening, an exclusive West Coast display of the largest and most complete exhibition of this artist’s sixty year career. Monajat & Nightingale of Iran performs Sept. 17. Sabbath Queen, the movie, follows a drag queen on a journey from radical drag queen to influential Rabbi of a God-optional, artist driven New York synagogue. Sept. 18.
Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi Exhibition: Hammer Museum, Westwood This installation superimposes a representation of the architecture of the gymnastic arena — or parts of the arena — onto the museum’s architecture. It offers an invitation to the visitor to imagine themselves in the space of the arena. Thru Aug. 11.
Sunset Concerts: Skirball Museum, 2701 N. Sepulveda Bl., Los Angeles (310/440-4500) www.skirball.org This year’s free concert series presents an international lineup highlighting artists of the African and Caribbean diasporas who proudly express their cross-cultural connections. Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm. Gather with friends and family to sing and dance to an eclectic lineup of musicians in the courtyard. July 18-Aug. 8. DJ Dance Party with Jauretsi and Tosstones featuring a remix of this summer music series, find yourself on the dance floor or relax and soak up the ambiance. Aug. 16.
UCLA Public Arts Program: UCLA Westwood campus (310/825-2101) www.arts.ucla.edu/calendars and www.tickets.ucla.edu Ongoing 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.
Vincert Valdez & Ry Cooder: El Chavez Ravine: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles lacma.org Introducing a recent addition to the museum’s permanent collection through a generous gift, painted on a 1953 Chevrolet ice cream truck is an elaborate work… a mobile monument to the predominantly Mexican American community that was forcefully removed from the Los Angeles Chavez Ravine to make way for the construction of Dodger Stadium in the late 1950s. Thru Aug. 11, 2024.
We Live In Painting: The Nature of Color in Mesoamerican Art: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Bl., Los Angeles lacma.org A groundbreaking exploration of the science, art and cosmology of color in Mesoamerica. Artists adorned the surfaces of buildings, clay vessels, textiles, bark-paper and deer hide pages, and sculptures with color to (re)create the world by transforming raw materials into art. Features more than 270 objects. Sept. 15-Sept. 2, 2025.