LACMA - Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, known as LACMA, stands as the largest art museum in the western United States. With a collection exceeding 150,000 objects, it spans over 6,000 years of global artistic achievement. Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA reflects the cultural diversity and dynamism of Southern California, offering a rich blend of historical and contemporary art from around the world.

Founded as part of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art in 1910, LACMA became an independent art institution in 1961. The museum opened its current campus on Wilshire Boulevard in 1965, marking a new chapter dedicated solely to the visual arts. Over time, LACMA expanded its footprint and programming with new buildings and initiatives, including the Anderson Building, the Pavilion for Japanese Art, and the addition of the Broad Contemporary Art Museum in 2008.

LACMA’s exhibitions explore art from multiple perspectives, encouraging fresh interpretations rooted in global traditions and local histories. The museum collaborates with artists, scholars, and communities to develop innovative programming and partnerships. It also extends its reach through educational initiatives, including a gallery at Charles White Elementary School, where students and the surrounding community engage directly with museum-quality exhibitions.

The museum continues to evolve. In recent years, LACMA has launched a major transformation of its campus, including the construction of the David Geffen Galleries. This new architectural centerpiece is designed to unify the museum’s space while better serving its diverse audience with an open, flexible structure.

Through its commitment to accessibility, education, and cross-cultural dialogue, LACMA plays a vital role in the artistic and civic life of Los Angeles. It is not only a repository of the past but also a place where future art histories are shaped and shared with the world.