Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles is a vital cultural institution that celebrates art as a catalyst for new ways of seeing and understanding the world. With a mission to inspire imagination, provoke thought, and foster meaningful dialogue, the museum embraces the belief that art not only offers aesthetic pleasure but also provides insight into urgent cultural, political, and social issues. Through its dynamic exhibitions and innovative programs, the Hammer champions the artists and ideas that shape contemporary life and challenge audiences to think critically about the present and the future.

Founded by Dr. Armand Hammer, the museum first opened its doors in 1990 in Westwood, adjacent to the headquarters of Occidental Petroleum. Originally home to Hammer’s collection of Old Masters, European works on paper, and the satirical art of Honoré Daumier, the museum quickly evolved beyond its origins. After Hammer’s passing just weeks after the opening, the institution entered a new chapter through a landmark partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles in 1994. This collaboration brought together the Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts, the Wight Art Gallery, and stewardship of UCLA’s Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, expanding the museum’s scope and resources.

Over the decades, the Hammer has become renowned for its adventurous programming. Under Ann Philbin’s directorship from 1999 to 2024, the museum developed a bold institutional identity, launched the Hammer Contemporary Collection, and transformed its facilities with new galleries and the celebrated Billy Wilder Theater. Today, under the leadership of Zoë Ryan, the Hammer continues to flourish, presenting landmark projects such as the Made in L.A. biennial and the Hammer Projects series, alongside more than 300 free public programs each year.

With its unwavering commitment to accessibility, free admission, and community engagement, the Hammer Museum remains a hub where art, ideas, and people converge—an institution deeply woven into the intellectual and creative fabric of Los Angeles.