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Friday, December 31, 2010

Borrego Desert Nature Center, Borrego Springs

Borrego Desert Nature Center
652 Palm Canyon Drive (off Christmas Circle)
Borrego Springs, CA
760-767-3098
http://www.california-desert.org/

Daily 9a-5p

The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to educational and interpretive activities and to the promotion of historical and scientific endeavors pertinent to the deserts of the Southwest. ABDNHA operates the Borrego Desert Nature Center.

- ABDNHA publishes, distributes and sells books, pamphlets, maps and other visual aids concerning the Anza-Borrego Desert region
- ABDNHA conducts guided tours in Anza-Borrego
- ABDNHA presents lectures and programs of interest and concern to those who live and visit here
- ABDNHA advances our knowledge of natural history, archaeology, paleontology and related fields by funding research

Check their calendar of events to participate in the above.

Contact the Center for its latest information.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Palm Springs

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
219 S. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
at the Village Green Heritage Center, downtown
760-323-0151, 760-778-1079
http://www.accmuseum.org/

Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Fri-Sat: 10a-5p
Sun: 12p-5p
Seasonal Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Weds-Sat: 10a-5p
Sun: 12p-5p
FREE

Note: the Museum was planning a major renovation, contact the museum for status.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is an organization that preserves, interprets, and provides access to the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla peoples.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the first Native American museum to be part of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program. This special relationship provides opportunities to share resources in programming, collections, scholarship, and technical expertise -- and entitles the Museum to bring world-acclaimed exhibitions to the Coachella Valley.

A southern California basket collection of over 400 items features the works of Cahuilla basketweavers and their neighboring tribes. It is an excellent resource for comparative studies of styles, techniques, and materials.

Cahuilla ceramics include ollas, cooking pots, pendants, and pipes. Shell beads, bone tools, and numerous stone utensils such as manos, metates, mortars, and pestles used for food preparation are represented in the collections. Historic period artifacts from early habitation sites include items such as cans, bottles, china, and buttons.

The Tahquitz Canyon Archaeological Collection contains over 50,000 artifacts from the oldest and largest village site and is one of the most extensive excavation projects in California. The collection includes all field notes and photographs of the projects, as well as ethnographic and ethnohistoric reports. The Ruth Dunham Shepard Collection has extensive artifact material from the Coachella Valley with accompanying field notes. Additional archaeological materials from various locations are included.

Cahuilla history and culture of today are not ignored. Contemporary arts and artifacts are continually added to the collections.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
949-923-2230, 949-923-2232
http://www.ocparks.com/heritagehill/

Guided tours through the buildings are provided for the public Wednesday through Sunday.

Heritage Hill Historical Park is composed of 4.1 acres with four historic buildings. The fully restored and furnished historic buildings span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era (Serrano Adobe, circa 1863), to the founding of the town of El Toro (El Toro Grammar School, 1890; St. George's Episcopal Mission, 1891), through the citrus farming days of the early twentieth century (Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1908).

The tours offer an interpretation of Saddleback area history through the artifacts, events and people associated with each building. Landscaping of the park is in keeping with the historic nature of the buildings. The grounds are also available for weddings.

Park staff and associated community interest groups offer special events each year, the most popular of which is the annual Victorian Christmas held on the first Saturday of December.

Contact the Park for its latest information.

The Hollywood Museum, Hollywood

The Hollywood Museum
1660 N. Highland Ave (near the SE corner at Hollywood Blvd)
In The Historic Max Factor Building
Hollywood, CA
323-464-7776
http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com/

Weds-Sun: 10a-5p
Adults $15
Seniors/Students $12
Children <5 $5

Pay parking lot on the south side of the museum. Validation at the museum will take $2 off the cost of parking.


The Hollywood Museum is the official museum of Hollywood, and boasts 35,000 square feet, 4 floors of exhibits.

The ground floor is made up of the historic Lobby, plus Max Factor’s restored make-up rooms, a vintage B&W photo gallery featuring more than 1000 B&W photos. Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce, Planet of the Apes, Jurassic Park, a tribute to Judy Garland and the "Red Shoes."

The second and third floors are devoted exclusively to costumes worn by famous stars in famous films, corresponding props, photos, memorabilia and posters. wealth of Hollywood memorabilia, ranging from the earliest Technicolor film ever shot, to a Roman bed from "Gladiator," to the dog from "There’s something about Mary" to the gold Cadillac from "Dreamgirls.”

The Lower Level houses "all things creepy and scary"! Walk down the same jail cell corridor that Jodie Foster walked in "Silence of the Lambs". See Hannibals cell and a fantastic array of props from the film including Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s mask!

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Weisman Museum of Art, Malibu

Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
Center for the Arts, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
310-506-4851
http://arts.pepperdine.edu/museum/fashion-finance.htm

Tues-Sun: 11a-5p
Also open one hour prior to most Center performances through intermission


Exhibits range from pop art and its affect on fashion and finance, to bible lectures, to California paintings. They also feature student exhibitions.

Contact the museum for latest info.

US Navy Seabee Museum, Port Hueneme

US Navy Seabee Museum
Naval Base Ventura County
Building 100
Port Hueneme, CA 93043
805-982-5165
http://www.history.navy.mil/museums/seabee_museum.htm

Effective 1 October 2010, the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum will be temporarily closed while relocating to a new facility. The museum will reopen fall 2011. During this the time, the museum staff will not be available to respond to phone calls and will have limited email access. All correspondence, including requests for historical information, will be held and answered in order of receipt when normal operations resume in fall 2011.

Although the Grand Opening of the new museum is not scheduled until fall 2011, the new facility will be open the first and third Tuesday and first Saturday of every month from 10AM to 2PM. These open house opportunities will provide visitors a "sneak peek" of the new museum while the collections are relocated from the old facility and state-of-the-art exhibits are installed. The public is welcome and reservations are not required.


The mission of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is to select, collect, preserve and display historic material relating to the history of the Naval Construction Force, better known as the SEABEES, and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps.

The second oldest of the official Navy museums, the Seabee Museum was established in 1947 in Port Hueneme, California, which today is part of Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC).

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Devil's Punchbowl, Pearblossom

Devil's Punchbowl County Park and Nature Center
28000 Devils Punchbowl Rd.
Pearblossom, CA 93553
661-944-2743
http://www.devils-punchbowl.com/

Tues-Sun: 9a-5p
Although all programs are free, donations are needed for animal food and expanding our exhibits. Any donation would be appreciated.

The Devil's Punchbowl County Park consists of 1,310 acres and was opened in December 1963. The forty acres where the Nature Center is located was once in private ownership and was purchased by the County of Los Angeles because of its unique features.

Surrounding U.S. Forest Service lands were then added to enhance the park. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation now operates this area as one of its Natural Areas facilities. The Ranger on duty or Volunteer Naturalist will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you may have.

The Devil's Punchbowl Nature Center is designed to assist you in learning more about the flora, fauna, and the geological features of the park.

The most conspicuous features of the park are geological. The Punchbowl is a deep canyon cut by the runoff of large quantities of water from the higher San Gabriel Mountains occurring over a long period of time. These mountain peaks above the park are 8,000 feet in elevation while the Nature Center is located at 4,740 feet above sea level.

The Punchbowl Canyon is 300 feet deep at the vista point. The peculiar uptilted rock formations to be seen in the entire area are layers of sedimentary rocks that were formed long ago by the depositing of loose material in horizontal layers by water. Later they were squeezed into their present steeply-tilted form by the continuing action of uplift along the Punchbowl and Pinyon Faults and pressures along the San Andreas Fault. The Punchbowl Fault is to the south of the rock formation while the Pinyon and San Andreas Faults are to the north.

Many types of mammals live here but most are nocturnal, or night active, and are seldom seen. Gray foxes may sometimes be seen in the early mornings or at dusk and you may occasionally see a deer crossing the road. Chipmunks and California ground squirrels are active during most of the day. A few of the common birds are on display. Many additional species migrate through the area at various times of the year. The reptile and amphibian fauna of the park represents a unique blend of the types found in the deserts and in the mountains. Examples of some of the more commonly seen reptiles and amphibians are on display. Rattlesnakes are a common inhabitant but are leery of people and are rarely encountered. Insects and spiders are seasonally abundant. They may be seen on flowers and shrubs throughout the park, especially during the spring and summer. A representative collection of the various orders of insects is on display.

Contact the Park for latest information.

Virginia Robinson Gardens, Beverly Hills

Virginia Robinson Gardens
1008 Elden Way
Beverly Hills, California 90210
310-276-5367
http://www.robinsongardens.org/

Tues-Fri: 10am or 1pm
Reservations required (preferable 2 weeks in advance), call 310-550-2065 or email visit@robinsongardens.org
Both the gardens and the home are available for tour.

Adults $11
Students (with I.D.) / Seniors (62+) $6
Children (5-12) $4

The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills.

Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson (of the Robinson department stores) and now occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills.

Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open by appointment to the public. Located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, the beautiful six-acre property contains a breathtaking display garden, mansion and pool pavilion.

A favorite destination for both local and international visitors, the property attracts a varied audience, from those interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to people who appreciate beautiful gardens and traditional design.

In addition, it is a dynamic location for photo shoots with dramatic settings such as the awe-inspiring Australian King Palm Forest, the bucolic Rose Garden and the tranquil Italian Terrace Garden.

Contact the Garden for more information.

Centinela Adobe Complex, Inglewood

Centinela Adobe Complex
7634 Midfield Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90045
310-649-6272
http://www.cityofinglewood.org/depts/rec/centinela_adobe/default.asp
http://www.histsocentvalley.org/

Sun 2p-4p
Weekday Tours are by appointment, call 310-671-2075 or 310-677-2067


The Historical Society of the Centinela Valley in cooperation with the City of Inglewood Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department maintains the Centinela Adobe Complex.

Among the landmarks are the Centinela Valley Adobe built in 1834 by Ignacio Machado, the Daniel Freeman Land Office built in 1887, and the Centinela Valley Heritage (Walter Haskell) and Research Center.

Through mementos from the 1888 Freeman mansion, more than 10,000 photographs, books and other memorabilia chronicling the evolution of Centinela Valley are available for exploration by generations to come. The name Centinela Valley evolved from the name Centinela Ranch when ranching activities were ending.

Contact the Adobe or Historical Society for more information.

Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, Vista

Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum
2040 North Santa Fe
Vista, CA 92084
760-941-1791
http://www.agsem.com/

Daily: 10a-4p
Closed December 25th & January 1st
Check their schedule for museum closures due to special events.

Non-Event Daily Admission
Adults $5
Senior 65+ $4
Children 6-12 $3
Children <6 Free


Located on 55 acres of rolling farm ground, the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum collects, preserves and displays examples of mechanical ingenuity and crafts associated with the early days of the American farm and rural community.

The Museum's collections focus on the 1849 through the early 1960’s era with exhibits that actively demonstrate farm equipment and tools from horse drawn through modern row crop.

Unique from traditional Museum, the collection is maintained in operating condition and used during a wide range of events held here on the grounds. Volunteers operate equipment to help maintain and repair the property and collections.

The Museum is operated as a semi-static museum most days, they do have active demonstrations throughout the week. The Weaving exhibit is open every Thursday for demonstration and teaching. Blacksmithing is taught and demonstrated every Saturday from beginning through advance classes and our N' Scale Model Railroad building is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Museum offers educational and recreational opportunities to the public through exhibits, demonstrations, activities and programs displaying the art of invention fulfilling necessity. Acknowledging the past provides direction for the future.

Self-guided tours available.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

William S. Hart Park and Museum, Newhall

William S. Hart Park and Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue
Newhall, CA, 91321
661-254-4584
http://www.hartmuseum.org

Summer - Weds-Sun: 11a-4p (last guided tour at 3:30p)
Labor Day to Mid-June
Weds-Fri: 10a-1p (last guided tour at 12:30p)
Sat-Sun: 11a-4p (last guided tour at 3:30 pm)

Free


Silent film star William S. Hart purchased ranch property in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, in 1921. He built a 22-room mansion and filled it with Western art, Native American artifacts, and early Hollywood memorabilia.

Hart bequeathed the entire estate to Los Angeles County for the enjoyment of the public at no charge. Tours and programs such as silent movie screenings take place frequently at the park and museum.

Among the ranch’s permanent residents is an assortment of animals, including a small herd of bison, a gift from the Walt Disney Studios in 1962.

Also related:
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA, 90036
323-934-PAGE
http://www.tarpits.org

Daily: 9:30a-5p
Adults $7
Students/Seniors $4.50
Children 5-12 $2
Free on the first Tuesday of every month.


Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, the world famous Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits represents the only active urban paleontological excavation site in the United States.

This unique Southern California attraction displays Ice Age fossils of animals from sticky asphalt deposits 10,000 to 40,000 years old, including saber-toothed cats, mammoths, dire wolves and mastodons.

Also on display are the fossilized remains of microscopic plant remains, insects and reptiles. Daily, visitors can watch scientists and volunteers clean, repair, and identify fossil remains inside the glass-enclosed Fishbowl Lab.

During the summer, visitors can watch the live excavation of fossils.

- The only consistently active urban Ice Age excavation site in the world.
- Houses one of the world's largest and most diverse collections of Late Pleistocene fossils.
- Hosts Project 23, an excavation project that can inform new research on global warming, geological change, and biodiversity.

Also related:
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The William S. Hart Park and Museum

Contact the museum for latest information.

Pioneers Park, Imperial

Pioneers Museum and Cultural Center of the Imperial Valley
Pioneers Park
373 E. Aten Road (Exit I-8 at Hwy 111 North to Aten Road)
Imperial, CA 92251
760-352-1165
http://www.imperial.edu/~pioneers/

Tues-Sun: 10a-4p
Adults $4
Children <13 $0.50

The museum houses galleries honoring the different ethnic communities and their history of settlement in the Imperial Valley. It also has a place of honor for all the local young men and women who have served in this country's armed forces from the Civil War to Desert Storm. The Veterans Gallery includes artifacts and uniforms from the different wars and a memorial outside to honor those who paid with their lives.

Among the ethnic galleries at the Museum you will find the Korean Gallery with its "Turtle Ship" made by Admiral Lee Soon Shim in 1592 and the Swiss Gallery with its musical instruments played by Swiss immigrants at their local gatherings and parties. Other galleries in the Museum depict the everyday life of early immigrants from around the world and their unique contributions to this harsh and beautiful land.

The Museum also houses a well preserved history of the Valley's advances in agriculture and technology showing the progress in seed genetics, entomology, animal husbandry and farming equipment. The most important factor in the permanent settlement here came with the building of one of the most impressive irrigation systems anywhere in the world.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Arcadia

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA, 91007
Across from the Santa Anita Race Track
626-821-3222
http://www.arboretum.org/

Grounds: 9a-4:30p - grounds close at 5p
Library: Tues-Fri: 8:15a-5:15p; Every other Sat: 8:30a-5p

Adults $8
Students/Seniors $6
Children (5-12) $3
Children <5 Free
Tram: $4.00 per person and runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free on the third Tuesday of the month (no tram on these days)
Cash and personal checks from California; no credit cards.


Occupying the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a unique 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and located in the city of Arcadia.

Home to plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species, The Arboretum also houses outdoor historical landmarks representative of the major phases of California history.

Their mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration. They strive to reflect Southern California's distinct climate, community and opennes to new ideas.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a rich historical site that includes Native American, Rancho Period, and late 19th century treasures.

In addition to concerts and tours, they offer activities and events that cater to every audience.

Contact the Arboretum for its latest information.

Catalina Island Museum, Avalon

Catalina Island Museum
On the ground floor of the world-famous Casino Building. The entrance is across from the Casino Dock Café and faces Avalon Bay.
310-510-2414
http://www.catalinamuseum.org/

CURRENTLY BEING RENOVATED. SCHEDULED TO REOPEN IN FEB 2011.

Winter Hours(January – March): Fri-Weds: 10a-4p
Regular Hours(April – December): Daily: 10a-4p
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Adults $5
Seniors $4
Children (6-15) $2
Children <6 Free


The Museum celebrates the Island’s rich cultural heritage with many fun and informative exhibits. Current exhibits include an award-winning exhibit featuring the romantic era of Catalina’s steamships, Native Americans, a relief map of the Island from the 1934 World’s Fair in Chicago, a floor-to-ceiling display case showcasing our amazing Catalina Island pottery and tile, the Birth of Sportfishing, Chicago Cubs spring training, Catalina’s role in WWII and much more!

The Museum’s collections, comprised of historical and cultural items from and about Santa Catalina Island, support the Museum's mission by fostering awareness and appreciation of our island’s heritage through their use in research, exhibitions and educational programs. Over the years the Museum has built collections, primarily through donations, which can be divided into the areas of history, archaeology and research archives. The collections, totaling approximately 150,000 items, fall into the following categories: archaeology, photographs, ephemera, newspapers, archives, postcards, three-dimensional historical collections, natural history, library, oral history, audio/visual and art.

The Museum also offers exciting events and programs throughout the year, such as the annual Silent Film Benefit, docent-led tours, school programs, lectures, Open House at the Inn on Mt. Ada, live Telethon (broadcast locally and online) and more.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 North Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025
760-839-4120
http://www.artcenter.org/

Museum:
Tuesday-Saturday (10am-4pm)
Sunday (1pm-5pm)
Closed major holidays and during exhibit renovation. Contact the museum for exact dates.

Admission $5
Seniors, Military $4
College Students/Youth $3
Youth under 12: free
Purchase tickets to any performance at the Center from the box office and add a general Museum admissions ticket for $2.

Free parking.
Parking is located in the north lot off of Escondido Blvd adjacent to the Concert Hall. Please respect the neighbors and only park in this lot.


The mission of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido is to enrich the lives of all within its reach through the Arts and their power for community building and enhancement by providing diverse artistic, cultural, educational, social and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.

The Center is a multi-discipline arts complex situated on a lush, 12-acre campus. At our one-of-a-kind venue you’ll find two theaters, a 9,000 square foot Conference Center, art and education studios and a museum featuring regional art, as well as internationally known artists and traveling exhibitions.

The mission of the Center Museum is to create meaningful engagement through the presentation of visual art exhibitions and special events which expand boundaries and invite you to consider the relationship of art to your life.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

American Military Museum, South El Monte

American Military Museum
In the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
1918 Rosemead Blvd
South El Monte, CA 91733
626-442-1776
http://tankland.com/

Fri-Sun: 10a-4:30p
The museum is all outdoors and closed on rainy days.

Adults $5
Veterans & Seniors $4
Juniors (10-16) $3
Children (5-9) $1
Children <5 FREE

FREE parking.
Please note not to turn into the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, but to continue down the road to the driveway.


The American Military Museum has been collecting, preserving, restoring, and sharing the largest inter-service collection of military equipment in the Western United States for over 57 years.

The museum has over 178 vehicles on display organized by tanks, artillery and self-propelled guns; armored vehicles and personnel carriers; cars, trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, other vehicles and misc equipment; and naval and ordnance.

Tours are self-guided tours. An informational booklet is available so you can walk around with to view the exhibits. Though there are no tour-guides, questions are always accepted and in fact encouraged. They offer booklets in English, Spanish Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

In addition to historic education, the museum has also worked with the county of Los Angeles to give workplace experience in auto painting and body since 1978. Over 280 boys and girls from ages 14-21 have gone through our summer program.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum, Beverly Hills

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-247-3000
http://www.oscars.org/

Grand Lobby Gallery and Fourth Floor Gallery Public Viewing Hours
Tues-Fri: 10a-5p
Sat-Sun: 12p-6p
Closed major holidays
Free admission

The Academy celebrates the arts and sciences of motion pictures through its year-round schedule of public screenings, exhibitions, panel discussions, tributes, salutes, lectures and more.

See their calendar for special event dates and times.

In addition to numerous Los Angeles area events, the Academy hosts programs in New York and other cities and, in conjunction with film-related institutions throughout the world, presents traveling versions of some of its exhibitions.

Contact the Academy for the latest information.

Yanks Air Museum, Chino

Yanks Air Museum
7000 Merrill Avenue
West end of the Chino Airport
Hangar A270, Box 35
Chino, CA 91710
909-597-1734
http://www.yanksair.com/

Mon-Sat: 8a-4p
Closed major holidays (New Years Eve 12/31, New Years Day 1/1 , Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve 12/24 and Christmas Day 12/25)

Adults $11
Seniors (65+) $10
Children (5 to 11) $5
Children (4 & under) Free


The Yanks Air Museum is focused exclusively on American aviation history and technology. The collection now numbers 160+ aircraft and continues to grow.

The scope of the collection covers the entire history of American aviation, from the 1903 Wright Flyer to Jets.

Some of the aircraft currently on display are the sole surviving example of its type, while many others are rare birds in that perhaps only a precious few of that type exist today.

The existing museum campus extends over approximately 10 acres and includes approximately 150,600 square feet of display, restoration, and storage buildings with additional open-air storage areas. Steady growth of the museum has inspired future plans to expand the Chino facility to accommodate additional aircraft, artifacts and a multi-media education center.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

California Heritage Museum, Santa Monica

California Heritage Museum
2612 Main St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-392-8537
http://web.mac.com/calmuseum/Site/Home.html

Weds-Sun: 11a-4p. Last tour at 3:30p

General Admission: $8
Seniors / Students: $5
Children under twelve: Free

Limited free parking exists adjacent to the Museum. Paid parking is available in the beach lots and coin lot #11, located north of Ocean Park Boulevard off Main Street.


The building that houses the California Heritage Museum’s exhibits is as interesting and unique as the exhibits themselves.

In the late nineteenth century the renowned architect Sumner P. Hunt built the home for Roy Jones, son of the founder of Santa Monica, Senator John Percival Jones. City Trustees granted Jones a permit to dig a cesspool on April 16, 1894, marking the first step taken in the construction of the house. One of Sumner P. Hunt's earliest surviving buildings, the Roy Jones Home is designed in a style in transition from the elaborate Victorian Queen Anne Revival, to the simpler American Colonial or Georgian Revival style.

The permanent collection features Monterey Furniture, California Rainbow Pottery, a wide variety of California tile, and many other period collectible pieces representing California's rich history.

The Museum’s “period rooms” include a 1930’s kitchen modeled after Merle Norman’s, the businesswoman who began her cosmetics career in her Santa Monica home kitchen. The Museum's pantry and kitchen also host changing pottery and kitchenware exhibits and have included the brightly glazed production ware of California companies including Bauer, Catalina, Vernon, Pacific and Sascha Brastoff.

Sundays: the Museum hosts a Farmer's Market in its parking lot and landscaped grounds. Dozens of farmers provide beautiful and healthy fresh fruit, vegetable and flowers at reasonable prices.

Contact the museum for its latest information and special events.

El Monte Historical Museum, El Monte

El Monte Historical Society Museum
3150 N. Tyler Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731
626-444-3813, 626-580-2232
http://www.ci.el-monte.ca.us/citygov/museum/museum.html

Tues-Fri: 10a-4p
Sun: 1p-3p
Free, donations welcome


City of El Monte - 'the end of the Santa Fe Trail.' History museum with art, archives, glass, furniture, household furnishings. Contains artifacts, photos and furnishings from the early history of the town.

Located in a building that formerly housed the town's library, the museum depicts area history through period furniture, clothing, household items, and old photographs. There is also an early 1900's schoolroom and a Victorian parlor.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Forest Lawn - Glendale and Hollywood Hills

Forest Lawn Memorial Parks
http://www.forestlawn.com/Special-Events-And-Facilities/Museum-Exhibits.asp
Experience their permanent collection of western bronzes, stained glass, historical American pieces, original paintings and cultural artifacts.

Walk their labyrinth or enjoy a presentation of Leonardo DaVinci's the Last Supper recreated in stained glass (Glendale Great Mausoleum). The Forest Lawn collection of stained glass is remarkable and is like none other in the world.


Forest Lawn - Glendale Museum
1712 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
800-204-3131
Tues-Sun: 10a-5p

Free admission
Free parking

A representation of culture and art from around the world, the Permanent Gallery features a moai from Easter Island, an extensive Western bronze collection, and Bouguereau’s Song of the Angels.

In additional special exhibits, there are also seasonal exhibits such as the stained glass showings of Light & Passion: The Story Of Easter and Light & Hope: The Forest Lawn Christmas Windows.

A cell phone audio tour is available.


Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills
Hall of Liberty
6300 Forest Lawn Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Sat-Sun: 10a-5p

Immediately east of the Hall of Liberty is the Plaza of Mesoamerican Heritage.

The exhibit discusses and displays reproductions of artifacts of the Olmecs, who lived 1,500 years before Christ, as well as those of the Aztecs, Mayans, Teotihuacán, Toltecs, Totonacs, and Zapotecs.

The astronomy, mathematics, art, and architecture of these great civilizations are explained in both English and Spanish.


At both locations, they feature educational lectures and guest speakers.

Contact Forest Lawn for the latest information.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, San Diego

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Next to MCAS Miramar
T-4203 Anderson Avenue
San Diego, CA 92145-0316
877-FLY-USMC (877-359-8762)
http://www.flyingleathernecks.org/museum.html

The museum is located directly across the street from 8604 Miramar Road.
From I-15, proceed west for 1.3 miles and turn left into the parking lot.
From I-805, proceed east for 3.9 miles and turn right into the parking lot.
Enter the base through the Museum Gate (off Miramar Road in Mira Mesa).
Look for the American flag and Marine Corps flag on the fence.

Tues-Sun: 9a-3:30p
Free; donations welcome.

The only museum in the World dedicated to preserving the incredible contributions made by Marine Corps Aviators and their ground support personnel.

The museum is comprised of an outdoor area, displaying an average of at least twenty five vintage aircraft and an indoor display of memorabilia and artifacts dating to the earliest days of Marine Corps Aviation. Many items are one of a kind and range from fine art portraits to military clothing and weapons used during specific campaigns.

The museum holds the only exhibit in the United States devoted to the history of the Woman Marine, including original uniforms, history timeline and memorabilia.

The museum also displays the permanent trophies and the current year recipients of twenty five individual and unit awards, selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for excellence in their occupational speciality.

Tours available.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

MOCA Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood

MOCA Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
213-621-1741
http://www.moca.org/museum/moca_pdc.php
http://pacificdesigncenter.com/

Tues-Fri: 11a-5p
Sat-Sun: 11a-6p
Closed major holidays.

Free admission

MOCA Pacific Design Center features rotating exhibitions of architecture and design and specialty shopping at the MOCA Store.

The Pacific Design Center, as a whole, is the West Coast's leading resource for fine traditional and contemporary contract and residential furniture and design needs. The PDC has 130 showrooms and 2200 interior product lines in a 1.2 million square foot campus on 14 acres.


Also related: MOCA on Grand, 250 S. Grand Ave, LA 90012.

Also related: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave, LA 90012.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Los Angeles

The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
152 N. Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
http://www.moca.org/museum/moca_geffen.php

Mon: 11a-5p
Thurs: 11a-8p
Fri: 11a-5p
Sat-Sun: 11a-6p
Closed major holidays.

General admission $10
Students w/ID, Seniors 65+ $5
Children <12, Jurors w/ID Free
Free Thursday evenings, 5p-8p
Online purchase available


A former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo renovated by the noted California architect Frank O. Gehry, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (formerly The Temporary Contemporary) opened in 1983.

This location offers 40,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a branch of the MOCA Store.


Also related: MOCA on Grand, 250 S. Grand Ave, LA 90012. Tickets will cover both locations on the same day.

Also related: MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood 90069. Free admission.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

California Oil Museum, Santa Paula

California Oil Museum
1001 E. Main St (at 10th St in historic downtown Santa Paula)
Santa Paula, CA 93061
(Exit 10th St from the 126 Fwy)
805-933-0076
http://www.oilmuseum.net/

Weds–Sun: 10a-4p

Adults $4
Seniors $3
Youth $1

Parking is located adjacent to the Museum on city streets, and in a parking lot at the rear of the building.


From fossils to fill 'er up, the California Oil Museum tells the story of the black bonanza that created wealth, work, and prosperity for generations of Californians.

Operated by the City of Santa Paula Community Services Department, the Museum highlights the inner workings of the state's black gold industry through interactive displays, videos, working models, games, photographs, restored gas station memorabilia, and an authentic turn-of-the-century cable-tool drilling rig.

Visitors can exercise their wits and luck as California wildcatters, see how the Indians used natural oil seeps, watch a miniature drilling rig bore into the earth, and explore the memorable brands of gas bought by early California car drivers.

The Lundgren and Bennett Collections of gas station memorabilia are one of the largest displays of vintage gas pumps in California.

In addition to the permanent petroleum exhibits, the Museum presents new exhibits of science, transportation, history, and art throughout the year.

Guided tours are available.

They also offer the Historic Downtown Santa Paula and Santa Paula Murals Tour through the Museum.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo and La Mesa

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Campo Depot
State Highway 94 & Forrest Gate Road
Campo, California
619-478-9937 weekends
http://www.sdrm.org/
About 45 miles east of downtown San Diego.

Demonstration and Display of Pacific Southwest Railroad History
Train rides and cab rides available in addition to the museum. The Museum runs excursions on many weekends on portions of the San Diego & Arizona Railway utilizing actual vintage equipment. Some rides require additional fees and/or reservations.

Museum Visit Only
$5 adults, $2.50 children 6-12
Sat-Sun: 9a-5p, except certain holidays
Allows you entrance to the Railway Museum grounds and Display Building where visitors can stroll through the collection of 80+ pieces of equipment: experience steam locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses, with interior visits available for some of the trains.


La Mesa Depot
4695 Nebo Drive
La Mesa, CA 91941
619-465-PSRM (465-7776) weekdays

Sat: 1p-4p
Free

The La Mesa Depot Museum is La Mesa, California's oldest building in its original form and is the sole surviving San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway Station in existence.

Visitors can inspect the steam locomotive and string of freight cars on the nearby track and pass through the ticket/waiting area and view the telegrapher's station and a small exhibit area in the baggage room. This building and its past are a fascinating look at a bit of small-town railroading from yesteryear and its importance to the community it served.

Conveniently located across the street from the La Mesa Blvd trolley stop - come on out and enjoy an hour at this old-time station in downtown La Mesa.


Contact the Museums for their latest information and event schedule.

Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard

Carnegie Art Museum
424 South C Street
Oxnard, CA 93030
805-385-8158/8157
http://www.carnegieam.org/

Thurs-Sat: 10a-5p
Sun: 1p-5p
Closed holidays and between exhibits

Suggested Admission
Adults $3
Seniors/Students $2
Children(6+) $1
Check their calendar of events for Free Family Days.

The museum is located in downtown Oxnard. Free parking is located next to the Museum on the corner of 5th and C Street, and also at Plaza Park.

The Museum annually offers changing exhibits intended to give the public access to a broad diversity of California Art, or art influential to the California art scene.

The majority of exhibits feature contemporary artists working in all styles of art from traditional to non-objective. The Museum’s annual slate of quarterly exhibits combines up to 8 national or regional shows, traveling exhibits, local artist exhibits, and/or exhibits from the permanent collection.

Due to limited gallery space, the Museum’s permanent collection is displayed as mini-exhibits, showing a sampling of artworks, and rotate with the current exhibit.
It primarily focuses on the art of California. A strong point of the collection is in its California plein-air holdings, including paintings by Emil Kosa Jr., Colin Campbell Cooper, Paul Lauritz, and Cornelius and Jessie Arms Botke. Along with a diverse collection of multi-cultural and ethnographic artifacts, another strength is its Hollywood portraits by photographer George Hurrell, from the classic film noire period of the 1930-40s. Currently, acquisition places emphasis on collecting art inclusive of all California art movements, and of educational value to a population that is highly diverse.

They also feature a Poetry Series and a Book Club.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles

Chinese American Museum
425 N. Los Angeles St (at Arcadia)
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-485-8567
http://www.camla.org/
Located in the red-bricked historic Garnier Building, located at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument across from downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station. Just follow the hanging lanterns, south of Olvera Street, to find the museum site.

Tues–Sun: 10a-3p
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day

Suggested Admission
Adults $3
Seniors (60+)/Students (with ID) $2.00

Parking in various pay lots and metered street parking around the museum. See the museum's website for details.

Symbolically housed in the oldest and last surviving structure of Los Angeles’ original Chinatown, the 7,200 square foot Chinese American Museum embodies both a cultural and physical link to the past and a promising point of entry for the city’s multicultural future.

The mission of the Chinese American Museum is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of America’s diverse heritage by researching, preserving, and sharing the history, rich cultural legacy, and continuing contributions of Chinese Americans.

As a visual symbol of new and emerging traditions, CAM is proud to serve as an active-learning institution dedicated to researching, preserving and sharing the stories, experiences and contributions of Chinese Americans in the United States through quality exhibitions, programs, events, publications and workshops.

Self-guided tours are available.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Los Angeles Fire Department Museum, Hollywood and San Pedro

Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society
http://www.lafdmuseum.org/

Hollywood Museum
1355 N. Caheunga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-464-2727
Sat: 10a-4p
Off-hour tours available by special request.

Today, Old Fire Station 27 is a completely restored facility, and represents what the station was like when it was in operation. Three apparatus bays are filled with equipment, some dating back to the early 1900s and not to be found anywhere else. In addition, artifacts and equipment of all types are on display, dating from the 1880s through the present day. There are existing and under-development exhibits upstairs as well.

Old Station 27 also includes a Fire Service Research Library and a learning center where fire and life safety lessons are shared with both children and adults.


Harbor Museum "Old 36s"
638 Beacon Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
323-464-2727
Sat: 10a-4p
Off-hour tours available by special request.

Old Fire Station 36 is housed in one of the oldest buildings still standing in San Pedro, California. At the southern-most tip of Los Angeles, San Pedro is home to the Los Angeles Harbor, Ports ‘O Call Village, and some of the most unique seascapes in the LA area.

Old Station 36 includes some remarkable LAFD apparatus, artifacts from the San Pedro area and some of the most famous fires in this part of the city, and much more. A small store offers up a variety of goodies, ranging from authentic LAFD merchandise to memorial bracelets.

Contact the museums for their latest information.

Marconi Automotive Museum, Tustin

Marconi Automotive Museum
1302 Industrial Drive
Tustin, CA 92780
714-258-3001
http://www.marconimuseum.org/

Mon-Fri 9a-4:30p
Closed during special events and on most major Holidays
Please call ahead to schedule your visit 714-258-3001

Admission $5.00 donation per adult
Children <12 Free


The museum displays an impressive 30 million-dollar collection of historical, exotic, and classic cars. The collection includes Bikes, Open Wheel Racing Cars (both Formula 1 and Indy), American Muscle Cars, Vintage Racing and High Performance Exotics.

You can discover...
Kenny Bernstien's record breaking "Louie the Lizard" Top Fuel Dragster
Michael Schumacher's 1996 Ferrari F-1
1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing
1999 Jaguar XJ-220S - one of only five produced
Ferrari FX - It's one-of-a-kind

Guided and self-guided tours are available.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Museum of History and Art, Ontario

Museum of History and Art, Ontario
225 South Euclid Avenue
Ontario, CA 91762
909-395-2510
http://www.ci.ontario.ca.us/index.cfm/1605

Thurs-Sun 12p-4p
Free

The purpose of the Museum of History and Art, Ontario is to promote knowledge and understanding of the history, art, and cultural traditions of the greater Ontario area in a broad context.

The Museum will serve and enrich the community by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of Ontario and its region through exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, publications and other community events.

The Museum collects objects from the California Native American period to the present day.

Special exhibits include static and interactive displays, as well as special musical performances.

Permanent Exhibits: There are two interpretive exhibits within the south wing that focus on local and regional history:
- Road Ways
- Gem of the Foothills
Examine the history of Ontario and its neighboring communities including its citrus and vineyard heritage, local roads and highways such as Euclid Avenue and Route 66, local businesses and community groups.


Contact the museum for its latest information.

Newport Sports Museum, Newport Beach

The Newport Sports Museum
100 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-721-9333
http://newportsportsmuseum.org/

Mon-Sat 10a-5p
Free


The mission of the Newport Sports Museum is to use its collection of sports memorabilia as a vehicle to motivate children, those succeeding and struggling alike, to be productive, confident and successful adults. With the active involvement of over 100 well-known athletes and sports professionals, Newport Sports Museum facilitates programs designed specifically to teach children self confidence, discipline, courage, teamwork and dedication.

Newport Sports Museum houses one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive sports memorabilia collections. The permanent exhibits include historic items from baseball, hockey, basketball, football and more. Houses over 10,000 items of sports memorabilia.

Be sure to check out the Special Events featuring sports legends and other activities. These events help raise funds for youth-outreach programs focused on motivating kids to stay in school, off drugs and out of gangs.


Contact the museum for its latest information.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Command Museum, San Diego

Marine Corps Recruit San Diego Depot Command Museum
Day Hall, Building 26, at Gate 5
1600 Henderson Ave
San Diego, CA 92140
619-524-6719
http://www.mcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org/dayhall/index.html
Mon-Sat 8a-4p

Admission is free, and military identification is not required, although admittance to the Depot requires a photo identification card, driver's license, and proof of insurance if driving aboard base.


The Museum's mission is to provide an educational setting that portrays the legacy of the Marine Corps for the training of recruits and the continuing education of Marines, that functions as a supporting arm to the recruiting effort, and that serves as a bridge to the civilian community.

The MCRD Command Museum boasts one of the most extensive and comprehensive displays of Marine Corps historical items in the Nation.The Museum has over 150,000 annual visitors and occupies 22,233 square feet of indoor space.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles

The GRAMMY Museum
Located at LA Live (http://www.lalive.com/)
800 W. Olympic Blvd (at Figueroa)
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-765-6803
http://www.grammymuseum.org/

Mon-Fri 11:30a - 7:30p
Sat-Sun 10:00a - 7:30p

Adults $12.95
Students / Seniors 65+ $11.95
Military / Youth (6-17) $10.95
Children <5 Free
On evenings of Public Programs, guests who purchase Museum admission at the Box Office after 6:00pm will receive a discounted rate of $8 per person.
Ticket sales at the box office or Ticketmaster.

There are 20,000 parking spots within a 10-minute walk of The GRAMMY Museum. See L.A. LIVE parking lots. Convenient on-site parking is also available. Parking lot entrance is located at the corner of Olympic Blvd and Francisco St. Parking rates vary and are subject to change throughout the day. Before 3pm, parking rates start at $8. After 3pm, visitors are subject to event parking rates.


The GRAMMY Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music; the creative process; the art and technology of the recording process; and the history of the GRAMMY® Awards, the premier recognition of recorded music accomplishment.

The GRAMMY Museum is an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music occupying a vibrant new space in downtown Los Angeles. Four floors of cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films provide a one-of-a-kind visitor experience — engaging, educational, celebratory and inspirational.

- One-of-a-kind, 30,000 square foot museum with interactive, permanent and traveling exhibits
- Four floors of dynamic and stimulating exhibit space
- More than two dozen exhibits that explore the greatest GRAMMY music, everything from rock and hip-hop to country, classical, Latin, R&B, and jazz
- 200 seat state-of-the-art Clive Davis Theater
- Target Terrace - Roof top terrace perfect for special programs and private events
- Interesting and thought-provoking educational and public programs featuring films, lectures and performances


Contact the museum for its latest information.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Antelope Valley Indian Museum, Lancaster

Antelope Valley Indian Museum
California State Department of Parks and Recreation
Avenue M between East 150th & 170th Streets
Lancaster, CA
661-946-3055
http://www.avim.parks.ca.gov/

Sat-Sun: 11a-4p

Admission $3
Kids <12 Free


The majority of the museum's collections emphasizes the Southwestern, California and Great Basin Indians, although it contains artifacts from a number of other geographic regions.

In the 1980s, the State Parks designated the museum as a regional Indian museum, representing the cultures of the western Great Basin (east and southeast of the Sierra Nevada Mountains). Material culture from local archaeological discoveries is occasionally added to the collections.

Artifacts include pottery, textiles, sculptures, and photographs of rock art.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Monday, December 20, 2010

MOCA, Los Angeles

The Museum of Contempory Art (MOCA)
250 S. Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
http://www.moca.org/

Mon: 11a-5p
Thurs: 11a-8p
Fri: 11a-5p
Sat-Sun: 11a-6p
Closed major holidays.

General admission $10
Students w/ID, Seniors 65+ $5
Children <12, Jurors w/ID Free
Free Thursday evenings, 5p-8p
Online purchase available

Also related: The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave, LA 90012. Tickets will cover both locations on the same day.

Also related: MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood 90069. Free admission.


MOCA is committed to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of American and Euroopean work produced since 1940 in all media, and to preserving that work for future generations. Museum objects in all visual media, ranging from masterpieces of abstract expressionism and pop art to recent works by young and emerging artists.

Regular tours of current exhibitions are available.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Riverside International Automotive Museum, Riverside

Riverside International Automotive Museum
851 Marlborough Ave, #200
Riverside, CA 92507
951-369-6966
http://www.riversideinternational.org

Mon-Sat: 10a-4p
Suggested admission: $5, donations welcome


Whether it was hot rodding, drag racing, or sports car racing, California has played a critical role in the development of the automotive sports, design and culture, from the outset through today. And that in turn shaped California's culture. Preserving and presenting this reciprocal relationship is the goal of the museum.

The museum features a number of racecars, race posters, programs, photos, and video and audio recordings. They also have an extensive collection of exotic and rare cars on display.

They host a number of special events featuring certain race teams, tracks, drivers, and marques. Their Legends of Riverside film festival is also a treat.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Western Museum of Flight, Torrance

Western Museum of Flight
Torrance Airport
Historic Louis Zamperini Field
3315 Airport Drive, Red Baron #3
Torrance, CA 90505
310-326-9544
http://www.wmof.com/

Weds-Sun: 10a-3p
Closed major holidays.

General Admission $5
Children <12 Free


The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history and artifacts of Southern California's aviation heritage. The museum offers an inside look at completed and in-progress aircraft restoration projects.

The collection include numerous warbirds, aircraft and target drones, piston and jet aircraft engines, aircraft components, ejection seats, WWII instruments, aircrew accessories, and an extensive model aircraft collection.

They also have special events including the Celebrity Lecture Series.

Contact the Museum for its latest information.

Fender Museum, Corona

Fender Museum of Music and the Arts
365 N. Main St
Corona, CA 92880
951-735-2440
http://www.fendermuseum.com/

Weds-Sat: 11a-4p
Closed on major holidays.

Adults $10
Student/Senior $8
Children <12 Free with each paid adult

All proceeds benefit the Kids Rock Free music education program. 600 children each week, between the ages of 7-17, receive free and low-cost music instruction in Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Voice, and Combo-band.


Around every corner, walls of Fender amplifiers await your eyes, and literally dozens of guitars. Famous visitors and donors of the museum and Fender Center for the Performing Arts are often found viewing the exhibits. Tribute exhibits to Steve Miller and Paul Rodgers are featured.

Also don't miss the Center's Johnny Cash: An American Icon exhibit featuring original instruments, stage clothing, awards, and memorabilia owned and worn by the legendary entertainer. Included are props used from the biopic Walk the Line.

Contact the Museum or Center for its latest information.

Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles

Los Angeles Public Library
Central Public Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-228-7000
http://www.lapl.org/events

Tue, Thurs: 10a-8p
Weds, Fri, Sat: 10a-5:30p

Free.

Parking: there are several pay lots/garages in the area. Parking validation is available for certain lots. Contact the library for the latest information.


The Los Angeles Public Library exhibits are created from the vast resources in its collection as well as other sources. Exhibits are based on books and manuscripts, posters, photographs, and film.

The historic Central Public Library also features docent-led tours of the library itself focusing on art and architecture.

Contact the library for its latest information.

San Diego Firehouse Museum, San Diego

San Diego Firehouse Museum
Little Italy / Downtown San Diego
1572 Columbia St
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3473
http://www.sandiegofirehousemuseum.com

Thurs-Fri: 10a-2p
Sat-Sun: 10a-4p

Adults $3
Children/Seniors $2


In a former home of San Diego Fire Station No 6, see firefighting memorabilia dating back 100 years - everything from fire buckets to early firefighting apparatus. It also pays tribute to fire marshals, chiefs, deputy chiefs, alarm dispatchers, and battalions who answered the call of duty.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Bowers Museum, Santa Ana

Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main Street (at 20th St)
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-567-3600
http://www.bowers.org

Tues-Sun: 10a-4p

Adults $12
Seniors 62+/Students/Children (6-17) $6
Free to Santa Ana residents on first Sunday and third Tuesday
Target Free First Sundays
Tickets can be purchased online.
Special exhibits may require a separate ticket.

Parking is available directly north and south of the museum, $2. Also nearby metered and timed street parking.


The Bowers Museum celebrates world cultures through their arts. The museum is over 93,000 square feet and features a number of permanent global art collections include Afria, Asia, Pre-Columbian, Native American and Pacific. They have a South American Ethnographic Collection, Paintings, and Decorative Arts.

In addition to its exhibits, the museum offers gallery talks, lectures, art classes, travel programs, children's art education programs, and other special community programs.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

LA County Museum of Art, Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd (between Fairfax and Curson)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-857-6000
http://www.lacma.org/

Mon-Tues, Thurs: 12p-8p
Fri: 12p-9p
Sat-Sun: 11a-8p
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas

Adults $12
Seniors 62+/Students (18+ w/ID) $8
Children <17 Free
After 5p, you may pay what you wish for general admission to the permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions.
Free admission on the second Tuesday to all permanent galleries and non-ticketed exhibitions.
Target Free Holiday Mondays - includes special programming. Contact the museum for dates.

Parking: $7, Pritzker Parking Garage on 6th St just east of Fairfax. Free after 7p.
Alternate pay parking: Petersen Automotive Museum, Page Museum, and metered city parking


With 100,000 objects dating from ancient times to the present, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. The museum has 7 buildings on 20 acres.

LACMA's collections encompass the geographic world and virtuallly the entire history of art. Museum strengths include:
- Asian art
- Latin American art, ranging from pre-Columbian masterpieces to Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo - Islamic art

Other collections include African, American, Contemporary, and European art, as well as costume and textiles, and prints and drawing.

LACMA hosts a number of special events including guest lectures, film screenings, live music, anbd more. Some of the events are free in the evening.

Several galleries are closed for transformation and others are newly renovated. Contact the museum for the latest information.

Lomita Railroad Museum, Lomita

Lomita Railroad Museum
2137 W. 250th St
Lomita, CA 90717
310-326-6255
http://www.lomita-rr.org

Thurs-Sun: 10a-5p
Closed major holidays

Adults $4
Children <12 $2
Free parking


Not only does the museum house display historic treasures, the museum itself was designed to copy an authentic depot station. The museum is dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine.

You can tour the museum exhibits as well as get up close to the locomotive and caboose. Also on display are a Union Oil Tank Car, Water Tower, and huge mural.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Diego Sepulveda Adobe, Costa Mesa

Diego Sepulveda Adobe
Estancia Park
1900 Adams Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA
http://www.costamesahistory.org/adobe.htm

1st and 3rd Saturdays: 12p-4p
Other times available by appointment

The Adobe encompasses nearly 200 years of Costa Mesa history in beautiful Estancia Park overlooking the Santa Ana River bed.

There are artifacts from the first native inhabitants, the adobe from the Spanish settlers and the Mission Period, and up to the first World War where it held the meetings of an American Legion Post. They even discovered the skeleton of a mastodon.

In addition to the historical and cultural displays, the interiors and furniture are also done in period pieces.

Related Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum.

Contact the Costa Mesa Historical Society for latest information.

MAK Center for Art and Architecture, West Hollywood

MAK Center for Art and Architecture
835 Kings Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323-651-1510
http://www.makcenter.org

Weds-Sun: 11a-6p
Bookstore: Daily 11a-6p

Adults $7
Sentios/Students $6
Free admission on Fridays from 4p-6p, Intl Museum Day in May, and Schindler's Birthday Sept 10

On-street parking, or public garage parking at northeast corner of Kings Road and Santa Monica Blvd.


The MAK Center presents programming that challenges conventional notions of architectural space and relationships between the creative arts.

The Schindler House was designed and build by Rudolph Schindler in 1922 is a center for avante-garde art and inquiry.

The Mackey Apartments ($12/$10) and the Fitzpatrick-Leland House ($34/$32) are open for viewing on the first Friday of each month from 11a-6p. Call 323-651-1510 for more info or to make a reservation.

The original and sister Center is located in Vienna.

Contact the center for its latest information.

Hammer Museum, Los Angeles

Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd (at Westwood Blvd)
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-443-7000
http://hammer.ucla.edu

Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat: 11a-7p
Thurs: 11a-9p
Sun: 11a-5p
Closed certain holidays, and some times are adjusted for other holidays.

Adults $7
Seniors 65+, Alumni Assn Members $5
Free for students with ID, UCLA faculty/staff, military, veterans, visitors under 17
Free for everyone on Thursdays

Parking available under the museum for a fee.

The Hammer Museum explores the capacity of art to impact and illuminate our lives, and recognizes the crucial role that artists play in all aspects of human experiences. The collections range in depth and diversity of artistic expression through the centuries with special emphasis on art of our time.

In addition to the exhibitions, the museum features lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances.

They also have free student educator-led tours on Thursdays at 6-15pm, and lunchtime art talks on Wednesdays.

Other museums at UCLA:
Fowler Museum

Contact the museum for its latest information, exhibitions and special events.

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Gardens, San Marino

The Hungtington Library, Art Collections and Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
626-405-2100
http://huntington.org

Mon, Weds-Fri: 12p-4:30p
Sat-Sun: 10:30a-4:30p
Closed certain holidays, and other holidays may have different hours.
Free parking

Prices for Weekdays / Weekends, Monday Holidays
Adults $15 / $20
Seniors 65+ $12 / $15
Students $10 / $10
Youth (5-11) $6 / $6
Free on the first Thursday of each month with advance tickets.

The Huntington Library collection is full of rare books and manuscripts in the fields of British and American history and literature. There is a general public library as well as a qualified researcher library. In total, there are more than 6 million items, including the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg Bible on vellum. The library also has a large collection of materials on the American west and its settlement including the development of Southern California.

The Art Collection hosts a comprehensive collection of 18th and 19th century British and French Art, including Gainsborough's Blue Boy and Lawrence's Pinkie. There is also a collection of American art ranging from the 1690s to 1950s. The collections include paintings and sculptures.

The Botanical Gardens are beautifully arranged over rolling gardens and feature a Rose Garden, Desert Garden, Japanise Garden, and Chinese Garden, among others. There is also a Botanical Education Center with 'teaching' gardens.

They are also known for their Tea Room and Cafe.

Contact The Huntington for its latest information and special exhibits.

Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow

Route 66 Mother Road Museum
681 N. First Ave
Barstow, CA 92311
760-255-1890
http://route66museum.org

Fri-Sun: 10a-4p
Other hours maybe arranged. Closed certain holidays.
Free admission.

The museum displays a collection of historic photographs and artifacts related to Route 66 and the Mojave Desert communities. Displays include development of US Route 66 from early pioneer trails, railroads, automotive history, businesses and sites.

The museum is located in the fourth Harvey House built. It's along the old right of way for the old Santa Fe Railroad Company.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles

Japanese American National Museum
369 E. First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-625-0414
http://www.janm.org/

Tues-Weds, Fri-Sat: 11a-5p
Thurs: 12p-8p
Closed certain holidays.

Adults $9
Seniors 62+/Students and Youth (6-17) $5
Free admission every Thurs from 5p-8p, and every third Thurs of the month
They also have Target Free Family Saturdays - check the website for dates and info.
Public pay parking around the museum.

The museum in itself is beautiful, besides all of the wonderful exhibits. The mission of the JANM is to promote the understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.

The exhibits range from art, history, politics, culture, individual and family stories, photography, to special events of music, storytelling, guest lectures, and theatrical productions.

They also have the Chado Tea Room where you can experience a range of Japanese teas. And they have a Little Tokyo Walking Tour.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum, Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum and Library
1870 Anaheim Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
949-631-5918
http://www.costamesahistory.org/

Thurs-Fri: 10a-3p, also by appointment

Their collection of local history includes natural and man-made objects, photographs, maps, newspapers and other periodicals, oral history videos and recordings, published and unpublished works.

Their permanent exhibits include:
- Early periods of the native inhabitants from 2500BC to the 1870s
- Early communities of the farming period from the 1880s to the 1930s
- The modern history from homesteading to city incorporation and development, including the Santa Ana Army Air Base from World War II

Related: Diego Sepulveda Adobe.

Contact the museum for its lastest information.

Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Rosamond

Air Force Flight Test Center Museum
Edwards Air Force Base
405 S. Rosamond Blvd
Rosamond, CA 93524
661-277-8050
http://www.afftcmuseum.org

Tues-Sat: 9a-5p
Closed all Federal holidays.
Free admission.
Free parking for those with access to the base, otherwise you need to contact Public Affairs for a tour - see the Museum's site for info.

Discover the exciting history of Edwards Air Force Base and its magnificent flight test heritage including exhibits with technical drawings, personal memorabilia, photographs, wind tunnel models, aircraft propulsion systems, missiles, etc.

They have an extensive collection of aerospace vehicles, including 40 aircraft on display. They also have a theater, research library and gift shop.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach

Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave (at the corner of 6th St)
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-437-1689
http://www.molaa.org/

Weds, Fri-Sun: 11a-5p
Thurs: 11a-9p
Closed certain holidays.

Adults $9
Seniors/Students $6
Children <12 Free

Dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art including paintings, drawing, photography, sculpture and more.

They have a number of special events that also include live music, food, and film.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

LA County Natural History Museum, Los Angeles

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-763-DINO
http://www.nhm.org/

Daily: 9:30a-5p (closed certain holidays)
Adults $9
Seniors 62+, Students 18+ w/ID, Children 13-17 $6.50
Children 5-12 $2
Free on the first Tuesday of the month
Parking accepts cash only

- Protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years
- An amazing collection of dinosaurs, mammals, insect zoo, birds, shells, and one of my favorites, gems and minerals. They also have California and American History exhibits, as well as Ancient Latin American Art.
- Focuses on the 'big picture' of the planet, the natural and the cultural world
- Daily guided tours at 2pm
- A 'cheat sheet' is available if you have limited time to tour (a one hour quick tour suggestion)
- They also have a neat First Friday series of events that are for adults in the evenings that include special presentations and live music

Also related:
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
The William S. Hart Park and Museum

Contact the Museum for its latest info and special exhibits.

San Diego Hall of Champions, San Diego

San Diego Hall of Champions
Balboa Park
2131 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-2544
http://www.sdhoc.com/

Daily: 10a-4:30p

Adults $8
Seniors, students, military $6
Children 7-17 $4
Free on the 4th Tuesday of the month to San Diego City and County residents, active military and their families, children under 17

The San Diego Hall of Champions is the nation's largest multi-sport museum. It's three levels and almost 70,000 square feet. The museum offers a theatre, interactive media center, and numerous displayes.

The Hall also recognizes San Diego's outstanding athletic accomplishments and traditions.

Contact the Hall for its latest information.

American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona

American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)
340 S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766
909-865-3146
http://www.ceramicmuseum.org

Weds-Sat: 12p-5p (closed certain holidays)
Second of Saturday of each month, open until 9p

Adults $3
Students/Seniors $2
Children <12 Free

Exhibits cover a wide number of topics - all relating to clay. Some exhibits focus on different countries, the forms and styles used, an individual artist, or to highlight a current high-tech process.

Collections range from ancient times to the present.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Banning Museum, Wilmington

The Banning Museum
401 E. M Street
Wilmington, CA 90744
310-548-7777
http://www.banningmuseum.org/
Located near the Banning/Wrigley Historic Preservation Overlay Zone

Adults: suggested donation $5
Chilren: suggested donation $1
Parking on M Street and N Banning Blvd.

Museum Tours:
Tues-Thurs: 12:30, 1:30, 2:30
Sat-Sun: 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30

Phineas Banning was instrumental in the building of the Port of Los Angeles, and the extensive network of stage and freight routes that connected the port east to San Bernardino and south to Fort Yuma.

The Banning Residence was built in 1864, and the 23-room residence is an example of domestic Greek Revival architecture in Southern California. The house interiors have been restored to their Victorian Beauty. Collections include decorative arts, dolls, fans, furniture, textiles, as well as carriages.

The Residence stands on 20 acres of parkland managed by the City of Los Angeles Dept of Recreation and Parks, and also includes the stagecoach, barn, and gardens.

The Friends of Banning host several events including tea, a Victorian Christmas, and concerts.

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena

Norton Simon Museum of Art
411 W. Colorado Blvd (at Orange Grove)
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-449-6840
http://www.nortonsimon.org/

Sat-Mon, Weds-Thurs: 12p-6p
Fri: 12p-9p
Holiday Hours vary.
Adults $10, Seniors 62+ $5, Students Free; Free the first Friday of every month from 6p-9p
Free parking

In total, over 12,000 objects with about 1000 on display in the galleries and gardens
--European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century
--South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years
--Modern and contemporary art from Europe and the United States

They have guided tours and spotlight talks - check the website for details because it's rather limited. Acoustiguide tours are available for $3.

The Museum is on the New Years Day Rose Parade route, so if you plan to visit around this time, be sure to find out about possible museum and road access issues.

Contact the museum for their latest information.

Fowler Museum at UCLA, Los Angeles

Fowler Museum
UCLA, North Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310-825-4361
http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/

Weds: 12p-5p
Thurs: 12p-8p
Fri-Sun: 12p-5p

Free admission
Parking in UCLA's Lot 4 in the Pay-By-Space parking. Enter from Sunset Blvd.

The Fowler explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on works from Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Americas, past and present.

They seek to enhance understanding and appreciation of the diverse peoples, cultures, and religions of the world through highly contextualized interpretive exhibitions, publications and public programming.

Other museums at UCLA:
Hammer Museum

Contact the museum for their latest information.

Flight Path Learning Center-Museum, El Segundo

Flight Path Learning Center - Museum
LAX Imperial Terminal
6661 W. Imperial Highway
El Segundo, CA
http://www.flightpath.us/

Tues-Sat: 10a-3p
Free admission
Free parking

--Special feature exhibit on the 100th anniversary of flight and the 75th anniversary of the Los Angeles International Airport
--Models, photographs, uniforms and other artifacts highlighting the role of airlines, aircraft manufacturers, aerospace companies, and airports in the history of Southern California
--A large scale model biplane, the Curtiss P-6E Hawk

Contact the museum for latest information.

Calico Early Man Site, Barstow

Calico Early Man Site
~15 miles northest of Barstow
Bureau of Land Management

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/calico.html

Weds: 12:30p-4:30p
Thurs-Sun: 9a-4:30p

Guided Tours
Weds: 1:30 and 3:30
Thurs-Sun: 9:30a, 11:30a, 1:30p and 3:30p

Adults (1 or 2 persons) $5, each additional person $2.50
Children (12 and under) $1
Seniors (62+) $2

--It is thought that early nomadic hunters stopped in this area as a possible stone tool workshop, quarry or campsite
--Numerous artifacts have been found including stone knives, picks and chopping tools
--This is the only New World project undertaken by the famed Dr Leakey
--In addition to the tours, they have interactive and demonstration sessions

Visit the BLM website for the latest information.

The International Printing Museum, Carson

The International Printing Museum
315 Torrance Blvd
Carson, CA 90745
310-515-7166
http://www.printmuseum.org

Sat: 10a-4p
Tues-Fri: by appointment
Adults $8, Students/Seniors $7

--History of books, printing, and the book arts and their inventors and inventions
--Features the Lindner Collection of Antique Printing Machinery
--Working demonstrations of the antique machinery and theater presentations
--They also offer classes/workshops in letterpress printing, fine printmaking, book arts and papermaking

Contact the museum for its latest information.

Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach

Orange County Museum of Art
850 San Clemente Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-759-1122
http://www.ocma.net/

Weds-Sun: 11a-5p
Thurs: 11a-8p
Adults $12, Students/Seniors 65+: $10; Free on the second Sunday of the month
Free parking

--The museum's collection comprises nearly 2500 pieces with a concentration on the art of California from the early 20th century to the present.
--Special exhibits focus on modern and contemporary art
--Public tours are available at 1pm on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; and 7pm on Thursdays. Tours are free with admission.

Contact the musuem for its latest information.

Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles

Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd (at Fairfax)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-930-CARS
http://www.petersen.org/

Tues-Sun: 10a-6p [closed Mondays except holidays; closed other certain holidays]
Adults $10, Seniors 62+/Students/Active Military $5, Children 5-12 $3. Discount if purchase tickets online.
Parking in their structure: $2/30 mins; $8 max with paid admission, up to 4 hours; $12 max. Enter parking on Fairfax.

--Explore the evolution of the automobile and its impact on our culture.
--Experience the last 100 years of automotive history.
--Encompasses more than 300,000 square free of exhibits and lifelike dioramas, featuring more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles
--May Family Discovery Center for children
--Lots of very well done special events


Contact the museum for its latest information.

Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena

Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-449-2742
http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/

Weds-Sun: 10a-6p [closed certain holidays]
General $9, Students/Seniors $7, Children under 11 Free; Free on the fourth Friday of the month
Free parking in the museum's lot on the corner of Los Robles and Union St


--Classic and contemporary arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands
--Collection has more than 15,000 pieces spanning more than 4,000 years, spanning the region from Persian to the Pacific Islands
--They have numerous special exhibitions, performances, lectures, classes, workshops and festivals
--The courtyard is a very relaxing place to rest


Contact the museum for its latest information.

Torrance Art Museum, Torrance

Torrance Art Museum
3320 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, CA 90503
310-618-6340
http://www.torranceartmuseum.com/

Tues-Sat: 11a-5p
Free admission
Free parking

Through its emphasis on contemporary artistic expression in Southern California and globally, the TAM brings together visual artists and community members; fosters personal and civic well being by inspiring understanding and appreciation of the visual arts; promotes meaninful experiences in the arts to strengthen creative and critical thinking skills; and builds bridges between the visual arts and other disciplines in the humanities and sciences.


Contact the museum for the latest information.

Mojave River Valley Museum, Barstow

Mojave River Valley Museum
270 Virginia Way
Barstow, CA 92312
760-256-5452
http://mojaverivervalleymuseum.org

Daily: 11a-4p [only closed Christmas]
Free admission

The museum houses a series of displays and exhibits that portray the history of the Mojave River Valley from the arrival of Father Garces in 1776 on through pathfinders, pioneers, miners, railroads and the present space program.

Their archive of local area newspapers dates back to 1911, and their photo collection contains over 20,000 photos.


Contact the Museum or visit its website for the latest information.

Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum, Anaheim

Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum
1238 S. Beach Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92804
714-537-2323

Daily: 10a-6p
Free - however contact them to see if this has changed

A 10-acre collection of miniature small-town buildings, toys, and dolls - over 6000 pieces.

What to see: in addition to the large collection, the half-scale model of the White House


Contact the museum for latest information.

Craft and Folk Art Museum. Los Angeles

Craft and Folk Art Museum
5814 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-937-4230
http://www.cafam.org

Tues-Fri: 11a-5p
Sat-Sun: 12p-6p
General Admission $7, Students/Seniors $5, Children under 10 Free; Free on the first Wednesday of every month
Parking: large public lots within a block of CAFAM, and 2-hour street parking

Its mission is to champion cultural understanding by encouraging curiosity about our diverse world through the universal lens of art. The exhibits and programs serve as a catalyst for the exploration of art and ideas that reflect our ever-changing community.

The original exhibitions and public programs are developed in close collaboration with community cultural groups to ensure authentic expression.

What to see: the ehibits are all encompassing, ranging from body art to photography to ancient cave paintings


Information is correct at posting. Contact the museum or visit its website for latest info.

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula

South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
310-544-1948
http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Hours: 9a-5p, only closed Christmas Day
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors 62+/Students: $6, Children 5-12 $3; Cash only; Free: Third Tuesday of each month
Free parking.
Picnic area outside the Garden gates.

This 87 acre Botanic Garden has more than 2500 different species of plants from as far away as Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The garden is situated in Sunset's Zone 23, one of the most favored growing areas in the world.

What to see: About 100 trees and shrubs are rare mature specimens; abundant wildlife and bird population; Mediterranean, Rose, Water-Wise, Cactus, Children's, Fuchsia, Dahlia, Herb, and Japanese Gardens; tram tours.

They also have many special events including theater and music performances on the lawn, and numerous societies and clubs meet there.


Information is current at posting. Contact the garden or visit its website for the latest info.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Pasadena Museum of California Art, Pasadena

Pasadena Museum of California Art
490 E. Union St
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-568-3665
http://www.pmcaonmline.org/

Hours: Weds-Sat: 12p-5p [closed July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's]
Admission: Adults $7, Seniors/Students $5; Free on the first Friday of the month
Free parking on the ground level of the museum. Public parking available across the street on Union.

Its mission is to present the breadth of California art and design through exhibitions that explore the cultural dynamics and influences that are unique to California.

What to see: exhibits on California art, architecture and design from 1850 to the present; rooftop terrace with beautiful view of the San Gabriel mountains and the 1927 City Hall dome

Contact the museum or visit its website for the latest info.

Santa Monica Museum of Art, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Museum of Art
Bergamot Station G1
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-586-6488
http://smmoa.org/

Hours: Tues-Sat: 11a-6p [closed all legal holidays]
Admission: Free, suggestion donation $5; Artists, students seniors: suggested donation $3
Free parking.
There are number of public transportation methods available.

Through its exhibitions, education, and outreach programs, the Santa Monica Museum of Art fosters diversity, innovation, and discovery in contemporary art - local, national, and international.

SMMOA is a noncollecting museum whose exhibitions and programs aim to reveal the vibrant, untold stories and pivotal moments in the history of contemporary art and culture.


Information is current at posting. Contact the museum or visit its website for the latest info.

Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-4500
http://www.skirball.org/

Open: Tues-Fri: 12p-5p; Sat-Sun: 10a-5p [closed certain holidays]
Admission: General $10, Seniors 65+ and Students $7, Children 2-12 $5; Free on Thursdays
Free parking.

Its mission is to explore the connections between four thousand years of Jewish heritage and the vitality of American democratic ideals. It seeks to welcome and inspire people of every ethnic and cultural identity in American life.

What to see: in addition to the core exhibition on Jewish life from antiquity to America, there's the reknowned Noah's Ark interactive family exhibit, numerous special performances, and the campus itself is quite lovely.


Information is current at posting. Contact the museum or visit its website for the lastest info.

Autry National Center, Los Angeles

Autry National Center
http://theautry.org/

The Autry National Center is a merger of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Women of the West Museum. It is an intercultural history center dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West.

Museum of the American West
Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-667-2000
Open: Tues-Fri: 10a-4p; Sat-Sun: 11a-5p [some extended hours in summer, closed certain holidays]
Admission: Adults $9, Students/Seniors 60+: $5, Children $3. Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Free parking.


Southwest Museum of the American Indian
Arroyo Campus
Currenty closed to the public due to ongoing conservation of the collection
Scheduled to reopen in 2013.


Contact the museum or visit its website for the latest info.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles and Malibu

The J. Paul Getty Museum
http://www.getty.edu/museum

The Getty Museum has two locations:

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-440-7300
Open: Sun, Tues-Fri: 10a-5:30p; Sat: 10a-9p [closed certain holidays]
Free general admission and to all exhibits. Some special events have fees.
Access via the main gate on N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Parking is $15; free after 5:00pm.
Metro Rapid Line 761 stops at the main gate on Sepulveda.

What to see: European paintings, drawings, manuscrips, sculture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs. Some items from the Research Libary's special collections. Modern architecture and gardens (they have really nice tours of these areas).


The Getty Villa, Malibu
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-440-7300
Open: Weds-Mon: 10a-5p [closed certain holidays]
Free admission, however an advance timed ticket is required for each adult. Special events may have a fee.
Parking: $15 per car or motorcycle; free for all evening events after 5:00pm
Access via northbound right-hand lane on PCH.
Metro Bus 534 stops at Coastline Drive and PCH directly across from the Villa entrance.

What to see: Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Roman-inspired architecture and gardens.


Information is correct as of posting. Please contact the museum or visit their website for the most current info.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Paley Center for Media, Beverly Hills

The Paley Center for Media
(formerly known as The Museum of Television & Radio)
465 N. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
At the corner of Beverly and Little Santa Monica (near Rodeo Dr)
310-786-1091
http://www.paleycenter.org/

Tues-Sat, 12p-5p
Free, donations recommended
Parking: free in their structure off of Little Santa Monica Blvd

The Paley Center is fascinating. They have a huge library (almost 150,000 programs) of television and radio recordings that you can check out and listen/watch at your own console. The recordings cover almost a 100 years of the technologies. The collection highlights achievements in artistry, social impact or historical significance.

They also have rotating showings in their theaters, and small informational exhibits. Throughout the year, they have a number of special screenings and panel discussions that feature the latest shows as well as retrospectives. Check their website for their special events and prices.

Guided tours that discuss the Center's history, collections, and current programs are available.

The original Center is in New York City where they have a sister facility.

Information current at posting. Contact the Center or visit their website for the latest information.