Most of LA’s iconic attractions are common knowledge for anyone who has ever watched a Hollywood movie. Others, like its first-rate collection of museums, require a bit more digging.
That’s why we’ve selected four of our favorite new museums and exhibits you simply have to visit during your next visit to the city. From timeless cars to contemporary art, these highly regarded exhibitions prove LA’s past is just as bright as its future.
The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum in Downtown Los Angeles was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The building that houses a plethora of art is actually a work of art in itself, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler. Inside, you will find two floors containing 2,000 works in the Broad’s postwar contemporary collection of art.
www.thebroad.org
Wende Museum
Dive into the history of the Cold War in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union from 1945-1991 at its new location summer of 2016, the former Culver City Armory. With much more space for exhibits, you will see documents, artifacts, art, and more showing detailed accounts of this pivotal time in history. In the sculpture garden, you will also find the Wende Museum’s portions of the Berlin Wall.
www.wendemuseum.org
Peterson Automotive Museum
After a 125-million-dollar remodel, the Peterson Automotive Museum is open again. Standing outside the building leaves a lasting impression in itself, though car enthusiasts won’t waste any time heading inside—where they’ll find three floors of both historic and state-of-the-art vehicles. They’ll also find car simulators and an interactive Pixar exhibit—plus much, much more.
www.petersen.org
Vatican Splendor’s
March 16- August 28, 2016
Whether you come from a background in faith or not, the Vatican Splendor’s exhibit at The Reagan Library is not something to pass up. The only west coast stop, this LA exhibit will show artwork (some never before seen in the public) from the Vatican and Basilica of St. Peters in Rome. See Michelangelo’s artwork, signed documents, a touchable cast of St. John Paul II’s hand, and even venerated remains of St. Peter and St. Paul.
www.reaganfoundation.org
