Cheap Los Angeles: Amazing Museums for Free!

If you asked most people outside Los Angeles what the city makes them think of, it's likely that gardens and museums aren't going to be the first things mentioned. And that is a shame, because Los Angeles is actually quite rich in parks and museums.

Los Angeles is not a cheap city. But, amazingly, these wonderful resources can be had for absolutely free if you know when to go. Almost every museum and public garden in Los Angeles and vicinities has a time when it opens its doors to the public absolutely free of charge. Check out Travel Town: A Great Destination for Kids of All Agesfor another great Los Angeles attraction that is absolutely free and lots of fun. Grab a piece of paper and a pen or print this article to find out when to visit these great Los Angeles museums completely free. Hours and address for all venues listed are at the end of this article.

Getty Center and Getty Villa

The Getty Center and Getty Villa are great museums that not only are free once in a while, but are free all of the time. The only thing you have to pay for at these museums is parking, and food if you eat there. The Getty Center is one of the largest art museums in the world, and it has the largest endowment of any museum anywhere. Its remarkable collection sits in a specially designed building on top of a hill looking out over the entire city. The Getty Villa has recently reopened following extensive renovations. It is a faithful reproduction of a classical Italian Villa, and it is filled with outstanding works of ancient art. Parking costs $8. For the Getty Villa, reservations are necessary. You can make reservation online here or call (310) 440-7300.

The Huntington Library and Gardens

The Huntington Library and Gardens have tremendous grounds with thematic gardens, including a tremendous Japanese Garden, a Chinese Garden that is under construction, a rose garden, a desert garden, and a children's garden. There is also a library and an art museum with rotating exhibits. The Huntington Library and Gardens usually has a $15 admission charge for adults, but on the first Thursday of every month admission is free.

The Norton Simon Museum of Art

The Norton Simon Museum of Art has a wonderful collection, including one of the finest collections of Asian Art found in the . Admission to the Norton Simon is usually $8 for adults, but admission is free for all visitors the first Friday of every month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Students with valid I.D. and visitors under the age of 18 always get in free.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has an extensive collection of art from around the world from ancient through modern times. Usually, the museum charges $9 for admission, but every day after 5 p.m. it is free, sponsored by Target. And all day long, visitors under 18 are free. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is open every day except Wednesdays.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in three separate venues in the city, and highlights modern and contemporary artists in its permanent collection and temporary exhibits. Usually, the museum charges $8. All venues are free Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. (sponsored by Wells Fargo)

Japanese American National Museum

This museum features rotating and permanent exhibits highlighting the contributions and history of Japanese Americans. Usually, this museum charges $8. The museum offers free general admission every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month.

Pacific Asia Museum

This museum casts a spotlight on Asian Art with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Admission is free on the third Saturday of every month, and $7 at other times.

Where and When

Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California 90272
Thursday-Monday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m

The Huntington Library and Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
Huntington, CA 91108
(626) 405-2100
Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Norton Simon Museum of Art
411 W. Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105-1825
(626)449-6840
Wednesday - Monday, noon to 6 p.m., except Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday closed.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon - 8 p.m. Friday: noon - 9 p.m. (Friday Night Jazz at 5:30 p.m., every Friday from April to December, free admission). Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
250 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Geffen Contemporary
152 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Monday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
(213) 625-0414
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pacific Asia Museum
46 N Los Robles Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 449-2742
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m.