The Best Things to Do in LA On a Rainy Day: Culture
Rain or shine, there's nothing better than spending the day indoors exploring LA's cultural treasures. From world-class museums to historic libraries, here are some of the best cultural attractions in Los Angeles for a rainy day.
1. Step Out of the Rain and Into LA Museums
There is no shortage of world-class museums in Los Angeles, but given that the average temperature is 72 degrees and sunny, many cultural institutions are designed with the outdoors in mind. Here are ten arts destinations you can visit without feeling guilty about skipping any adjacent gardens and outdoor sculptures, so you can see art and still stay dry.
2. Shift Into High Gear at The Petersen
One unique feature that separates The Petersen Automotive Museum from other automotive museums is the constantly rotating exhibit spaces. To keep The Museum fresh, relevant, and to keep visitors coming back, it was decided from the beginning not to display the entire Museum Collection at once. In the 100,000+ square feet that comprise The Petersen Automotive Museum, only about 150 vehicles are on display at any one time. The other half of the 300+ vehicle collection is in the museum's vault.
3. Visit the Skirball Cultural Center
The Skirball Cultural Center features an extraordinary museum, changing exhibitions, engaging music, theater, comedy, film, family, and literary programs, Zeidler's Café, and Audrey's Museum store, and an interactive family destination inspired by the Noah's Ark story—all in a stunning architectural setting designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie.
4. Explore the Universe at Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s greatest cultural attractions, offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown LA from its perch on Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park. The observatory and accompanying exhibits were opened to the public on May 14, 1935. Today, the Griffith Observatory is renowned as a national leader in public astronomy, and a beloved gathering place for visitors and Angelenos alike.
5. Blast Off with the Space Shuttle Endeavour
On Oct. 30, 2012, the California Science Center became the permanent home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in September 2012. After an extraordinary journey through the streets of L.A., the Endeavour went on public display in the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion. Read on for the Top 10 must sees and hidden gems of the Endeavour.
6. Get Wild at the Natural History Museum
At the Natural History Museum discover your world past and present. Encounter dinosaurs, experience nature, explore our dioramas, marvel at one of the most impressive gem and mineral collections in the world, and learn how L.A. went from tiny pueblo to sprawling metropolis in our Becoming Los Angeles exhibit. Seasonally, take stroll through our Butterfly and Spider Pavilions, or check out one of the upcoming special exhibitions.
7. Strike a Pose at the Annenberg Space for Photography
The Annenberg Space for Photography's exhibits feature stunning prints, digital photographs shown on two 13' screens, and an original short documentary film. Exhibits change several times a year. Admission is always free.
8. Saddle Up and Ride to The Autry
Autry National Center of the American West, in Griffith Park, houses a collection of art and artifacts in eight galleries depicting the historical and fictional history of the American West from 16th century to present.
9. Travel the World with L.A.'s Multicultural Masterpieces
Los Angeles has a rich Latino heritage, and the city’s vibrant Latino communities continue to influence and make lasting contributions its culture. It comes as no surprise that L.A.’s world-famous museums are teeming with outstanding artworks by Latin American masters. Read on for a guide to selected masterpieces of Latin American art at Los Angeles museums.
10. Discover L.A.'s Quirkiest Museums
Los Angeles has plenty of world-class museums filled with priceless works. Then there are the more humble institutions, the ones catering to more obscure and specialized tastes. From bunnies to martial arts and velvet paintings, here are 10 quirky L.A. museums worth seeking out.
The cultural landscape of Los Angeles has been deeply influenced by African American artists and philanthropists and it continues to blossom because of them. In the visual arts scene, contributions by African American artists are plentiful and are constantly on view at many of L.A.’s world-famous museums. Read on for a guide to selected African American masterpieces in Los Angeles museums.
From ancient art to contemporary works, Los Angeles museums showcase world-class collections of Asian art and Asian American cultural history.
11. Tour the Landmark Houses of L.A.
Los Angeles is known around the world for its masterpieces of residential architecture. Famous fans of these landmark designs include Ice Cube and Moby. From L.A.’s oldest house to Mid-Century Modern icons, discover some of the most famous houses in Los Angeles.
12. Learn About the Historic Theatres on Broadway
Stretching for six blocks from 3rd to 9th Streets along South Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles, the historic Broadway Theatre District includes 12 movie theatres built between 1910 and 1931. New generations of Angelenos can now experience live performances and cultural events at these spectacular venues. Read on and discover the great movie palaces of the Broadway Theatre District.
14. Browse L.A.'s World-Class Libraries
Los Angeles libraries are among the most renowned in the country, featuring incredibly rare editions, important historical archives, and unique collections found nowhere else. Browse these listings and begin your literary journey through some of L.A.’s best libraries.
