The Guide to Summer Events at LA Museums
From the newly-opened David Geffen Galleries at LACMA to new exhibitions at The Broad, The Academy Museum, Skirball Cultural Center and more, there is a bounty of arts and culture happening at Los Angeles-area museums this summer! Make plans for a day trip, or schedule a long weekend to explore multiple museums.
New Exhibitions
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind - The Broad (Through October 11)
Music of the Mind is Yoko Ono's first solo museum exhibition in Southern California and takes viewers through the life and work and the acclaimed artist, musician and activist. It is, partially, an interactive exhibition, where visitors can participate in pieces like Wish Tree for Los Angeles, located in the East West Bank Plaza near The Broad's entrance. Various related events are scheduled during the course of the exhibition, including Yoko Ono's Sky Piece to Jesus Christ + Cut Piece at nearby REDCAT on July 18. Yoko Only: A Night Celebrating the Music of Yoko Ono, on August 8, will feature performances from Yo La Tengo with Nels Klein and Yuka Honda, as well as Sleater-Kinney, Rufus Wainwright and more. On September 19, Yuka Honda and Glenn Kaino will present a first look of I Am Yoko, their multimedia musical currently in development, at the Colburn School.
California African American Museum
Located in Exposition Park, California African American Museum currently has four exhibitions on view this summer. A New Song: Langston Hughes in the West (through September 13) looks at the famed poet's time in California, Nevada and Mexico. The Sound of Gordon Parks (through September 13) is an interactive exhibition focused on the filmmaker's musical compositions. Willie Birch: Stories to Tell (through October 21) is a career retrospective of the renowned artist, whose works date from the late 1960s to the present day. Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation (through February 28, 2027) dives into the history and legacy of Black-led LGBTQ movements.
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon - The Academy Museum (Through February 28, 2027)
Featuring hundreds of original objects, amongst them movie posters, letters and ephemera, Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon gives a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the mid-20th century movie star. Included are some of her most recognizable costumes, like the hot pink dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball dives into 20th century pop culture with two major exhibitions this summer. Outsiders, Outcasts, Rebels + Weirdos: Punk Culture 1976 - 1986 (through September 6) celebrates the 50th anniversary of punk in the U.S. with more than 500 objects and ephemera pieces. Inventing America: The Comic Book Revolution (through February 28, 2027) includes art and artifacts to show how comic books tell the story of the U.S.
Life, Liberty and Los Angeles - Autry Museum of the American West (Through January 31, 2027)
The Autry Museum of the American West takes inspiration from the Declaration of Independence for Life, Liberty and Los Angeles, which explores the concept of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" from the perspective of LA's diverse communities.
tierra - Craft Contemporary (Through October 25)
tierra is part of Craft Contemporary's Clay Biennial series and puts the spotlight on earth-based materials and Latinx, Indigenous and Black artists whose work reflects a connection to land.
Event Series
Jazz at LACMA
Through November, Fridays at LACMA are all about jazz with the museum’s series of free concerts in the Smidt Welcome Plaza. Upcoming Jazz at LACMA performances include Jonathan Pinson's Boom Clap (July 10), Robert Rodriguez Quartet (July 17) and David Ornette Cherry Ensemble (July 24).
Matinees on the Mountain & Sunday Afternoon Concerts - Mount Wilson Observatory
For a more adventurous museum experience, head to Mount Wilson Observatory. You’ll drive through the winding San Gabriel Mountains until you reach Mount Wilson’s peak and the 121-year-old observatory, home to what was once the world’s largest telescope. You can still see the 100-inch telescope via public, private or self-guided tours and visit the Astronomical Museum. Events are frequent during the summer and into early fall.
The monthly Saturday afternoon Matinees on the Mountain series focuses on science and science fiction, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (August 15) and Solaris (September 12).
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome invite audiences to hear musicians like the Webern String Quartet (Sep. 6) inside the home of the 100-inch telescope. Be sure to use the map on Mount Wilson’s website as GPS directions aren’t always correct.
Off the 405 - Getty Center
The Off the 405 series of free concerts at Getty Center continues through this summer with performances from Leenalchi (July 11), Horse Lords (July 25) and Laurel Halo (August 22).
The Autry Annual Block Party (Sep. 26)
The Autry's annual Block Party returns on Saturday, September 26, for an end-of-summer bash with the theme "Love Letters to LA." Expect live music and cultural performances, as well as plein air painting from the California Art Club, horse photo ops, games, a mechanical bull and lots more.
