From colorful street murals to sleek gallery spaces, monthly art walks to world-class exhibition halls, every city has its own artistic personality and cultural identity. Below are some of our favorite artful attractions in Downtown L.A.
DOWNTOWN ART WALK – This long-running art walk, which takes place on the second Thursday of every month, has evolved right along with the Downtown skyline. Featuring more than 40 participating galleries and museums throughout L.A.’s Bunker Hill, Little Tokyo and Gallery Row, it’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into DTLA’s flourishing art scene—and a great excuse to check out one of the new restaurants and bars that have cropped up in the neighborhood.
URBAN ART & CRAFT BEER TOUR – From elaborate graffiti to vibrant murals; hoppy IPAs to crisp blonde ales, DTLA is home to both a thriving street art and craft beer scene. This innovative walking tour combines the two, capturing some of the best graffiti and murals in the Arts District with visits to several of the neighborhood’s best craft breweries. Cheers!
THE BROAD – Named for philanthropist Eli Broad, who funded the $140 million space south on Grand Avenue, just south of Walt Disney Concert Hall, this three-story contemporary art museum showcases a stunning design second only to the art housed within its walls. The museum, which is free to the public, features an incredible permanent collection, with works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, and Roy Lichtenstein, along with a host of exciting special exhibitions—including Yayoi Kusama’s otherworldly Infinity Mirror rooms.
HAUSER & WIRTH – This massive gallery in DTLA’s burgeoning Arts District is the L.A. outpost of the international gallery of the same name. Occupying a former flour mill, the space links art and architecture with a dynamic events program. Come hungry, because the gallery is also home to Manuela, a delicious onsite restaurant featuring a seasonal, locally sourced menu, chicken coop and urban garden.
MOCA – Home to thousands of incredible works spanning the 1940s to present, L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-visit for any art lover. Located on Grand Avenue, its main branch houses an extensive collection of works—from up-and-coming international artists to Rothkos and Pollocks.
THE A+D MUSEUM – It’s no secret L.A. is home to some stunning architectural wonders. This Downtown museum celebrates the city’s progressive architecture with a series of exhibits, programs and tours designed to promote an awareness of architecture and design in everyday life. Current exhibitions include Translucent Vaults, an exploration of digital access to cultural institutions and art, and Shapes of Fences, an installation aimed at bringing awareness to the current detainment of migrant children in the U.S.
