Check out these 5 current art exhibitions happening in Los Angeles

Dubbed the new California gold rush, galleries from around the world are establishing their presence in Los Angeles. Major art dealers such as Sean Kelly, Vito Schnabel Gallery, David Zwirner, and Hauser & Wirth have all opened locations in LA. In 2019, Frieze also introduced an annual contemporary art fair in LA (the next edition is set for February 20–23, 2025, at Santa Monica Airport).

What’s behind this surge of interest? Some attribute it to the vibrant energy of LA artists, who are keen to highlight underrepresented voices, along with the vast space the city offers. Others acknowledge that the perpetual sunshine adds to the appeal. These factors also contribute to LA being an ideal spot for art enthusiasts. If you want to join the gold rush, here’s the top art to experience in LA right now.

ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN by Ed Ruscha at LACMA

This cross-media retrospective of Ruscha, open until October 6, 2024, perfectly encapsulates LA art, as the artist has called this city home for decades, drawing inspiration from its essence. Delve into Ruscha’s passion for landscapes and typography through a variety of paintings, drawings, photographs, and printmaking.

Ticket information: For non-LA County residents, adult tickets to LACMA are priced at $28 ($23 for residents). While walk-up tickets are available, purchasing timed-entry tickets online ahead of time is advisable due to potential sell-outs.

Getting there: The museum is situated in LA’s Miracle Mile area, conveniently located near the 10 and 101 freeways.

Plan your visit: Explore multiple museums nearby — the La Brea Tar Pits, Craft Contemporary, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures are all within walking distance.

Pro tip: While visiting LACMA, don’t miss Zev Yaroslavsky Plaza, where you can admire Ai Weiwei’s sculptures of the 12 zodiac heads.

Homage to Nature by Mineo Mizuno at The Huntington

California artist Mineo Mizuno has crafted a site-specific sculpture at The Huntington using fallen timber collected from the Sierra Nevada forests, where he resides. On display until May 25, 2029, Homage to Nature reflects on the forest's vulnerability and its capacity for renewal. Nestled in an outdoor garden, this piece harmonizes beautifully with the Huntington’s 130 acres of botanical gardens, alongside a significant research library and art museum.

Ticket details: Adult admission to The Huntington is $29.

Directions: The Huntington is located just off the 110 Freeway in San Marino, near Pasadena, approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown LA.

Plan your visit: Make a reservation at the Huntington’s Rose Garden Tea Room to enjoy delicious house-made scones and lobster rolls. Afterward, visit Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, a standout among LA's bookstores, and treat yourself to a literary-inspired cocktail at the onsite bar, the 1894.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the gift shop, where you can find everything from origami paper to prickly pear cocktail syrup, plus unique guaculeles (ukuleles designed to resemble avocados).

Best in Low, featuring various artists at the Petersen Automotive Museum

This exhibition celebrates the art and culture of cruising with a tribute to lowriders, running through spring 2025. Best in Low is particularly relevant now, as LA has just lifted a 1988 ban on lowrider cruising earlier this year. Expect to see beautifully customized Impalas, Monte Carlos, and Cutlass Supremes, and gain a deeper appreciation for not just the vibrant exteriors but also the enhanced interiors and hydraulics.

Ticket information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door — adult admission is $21.

Directions: Access the museum via the 10 or 101 Freeways to reach LA’s Miracle Mile neighborhood.

Make a day of it: After enjoying the exhibit, head over to Canter’s for lunch or dinner, just about a mile away. This 24-hour deli has been a beloved LA staple since 1931.

Insider tip: If you purchase tickets online in advance but need to change your plans, your tickets remain valid for a full year.

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love, by Mickalene Thomas at The Broad

Los Angeles marks the debut of Mickalene Thomas’s first international touring exhibition, Mickalene Thomas: All About Love. This fully immersive experience goes beyond the artwork displayed on the museum’s walls, transporting you into the New Jersey neighborhoods, living rooms, and party scenes that have inspired the artist's innovative and thought-provoking portrayals of Black women. You can view her acrylic and rhinestone-encrusted pieces until September 29, 2024.

Ticket information: Adult tickets for the exhibit are priced at $22 and can be bought online in advance. Same-day, in-person tickets are also available but may involve a wait.

Directions: The Broad is situated in downtown LA, with a nearby Metro stop at Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station, accessible via the A and E Metro Lines.

Plan your visit: Just a 10-minute walk away is Grand Central Market, a vibrant food hall featuring pizza, ramen, sandwiches, and seafood tostada stands.

Insider tip: Enjoy free entry to the exhibit on Thursday nights from 5–8 PM.

Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt, featuring various artists at the Getty Villa Museum

You might not expect to find ancient Egyptian sculptures while basking in the California sun, but both experiences await you at the Getty Villa. This stunning museum boasts beautiful gardens, colonnaded walkways, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt is on display until January 25, 2027, showcasing statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi dating back to 664 BCE.

Ticket information: Admission is free, but you'll need a timed-entry reservation to visit.

Getting there: Travel along the Pacific Coast Highway. For public transportation, take Metro bus line 134, which stops at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Coastline Drive, right in front of the villa.

Make a day of it: If the villa’s reflecting pool tempts you for a swim, consider heading to Gladstones after your visit. This laid-back seafood restaurant is located on a public beach, perfect for a swim followed by a meal.

Insider tip: Schedule your museum visit for the late afternoon, then enjoy dinner in Pacific Palisades or Malibu to sidestep traffic.