Free Museums in Los Angeles: Where to Get Free Admission This October
Looking for something to do in Los Angeles without spending a lot of money?
October is a great month to explore LA’s museums, with free admission days, special programs and several museums that don’t charge admission at all.
And here’s something many Angelenos may not realize: you don’t always have to wait for an official “free museum day.” Several major LA museums are free year-round, while others offer special free admission for Los Angeles County residents.
Here are some options to put on your October calendar.
Start With CAAM — It’s Always Free
For BlackNLA readers, the California African American Museum (CAAM) should be high on the list.
Located in Exposition Park, CAAM focuses on the art, history and culture of African Americans, particularly in California and the western United States.
Even better: general admission is always free and reservations aren’t required. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. CAAM Museum
Visit the California African American Museum
More Museums You Can Visit for Free
Several of LA’s best-known cultural institutions also offer free general admission, including The Broad, Getty Center, Getty Villa, Hammer Museum, MOCA Grand Avenue, California Science Center, Griffith Observatory and Fowler Museum at UCLA. Some require advance reservations, and parking or special exhibitions may still carry a fee. Haps Club
That means you can build an entire museum day without paying general admission.
LACMA Has a Great Deal for LA County Residents
If you live in Los Angeles County, don’t automatically pay full admission at LACMA.
LA County residents receive free general admission after 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with valid ID. LA County residents ages 17 and younger also receive free general admission. LACMA
LACMA is also holding its October Third Weekend October 15–19, with several free programs, including Jazz at LACMA on October 16, chess on October 17 and Andell Family Sundays on October 18. Some activities require advance RSVPs. LACMA
Check LACMA tickets and free admission
Don’t Forget Your Library Card
Your library card could also get you through the doors of museums and cultural attractions around Southern California.
The Discover & Go program provides eligible library-card holders access to free or discounted passes to participating museums and cultural institutions. Availability and participating attractions vary, so it’s worth checking before buying admission.
Before You Go
Free doesn’t always mean you can simply walk in. Some museums require timed reservations, while parking, IMAX presentations, planetarium shows and special exhibitions may cost extra.
Check the museum’s official website before heading out—especially for free-day promotions that can change.
BlackNLA Take
Los Angeles has some of the country’s best museums, and experiencing them doesn’t have to mean spending $25 or $30 per person.
For BlackNLA readers, we’d especially recommend starting with CAAM in Exposition Park. Admission is always free, and it’s one of the city’s most important spaces dedicated to African American art, history and culture.
Make it a museum date, take the kids or give yourself a solo culture day.
Save this guide—you’ve got options all month.
