12 Best Museums That Could Only Exist in LA

The Getty Center, a prominent Los Angeles institution, houses a significant collection of pre-20th-century European art, including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts. Its architecture, designed by Richard Meier, features travertine and Italian travertine marble, with a central garden designed by Robert Irwin. The museum's research institute, the Getty Research Institute, focuses on the history of art and architecture. Another notable cultural landmark is The Broad, a contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. It boasts a collection of post-war and contemporary art, with over 2,000 paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. The museum offers free general admission, making its extensive holdings accessible to the public. LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of over 150,000 objects spanning ancient to contemporary art. Its iconic "Urban Light" installation by Chris Burden is a popular public art piece. The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases the history and artistry of the automobile, with over 100 vehicles on display, ranging from classic cars to futuristic concept vehicles. The museum's architecture itself is a striking design, featuring a distinctive red steel exoskeleton.