Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is located at the edge of Chinatown in a very unassuming little house that is brimming with photos and information about the Chinese-American experience and specifically the history of immigrants to Los Angeles and Southern California in general. The intent of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is to "increase awareness of Chinese-American heritage through public programs, education and research." It is celebrating 30 years of contributing to Chinese-American culture and life here in Los Angeles.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) does an extraordinary job in giving visitors of all ages a "big picture" of our planet. The museum houses one of the world's top collections of natural and cultural history. NHM protects more than 35 million objects, some dating back 4.5 billion years. Many are displayed within the Dinosaur, Mammal, Bird, and Insect Halls, as well as in the Discovery Center, interactive Nature Lab, Gem and Mineral Rooms, and Nature Gardens.
Best and worst time to go to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Not surprisingly, the museum is crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Weekdays can be crowded, too, with school field trips. The best times to visit NHM are weekday afternoons, after 1:30 p.m., and weekend mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Must See/Do at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The Natural History Museum has a wealth of "must-sees" starting with the Halls of North American and African Mammals, with dioramas of animals in their "realistic" settings. The 14,000 square foot Dinosaur Hall is stunning. Be sure not to miss the Nature Lab on Level G with live animals, including frogs, turtles, snakes and rats.
Admission to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission ranges from $5 to mid-teens; children 2 and under are free. Specialty combo tickets, which include the seasonal Butterfly and Spider Pavilions, are higher.
How to get to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The Natural History Museum is located in Exposition Park at 900 Exposition Boulevard between Vermont Avenue and Figueroa Street. Paid parking is available (cash only) at the Museum's Car Park (Exposition Blvd. and Bill Robertson Lane). The Expo Rail Line stops right at the museum (exit at the Expo/Vermont stop).
Food at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The NHM Grill on Level G of the museum serves burgers and grilled sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups and pre-packaged snacks and drinks. You can dine inside or on the outside patio.
Insider tips for visitors to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Free admission is offered on the first Tuesday of each month, except in July and August. If you take Metro to the Natural History Museum, show your ticket or pass and receive $1.25 off an adult admission. The daily "Hidden in Plain Sight" tours offer fun hidden factoids that you might miss-like the predatory wolves hidden in the plains bison diorama.
Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of many museums and arts organizations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is a museum dedicated to Los Angeles firefighters. The historic site was established in 1960 and was rebuilt in 2001 after suffering earthquake damage. The museum contains artifacts dating as far back as the 1800s, including an old fireboat No. 2, helmets, gear and water pumps. A fallen firefighter memorial is located in the courtyard in front of the museum. The museum is run by volunteers and is only open on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
Located at the crest of Olive Hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles, Barnsdall Art Park had its beginning in the early 1900s when Aline Barnsdall came West with plans to develop a theatre company. When Aline Barnsdall donated the park and its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures to the City of Los Angeles in 1927, she wished to provide an accessible arts center, incorporating and preserving the famous Hollyhock House as a vital component. The spirit of Barnsdall's intention was to maintain an active arts center for the community and to assure longevity.
Programs and exhibits became a part of the mission of Barnsdall Art Park, which is used by thousands of Los Angeles community members as well as visitors from throughout the world. The Community Arts Division of the Cultural Affairs Department manages the park. For more information regarding the Cultural Affairs Department, see its website at www.culturela.org. Programs include the adult and youth art classes at the Barnsdall Art Center and the Junior Arts Center, the Barnsdall Art Center and the Hollyhock House; museum education and tours programs at the Municipal Art Gallery, the Junior Arts Center Gallery and the Hollyhock House; theatre programs at the Gallery Theatre; and numerous festivals during the year that celebrate the cultural diversity of the community.