The Magic Behind the Movies
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to the art and science of filmmaking, located in Los Angeles, California. It covers the history, technology, and cultural impact of the film industry, boasting over 13 million artifacts. The general admission ticket for adults is $25, and if you book in advance on the website, you can skip the line and receive a wristband for immediate entry, which is very convenient. Additionally, you can check the current exhibitions on the website, which is helpful to know before your visit.
As for parking information, there is no dedicated parking lot within the museum building, so you will need to use nearby parking facilities. According to the website, the Pritzker Parking Garage at LACMA ($20) and the Petersen Automotive Museum Garage ($21) are recommended. I used the LACMA parking, which is right next door, making it easy to walk to the museum. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures operates from 10 AM to 6 PM, and it is closed on Tuesdays, so it’s good to keep that in mind before your visit.
The interior of the museum is surprisingly spacious and offers a variety of exhibits. If you take your time to explore, you can easily spend an hour and a half to two hours there. Each exhibition space has a distinct theme, and in the section about the filmmaking process, you can see costumes, wigs, special makeup, and filming props up close, which is fascinating. Not only are the items on display, but videos of the scenes in which these costumes appeared are also screened, making the exhibits feel more vivid. I found it particularly impressive as it provides an immersive experience of viewing a scene from a movie.
There is also a dedicated animation exhibition space, which is popular among family visitors. There are plenty of seating areas to relax and watch videos, making it a pleasant place to explore at a leisurely pace. Additionally, the iconic costumes from films and the realistic video presentations are impressive. Special exhibitions are held regularly, with themes changing over time. Currently, the John Waters: Pope of Trash exhibition is ongoing, allowing visitors to experience his unique cinematic world up close.
Additionally, the section introducing the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as video editing, sound design, and shooting techniques, is fascinating. It reveals how many different fields collaborate to complete a film, making it enjoyable for anyone who loves movies.
Dolby Family Terrace & Store
At the top of the museum building, there is a rooftop space called the Dolby Family Terrace. On nice days, visitors can enjoy a view of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign, making it a great spot to take a break after viewing the exhibits. The rooftop structure is also unique, so it’s worth stopping by for a quick visit.
Additionally, on the first floor, the Academy Museum Store is also in operation, selling a variety of merchandise from movie-related books to posters, art books, and souvenirs, with limited items often related to the exhibition themes. It’s a space that movie fans shouldn’t miss, so be sure to stop by.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
If you want to go beyond just watching movies and delve into the creative process behind them, this is definitely a place worth visiting. If you love films or animation, make sure to visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
