Art Lab at the Hammer Museum

Most museum visits end with a gift shop and a tired kid. Art Lab at the Hammer Museum gives the afternoon a better ending: a table of materials, a project tied to the art hanging in the galleries, and an educator nearby to help you get started. It is a good pick if you are scanning the list of things to do in Los Angeles for something free that works for a mixed-age group.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Saturdays, 1 to 4 PM per the museum) Where: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Price: Free, no ticket needed

What Art Lab is

Art Lab is a recurring drop-in program. Visitors stop by for hands-on creative activities inspired by artworks currently on view at the museum. The Hammer says it is for anyone, at any age or skill level, who wants to experiment with making art. Hammer educators facilitate, so you are not left staring at a pile of supplies wondering where to begin.

The format suits both people who want a kid-friendly project and people who want something artful to do after spending time in the galleries. You can see the show first and then make something in response, or start at the table and wander the exhibitions afterward.

What to expect

There is no registration and no set curriculum to keep up with, so you can come and go as your attention allows. Children must be accompanied by guardians at all times. The museum notes that this recurring program is subject to change, and the activities shift with what is on view. Check the Hammer's public programs calendar before you leave home for the most current details, especially if you are planning around the 1 to 4 PM window.

If you are putting together a weekend plan, this pairs well with a gallery visit. Museum admission is free, and the Hammer is one of the easier ways to build an afternoon out of LA events this weekend without spending much.

Getting there

The museum sits on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, next to UCLA. Self-parking is available under the museum. The rate is $9 for the first three hours with museum validation, then $3 for each additional 20 minutes, up to a $30 daily maximum. There is a $9 flat rate after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, which makes Saturday parking simple to budget for. The museum also lists accessibility information and its food, bag check and photo policies on its website.

More to do nearby

Westwood Village is a short drive or walk away if you want lunch before or after. For more arts and culture picks across the city, browse the arts and culture section, or see what else is on in the neighborhood guides. Details for this program come from the Hammer Museum's Art Lab page.