LACMA In Focus Tour: California Stories

LACMA's In Focus tour on California stories is a short, guided way to spend a lunch hour with art. A docent leads a 30-minute walk through the David Geffen Galleries, stopping at three key works from the museum's collection that speak to the history, culture and identity of California and Los Angeles.

When: Tue Nov 3, Thu Nov 5 and Fri Nov 6, 1:00 PM each day Where: LACMA, David Geffen Galleries, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Cost: Free with museum admission

What to expect

The tour is built around conversation and close looking. Instead of a lecture, the docent invites the group to slow down in front of each piece, notice details and talk about what the work says about the Golden State's past, present and future. The idea is to connect the art to your own local stories, so there is room to bring your own history with the city into the discussion.

Three artworks is a manageable number for half an hour. You will not cover the whole museum, but you will leave with a few pieces you understand better and a reason to come back for the rest. That makes it a good first visit for newcomers and a nice change of pace for regulars who usually wander on their own.

Good to know

These tours are volunteer-led and subject to cancellation, so ask a member of the LACMA team on the day if you want to confirm that your session is running. The tour is included with museum admission, with no separate ticket listed on the event page. Check the LACMA site for current admission rules, free-entry programs and hours before you go.

If you are building a week around things to do in Los Angeles, a weekday 1:00 PM tour fits easily between errands, work and a Wilshire Boulevard lunch. It is one of the quieter LA events this week, and a low-cost one if you already plan to see the galleries.

Getting there

LACMA sits on Wilshire Boulevard in Mid-City, along Museum Row. Street parking nearby is limited, so allow extra time, and plan to arrive a few minutes before 1:00 PM so you can find the David Geffen Galleries and meet the group. For more ideas, browse the arts and culture events on OTBLA or see what else is happening in Mid-City.