Most of us Bruins came to UCLA for the amazing academics, beautiful campus, and strong school spirit, but were drawn in by the allure of Los Angeles. Dreams of taking advantage of all of the different LA neighborhoods can quickly fade as we become more and more comfortable with Westwood and all that it has to offer. Every once in awhile, however, a girl needs to expand her horizons and explore the wonderful city that we live in! Taking a day trip to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with a friend, significant other, or even alone can be a relaxing and fun way to spend the day. Whether you decide to explore the entertaining works in the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, take pictures in the street light installation that you may have seen in the recent movie “No Strings Attached,” meditate on the Rothko and Pollack paintings, check out the Japanese art building, study the Renaissance masterpieces or all of the above, you are guaranteed to come away with a great experience.
Getting There:
By bus: Take the 720 Rapid Bus (red) towards Commerce Center from the bus stop on Wilshire and Westwood Blvd. Get off at Wilshire and Fairfax and LACMA will be across the street. For the return trip take the 720 Rapid Bus towards Santa Monica from the bus stop in front of LACMA at Wilshire and Fairfax. Exit at Wilshire and Westwood Blvd. The ride takes about 20 minutes and bus fare each way is an exact $1.50, so don’t forget some quarters!
By car:Go straight down Wilshire. LACMA’s address is 5905 Wilshire Boulevard and is hard to miss. You might be able to find free parking in the surrounding streets but if not there is a parking garage for $7 a day located on 6th Street. To get there turn left onto Fairfax and then make the next right onto 6th Street. The drive is about 15 minutes.
Food and Drink:
Pentimento: Fine dining in the central court consisting of salads and sandwiches, entrees between $17 and $24
Plaza Cafe:sandwiches, wraps and pizzas for under $10, prepared foods also available
As a college student on a budget I would recommend packing a lunch, but within two blocks to the west you can find various sushi, Thai and pizza places. LACMA has an open area with tables and chairs near the entrance allowing people to eat food that they have brought or bought.
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: noon-8pm
Friday: noon-9pm
Weekends: 11-8pm
Closed Wednesdays
Cost:
$10 with your Bruincard, $25 for a one-year student pass.
Free on the second Tuesday of every month and Holiday Mondays (February 21)
Added Bonuses:
Free Wi-Fi, La Brea Tar Pits are next door, tours and talks are available daily