Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles: practical guide for first-time visitors

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the art and science of moviemaking, on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax in Los Angeles.

This guide was updated in June 2026. You can book through Viator to secure your ticket before you travel.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures quick facts

DetailInformation
Address6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90036
HoursWed–Mon 10am–6pm; closed Tuesdays
Adult admission$25
Seniors (62+)$19
Students (18+, with ID)$15
Children 17 and underFree
Nearest transitWilshire/Fairfax Metro D Line station, across the street
Typical visit2–3 hours

Why book Academy Museum of Motion Pictures tickets?

  • 🏛️ The largest film museum in the US: devoted entirely to the arts, sciences and artists of moviemaking.
  • 🎟️ Cheaper after 4:30pm: a “Last Looks” discount knocks dollars off same-day admission later in the day.
  • 🌿 Designed by Renzo Piano: the museum’s spherical glass-and-concrete addition is one of LA’s newest landmarks.
  • 📜 Free for everyone under 18: children and teens never pay, whatever their residency.
  • 💰 Free for EBT cardholders: the museum’s free-admission programme covers California EBT cardholders too.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opening hours

The museum opens at 10am and closes at 6pm, Wednesday through Monday. It’s closed every Tuesday. Hours can shift around exhibition changes and holidays, so it’s worth checking the museum’s list of upcoming closures before you travel.

Why book the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass?

  • 🎬 Universal Studios Hollywood: Get 1-day general admission to this world-famous theme park and working film studio (included with all 3, 5, or 7-day passes).
  • 🎟️ 40+ Top Attractions: Gain entry to the best of LA, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Madame Tussauds, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.
  • 💰 Substantial Savings: Save up to 50% on total admission prices compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each site.
  • 📱 Instant Digital Pass: No need for paper vouchers; simply download the pass to your smartphone and scan it for easy, contactless entry at every stop.
  • ⏱️ Explore at Your Own Pace: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days) and visit as many attractions as you like within that timeframe for ultimate flexibility.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ticket prices

TicketPrice
Adult$25
Seniors (62+)$19
Students (18+, with ID)$15
Children 17 and underFree
EBT cardholdersFree

These are the standard admission prices in US dollars. Visiting after 4:30pm currently brings a same-day discount, known as Last Looks, cutting the adult price to $18. Booking in advance through Viator is a straightforward way to secure your ticket before you travel. Children 17 and under always enter free, and museum or Academy members never pay. TAP card holders get $2 off in person, and EBT cardholders go free with ID.

5 Los Angeles experiences worth booking

Getting to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

By Metro: Wilshire/Fairfax station on the D Line is right across the street.

By bus: A bus stop sits next to the museum.

By car: Paid parking is available nearby at LACMA’s Pritzker Garage, the Onyx Tower garage, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

By rideshare: Drop-off is at Roddenberry Lane, off the museum’s Fairfax Avenue entrance.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures parking

The museum has no car park of its own. The nearest paid options are LACMA’s Pritzker Parking Garage, the Onyx Tower garage and the Petersen Automotive Museum, with prices from $10 to $40 depending on time and location. A range of metered street parking is also available nearby.

How long to spend at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Most visitors spend two to three hours covering the permanent galleries and at least one special exhibition. Add extra time for the separate, ticketed Oscars® Experience, which simulates holding an Academy Award on stage.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout, with mobility devices available to rent. EBT cardholders, ADA caregivers and active or retired military all qualify for free admission with ID. The museum also runs sensory-friendly Calm Mornings sessions and offers ASL-interpreted and audio-described tours of current exhibitions.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Photo by Elena Takmakova on Unsplash

What to see at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Studio Ghibli’s PONYO: This exhibition, running through January 2027, brings the 2008 animated film to life with immersive sets, including a colourful seaside backdrop and play structures for children.

Jaws: The Exhibition: Closing 26 July 2026, this show explores the 1975 blockbuster through original props, costumes and production material, with regular 30-minute guided tours included in admission.

The Oscars® Experience: This separate, ticketed add-on lets visitors step on stage and simulate accepting an Academy Award, complete with the sound of the crowd.

Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby: Named for the actor and Academy Award winner, this entrance space sets the tone for the museum’s celebration of the people who make films.

The Sphere: Designed by architect Renzo Piano, this glass-and-concrete spherical addition houses the David Geffen Theater and the Dolby Family Terrace, with views across the city.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures practical visitor tips

TipDetail
Visit after 4:30pm to saveThe Last Looks discount currently reduces same-day admission for the rest of the day.
Book ahead for popular exhibitionsBook tickets in advance through Viator to avoid arriving to a sold-out time slot.
Bring your TAP cardLA Metro TAP card holders get $2 off admission, shown in person at the welcome centre.
Budget extra for the Oscars® ExperienceThis is a separate ticket on top of general admission, not included automatically.
Check for nearby road closuresWilshire Boulevard sometimes closes for events at the neighbouring LACMA campus.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures FAQ

QuestionAnswer
Is the museum open on Tuesdays?No. It’s closed every Tuesday, open the other six days of the week.
How much does admission cost?$25 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors and students, and free entry for everyone 17 and under.
Is Jaws: The Exhibition still open?It closes on 26 July 2026; Studio Ghibli’s PONYO has already opened as a current exhibition.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?Yes, throughout, with mobility device rentals and several sensory-friendly programmes.
Do I need a separate ticket for the Oscars® Experience?Yes, it’s a paid add-on alongside same-day general admission.

Things to do near the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

LACMA: Right next door, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art shares a campus with the Academy Museum.

Petersen Automotive Museum: Also next door, this museum traces the history of the automobile through hundreds of vehicles.

La Brea Tar Pits: A short walk away, these active fossil excavation pits are due to close for a two-year revitalisation project from July 2026, so check before visiting.

The Original Farmers Market: A short walk away, this historic market has dozens of food stalls and shops dating back to 1934.

The Grove: Next to the Farmers Market, this outdoor shopping centre has restaurants, cinemas and seasonal events.

What to visit tomorrow near Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Dedicated film museums are rare outside Los Angeles, so this list broadens to other entertainment and pop-culture museums within reach.

GRAMMY Museum, Downtown LA: About 30 minutes’ drive away, this is music’s equivalent of the Academy Museum, covering recording history and the Grammy Awards.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: About 25 minutes’ drive away, this working studio tour takes visitors through real sets, backlots and props.

Hollywood Museum: About 20 minutes’ drive away, this museum fills the historic Max Factor Building with costumes and props spanning a century of film.

Comic-Con Museum, San Diego: About two hours’ drive away, this museum celebrates comics, science fiction and pop culture, run by the organisers of San Diego Comic-Con.

More Los Angeles travel

Other Los Angeles travel guides on Planet Whitley include: