Here’s a Cheatsheet of Free Museum Days in L.A. For May 2022

Well, the cheatsheet is back. After a more than two year hiatus, we’re again publishing our monthly rundown of free museum days in and around Los Angeles. So yes.. rejoice!

For the month to come, one key date to remember is Museums of the Arroyo Day on May 22, when six historic museums and properties located near the Arroyo Seco Parkway band together to offer free admission and special cultural programming. That’s definitely one to bookmark.

ALSO: Like I always tell you, this list is about museums that normally charge admission, but waive that cost on specific days. Remember there are at least two dozen museums in and around Los Angeles that offer ongoing free admission (The Getty, The Getty Villa, The Broad, Hammer Museum, etc…). We’ve compiled a handy list of those free museums if you’d like to explore more freebie options for May. Otherwise, on to this month’s list…

Free Museum Days in Los Angeles for May 2022

[MAY 1] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 1] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can every Sunday)

[MAY 5] Japanese American National Museum (free every Thursday)

[MAY 5] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

RELATED PROGRAMMING: New at the Skirball This Spring: Jewish Delis and The Immigrant Experience

[MAY 5] USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[MAY 5] Huntington Library (free every first Thursday. Note that you have to reserve passes for the free day in advance, and it books up fast. Reservations for May 5 Free Day will be available on Thursday, April 28 at 9 a.m.)

[MAY 5] Martial Arts Museum (free every first Thursday of the month from 3 to 6 p.m.)

[MAY 7] Campo de Cahuenga (open noon to 4 p.m. every first and third Saturday)

[MAY 8] USC Pacific Asian Museum (free admission every second Sunday)

[MAY 8] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 8] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can every Sunday)

[MAY 10] Los Angeles County Museum of Art (free on the second Tuesday of each month. Also free for L.A. County residents with valid I.D. after 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays all month long)

RELATED PROGRAMMING: A New McQueen Exhibition is Now Open at LACMA

[MAY 10] Autry Museum of the American West (free on the second Tuesday of the month)

[MAY 12] Japanese American National Museum (free every Thursday)

[MAY 12] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 12] USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 15] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can every Sunday)

[MAY 15] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 17] Los Angeles County Arboretum (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available)

[MAY 17] South Coast Botanic Garden (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available)

[MAY 17] Descanso Gardens (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available)

[MAY 19] Japanese American National Museum (free every Thursday)

[MAY 19] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 19] USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 21] Campo de Cahuenga (open noon to 4 p.m. every first and third Saturday)

[MAY 22] Six L.A. Museums and historic homes offer free admission for Museums of The Arroyo Day. Participants include The Gamble House, Heritage Square, the L.A. Police Museum, the Lummis Home, Pasadena Museum of History, and the Autry’s Historic Southwest Museum.

[MAY 22] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 22] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can every Sunday)

[MAY 26] USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 26] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 26] Japanese American National Museum (free every Thursday)

[MAY 29] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can)

[MAY 29] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[MAY 29] Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can every Sunday)

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As a reminder, it’s ALWAYS good to verify the status of free days before you visit, so be sure to check the official museum websites to verify visiting hours, parking costs, and any other pertinent details. Keep in mind free admission days may not include specially ticketed exhibitions. For any errors, omissions, or corrections, please email us at [email protected].

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