Here’s a Cheatsheet of Free Museum Days in L.A. For September 2023

Before we get to the heart of the cheatsheet, I want to kick things off with a quick tip on two cool (and free!) museum-ish events happening this month in Los Angeles. One at the beginning, and one at the end.

This Friday, September opens with a special edition of KCRW Summer Nights at Descanso Gardens. Expect the station’s signature combo of DJ sets and dance vibes, combined with evening access to the garden’s carefully crafted landscape. Should be fun.

Another highlight blipping my radar comes on September 30, when The Hammer Museum hosts a public celebration for the newest iteration of Made in L.A., a biennial celebration of artists who work, live and create in the city of Los Angeles. The opening night bash features live music from L.A. artist collective Mas Exitos, plus a cash bar and evening access to the museum galleries. Free to attend.

As for other options, you can comb through the the list below for a full calendar of free days for the month, and make sure to make sure to peep our big list of free museum days that includes all of the county’s top museums that offer free admission, year-round (The Getty, The Broad, etc..).

Enjoy!

Free Museum Days in Los Angeles for September 2023

[SEPTEMBER 3] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 3] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 3] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 7] The Huntington (free every first Thursday. Note that you have to reserve passes for the free day in advance, and it books up fast. Reservations for the September free day open on August 31 at 9 a.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 7] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[SEPTEMBER 7] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 7]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[SEPTEMBER 7] Martial Arts Museum (free every first Thursday of the month from 3 to 6 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 10] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 10] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 10] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 10] USC Pacific Asian Museum (free admission every second Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 12] 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)

[SEPTEMBER 12] Autry Museum of the American West (free on the second Tuesday of the month)

[SEPTEMBER 14] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[SEPTEMBER 14] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 14]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday). This date also includes a schedule of free activities and performances celebrating the arts and culture of Hawai’i.

[SEPTEMBER 17] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 17] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 17] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 19] Los Angeles County Arboretum (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available starting September 1)

[SEPTEMBER 19]  South Coast Botanic Garden (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available)

[SEPTEMBER 19]  Descanso Gardens (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available starting on September 1 at 10 a.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 21] Japanese American National Museum (free ALL DAY every Third Thursday)

[SEPTEMBER 21] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 21]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[SEPTEMBER 24] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 24] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 24] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[SEPTEMBER 28] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[SEPTEMBER 28] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[SEPTEMBER 28]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

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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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