On May 18, the world marks International Museum Day, which means many museums will offer free admission. This year’s theme, set by the International Council of Museums, is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
Here are some museums to explore for free in Orange County and Los Angeles— or farther afield if you’d like to make a weekend trip out of your visit!
ORANGE COUNTY
The Orange County Museum of Art is free thanks to a sponsorship by Lugano Diamonds. This Costa Mesa arts center has a collection of more than 4,500 objects, mostly modern and contemporary art from California and the Pacific Rim, dating from 1900 to the present.
Nothing represents Orange County like surfing culture, and this can be explored at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente. A hall of world champions, collections from surf history in Hawaii and California, and a gift shop full of surf-inspired merchandise are must-sees.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
While the Greco-Roman collections of the Getty Villa are closed until further notice due to January’s wildfires, the Getty Center in Los Angeles is welcoming visitors again. Admission is free, and public transportation (Metro Bus Line 761) can help you avoid parking costs. Van Gogh’s masterpieces, sculpture gardens, medieval and Renaissance art, and one of the world’s largest art libraries are among the highlights.
Want to explore the region’s maritime heritage? The Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro offers an opportunity to experience a Victorian lighthouse that once helped mariners safely access the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Climb the tower for spectacular views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Orange County, and the Pacific Ocean.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The only museum in the Western U.S. dedicated to Abraham Lincoln is in Redlands— the Lincoln Memorial Shrine. In addition to chronicling the life of America’s 16th president, from his humble beginnings to saving the Union, the shrine includes a timeline of the Civil War. This year’s exhibit focuses on the abolitionist movement in the United Kingdom and the U.S. While in Redlands, check out the pedestrian-friendly, turn-of-the-20thcentury shopping and dining scene at nearby State Street.
With more than 100 museums, it’s hard to pick just one destination in San Diego County. But a great place to start is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Witness firsthand where California began with free admission to historic Spanish pueblos and early American buildings. A working blacksmith shop, burros, and numerous photo opportunities are among the highlights. Take the Pacific Surfliner directly to Old Town for a great day that includes shopping and dining on delicious Mexican and Southwest cuisine!