This turns out to be a real can of worms! There is no widely accepted definition for what constitutes a museum, even amongst professional museologists. There is a loose set of criteria that might be considered––whether they have a physical collection that they care for and interpret, whether they are open to the public, whether they are non-profit––but there are plenty of valid exceptions to each of these, as well as plenty of gray areas, most notably amongst small nature centers and college-based or non-profit community art galleries, not to mention children’s museums (which don’t collect) and many other places that are technically open to the public but rarely accessible in practice.

I prefer to take an inclusive approach, and feel these spaces are worth highlighting regardless. And while there may be virtually nothing that can be said about museums that is true of all of them, it’s fair to say that the vast majority exist to highlight a set of interests, creations, histories, beliefs, lived experiences, professions, identities, and environments, and invite others in to engage with or learn from them.

For the purposes of this project, all of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties, and the Inland Empire section of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties (excluding the desert beyond).

Despite appearing as something like a guide, keeping information current for nearly 800 sites is a losing proposition, as this site is maintained as a side project and labor of love. It’s best to reach out to any institution directly to confirm visitor details before heading out.

In addition to traditional research in guidebooks, periodicals, and community newspapers, many of these were found by searching for the word “museum” in a map application, or by driving by and happening to notice an interesting sign, or by referral from those who have associated me with this quest. After roughly a decade of searching, I’m as confident as ever that there are still some that have eluded me, and encourage anyone with knowledge of an omission to reach out!

Suggested edits, updates, or additions are very welcome! Please write to: museumsoflosangeles@gmail.com