From the beloved Getty Museum on the Westside to the ever-popular Broad Museum on the Eastside, Los Angeles is filled with art and culture havens in nearly every neighborhood. On Sunday, Jan. 28, SoCal Museums is partnering with the Metro to celebrate its 14th year of Museums Free-for-All, which includes over 40 participating museums in Southern California.

Since there are literally dozens of museums scattered throughout the city, Neighborhoods.com has narrowed the Free-for-All list down to five interesting and uncommon spots. Showcasing timeless art, memorable exhibitions, cultural heritage, and works throughout history, museum buffs can find all these places within walking distance from a Metro bus or railway station.

Autry Museum of the American West

Photo courtesy of Autry Museum of the American West

With so many popular hiking spots in Griffith Park, many people aren’t aware that the neighborhood is also home to the Autry Museum of the American West. The museum showcases world-renowned art galleries dedicated to Native American arts and culture. The building is brimming with historical artifacts, art installations, and memorable film pieces.

The Autry Museum holds a variety of public events throughout the year, ranging from educational lectures and film viewings to collaborative activities and concerts for the entire family. With a collection of over 500,000 Native American exhibitions, the museum shares past and present stories about those living in the American West. 

The museum was also voted “Favorite Museum” by Los Angeles Daily News Readers from 2014 to 2016. Museum-goers can save five percent at the Autry Store on select items on Free-for-All Day.

Craft & Folk Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Craft & Folk Art Museum

Located on the famous Museum Row in Miracle Mile, there are a number of reputable galleries and Free-for-All museums to visit including Los Angeles County Museum of Art, La Brea Tar Pits, and Petersen Automotive Museum. However, The Craft & Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) stands out from the rest because visitors can not only admire world-class handcrafted art, they can also create their own original pieces.

The museum enlists professional artists, community organizations, and prestigious instructors to oversee its hands-on workshops, making it an interactive and creative place for friends and family. 

Visitors taking the Metro can avoid looking for parking by hopping onto Metro Line 20 or DASH Fairfax to Wilshire/Curson station, which is a short walk from the museum.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children’s Museum

Residents of Pasadena have been bringing their children to Kidspace Children’s Museum for nearly 35 years. The nearly four-acre museum has since transformed into one of the city’s leading centers for innovative and free-choice education for kids. Not only can families discover new ways for children to learn and play, they can also enjoy the day nurturing the growth and development of their little ones. Kidspace offers over 40 hands-on science and art exhibits while exploring the venue’s many outdoor spaces, programs, and activities aimed to spark their child’s curiosity.

Free-for-All museum attendees can save 20 percent at the museum’s Busy Bee Learning Store this Sunday.

Skirball Cultural Center

Skirball Cultural Center photo courtesy of Timothy Hursley

Named after the philanthropist-couple Jack H. Skirball and Audrey Skirball-Kenis, Skirball Cultural Center features educational events, programs, and performances celebrating Jewish heritage and the values of freedom and equality. 

Located in Brentwood, the museum is currently showcasing its latest exhibition called Noah’s Ark, which is an interactive playground filled with animal statues and even a massive ark. Since the venue is constantly changing their art galleries, there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s in the museum, arts center, courtyard gardens, or even at the Skirball cafe. 

Museum-goers who visit during Free-for-All Day will also receive a free bottle of water upon entry.

Zimmer Children’s Museum

Photo courtesy of Zimmer Children’s Museum

West Hollywood has a multitude of popular eateries, colorful bars, and architectural structures that decorate the upscale neighborhood, but did you know there’s also a children’s museum? 

While many people are familiar with The Museum of Contemporary Art, located in WeHo’s Pacific Design Center, not many know about The Zimmer Children’s Museum. Not only does The Zimmer feature nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibitions and public programs, it also oversees youTHink, which is an initiative to foster the creative development of middle and high school students. 

Those enjoying Free-for-All Museum day at this venue will receive a free guest pass for a future visit.