The Grammy Museum sits in the L.A. Live entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles, at 800 West Olympic Boulevard, and it celebrates the history and the artists of recorded music. The collection includes costumes, handwritten lyrics and instruments from well-known performers, and hands-on exhibits that let you try mixing, remixing and recording yourself. It suits music lovers of every genre, and it is a good indoor stop in a district that also has Crypto.com Arena and plenty of restaurants.
The museum's approach is a mix of display and participation. Galleries trace the development of genres from jazz and blues to rock, hip-hop and Latin music, using artifacts, video and listening stations to tell the stories behind them. Interactive stations let you play with sound, and special exhibitions rotate through the year, often built around a major artist or an anniversary. The museum also hosts talks and performances in a small theater, so check the events schedule for the dates of your visit.
Practical details are worth confirming before you go. Hours vary by day and are subject to change, and the museum is closed on Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving and Christmas, with some pages listing Wednesday closures as well, so check the Plan Your Visit page. Visitors age seventeen and under receive free general admission, but everyone needs a ticket, and advance purchase is recommended for busy days and special exhibitions. Parking is available in the L.A. Live lots but cannot be reserved or validated by the museum, and Metro rail and bus lines stop nearby.
Plan on about two hours, a little longer if you read every label and try the studio exhibits. The museum is a natural pairing with a Lakers or Kings game at Crypto.com Arena or a meal in the district, and it is a good choice for a rainy afternoon. It is also a good stop for teenagers who care about music and for adults who grew up with the artists on display. A coffee shop and a terrace are available on site for a break between floors.
What to expect
The experience
Self-paced museum with galleries, artifacts and interactive music stations across several floors, plus a theater for talks and performances.
Best time
Weekday afternoons are quieter. Check the hours, since days of operation vary and the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Buy tickets in advance for busy days and special exhibitions, remember that everyone including children needs a ticket, and check the schedule for talks. Use Metro or the L.A. Live lots for parking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Music fans and anyone who wants a rainy-day or midday indoor stop downtown.
- Families
- Free general admission for visitors age 17 and under, but a ticket is still needed.
- Couples
- A good date stop paired with dinner at L.A. Live.
- Pair with
- Crypto.com Arena and the L.A. Live restaurants are next door.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Grammy Museum?+
At 800 West Olympic Boulevard in the L.A. Live district of downtown Los Angeles, near Crypto.com Arena.
Is it open every day?+
No. It is closed on Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and hours can change, so check before you go.
Do children need a ticket?+
Visitors age 17 and under get free general admission, but everyone needs a ticket. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How long should I plan?+
About two hours, longer if you try the interactive studio exhibits and read the displays.
Where do I park?+
There is parking in the L.A. Live lots, but it cannot be reserved in advance and the museum cannot validate tickets. Metro rail and bus lines also stop nearby.
