Southern California Museums

I always look for inspiration just about anywhere. I wanted to experience a different side of Southern California by spending a lot of time at various museums and I have traveled to find some amazingly inspiring ones, starting in the city of Los Angeles.

Right in the heart of Griffith Park stands the Griffith Observatory, a world-class building that houses a public astronomy observatory. Inside, do take the time to visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater to enhance your experience as an astronomical observer. Admission is free into the Griffith Observatory but a minimal fee is collected if you choose to visit the planetarium. This place is overlooking the city of Los Angeles with an added view of the famous Hollywood sign on a clear day, making it a great photo opportunity. (www.griffithobs.org)

Surrounded by dramatic art collections and stunning gardens views, I find myself at the Getty Centre located at the hilltop of 1200 Getty Centre Drive, Los Angeles. Discovering the Getty, I had a closer view of western art from the Middle Ages to the present all put together in five two-story pavilions! I was particularly intrigued with one display called Foundry To Finish, the making of Bronze Sculptures. It explains in detail the production of these intricate masterpieces. I also fell in love with one altar-looking painting called The Coronation of the Virgin with Saints for its enhanced detailed effect, which I thought was just incredibly beautiful! Admission is free into the Getty Centre. (www.getty.edu) [You may also want to visit the Getty Villa located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, Malibu]

I had a glimpse of the American political history on this everyday special exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library. This museum covers everything about Ronald Reagan from his birth up until his passing in 2004 at the age of 93. Serving as the flying White House, a visit onboard the original Air Force One during Reagan’s reign was a taste of his presidency during his time in power. The museum also features the full-scale replica of the White House Oval Office and an original piece of the Berlin Wall. This place is definitely a must-see! (www.reaganlibrary.com)

Another political highlight is The Richard Nixon Presidential Library, Museum and Birthplace, a place that covers many events in Nixon’s life. Set in a calm atmosphere in the heart of Yorba Linda, do take a walk inside and discover one of America’s national prides! (www. nixonlibraryfoundation. org)

The Norton Simon Museum of Art in Pasadena features a wonderfully intense collection of art and masterpieces acquired in such a short span of time. A walk outside through the Sculpture Garden was just as fascinating as sitting through the South and Southeast Asian collections by taking time to view and reflect on the Buddha Shakyamuni from India, one that sits on the classic meditation posture signifying tranquility and knowledge. Another is the chess set from the Delhi region sculpted so intricately in ivory, as well as a painting entitled, The Flower Vendor Girl (Girl with Lilies) by the Mexican painter, Diego Rivera. To me, this only signifies how passionate the painter felt at that very moment. (www.nortonsimon.org)

A fine museum housing expansive art history with a diverse collection from ancient to contemporary, a place where you might want to spend a day or two is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Many art passionates will never go wrong after exploring the museums’ extensive artworks! (www.lacma.org )

I have come to realize, after putting together this article, that no two museums are ever alike. There is just so much beauty and energy inside each and every museum.