Here’s a Cheatsheet of Free Museum Days in L.A. For April 2023

Free stuff doesn’t stay free forever. And yet, there’s always a workaround.

Years ago, in the halcyon days before the pandemic, both the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and the La Brea Brea Tar Pits & Museum had monthly free dates which would make routine appearances in the former versions of this rundown. But no more. That’s the bad news, I guess…

The good is that though the monthly free dates have been shelved, there are still plenty of ways to visit both museums for free (which I don’t always highlight in this column), including options for locals, students, educators, and members of the military. This includes gratis admission for:

• L.A. County residents, Monday-Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. (must have valid ID)
• Retired or active-duty military (including National Guard and Reserve) with valid ID
• California teachers with valid ID
• California EBT card holders
• USC students and faculty with ID
• Children under 2

If you’re new to L.A., or you’re just curious about our city, NHM’s Becoming Los Angeles exhibit is (in my opinion) the hands-down best overview you’ll find to inform on the complicated history of our region, and the origin of the urban sprawl we now call home. And the best part is with a little advance planning you might just see it for free. Just remember that some special exhibitions will come with an additional cost (don’t at me about that).

Finally, like I always suggest, to review all your freebie options for the coming month, you can read our big list of free museum days here (The Getty, The Broad, etc..). Otherwise, scope out the April calendar of free dates below. And enjoy!

Free Museum Days in Los Angeles for April 2023

[APRIL 2] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 2] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[APRIL 2] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[APRIL 6] The Huntington (free every first Thursday. Note that you have to reserve passes for the free day in advance, and it books up fast. Reservations for the April free day open on March 30 at 9 a.m.)

[APRIL 6] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[APRIL 6] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 6]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[APRIL 6] Martial Arts Museum (free every first Thursday of the month from 3 to 6 p.m.)

[APRIL 9] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 9] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[APRIL 9] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[APRIL 9] USC Pacific Asian Museum (free admission every second Sunday)

[APRIL 11] Los Angeles County Museum of Art (free on the second Tuesday of each month. Also free for L.A. County residents with valid I.D. after 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays all month long)

[APRIL 11] Autry Museum of the American West (free on the second Tuesday of the month)

[APRIL 13] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[APRIL 13] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 13]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[APRIL 16] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 16] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[APRIL 16] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[APRIL 16] USC Pacific Asia Museum hosts a Teen Takeover that includes free admission for all ages.

[APRIL 18] Los Angeles County Arboretum (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available starting April 1)

[APRIL 18]  South Coast Botanic Garden (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available)

[APRIL 18]  Descanso Gardens (free on the third Tuesday of each month. Limited reservations available starting April 1)

[APRIL 20] Japanese American National Museum (free ALL DAY every Third Thursday)

[APRIL 20] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 20] USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[APRIL 23] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 23] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[APRIL 23] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

[APRIL 27] Japanese American National Museum (free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

[APRIL 27] Skirball Cultural Center (free on Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 27]  USC Pacific Asian Museum (pay what you wish every Thursday)

[APRIL 30] Museum of Latin American Art (free every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

[APRIL 30] Craft Contemporary pay what you can every Sunday)

[APRIL 30] Holocaust Museum LA (free every Sunday)

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As a reminder, it’s ALWAYS good to verify the status of free days before you visit, so be sure to check the official museum websites to verify visiting hours, parking costs, and any other pertinent details. Keep in mind free admission days may not include specially ticketed exhibitions. For any errors, omissions, or corrections, please email us at [email protected].

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