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We live in a big city, full of divergent points of view, differing backgrounds, and experiences of the world. But that’s a good thing, because as we dive headlong into another election season, we’re reminded now more than ever that the free exchange of ideas is at the heart of a vibrant democracy.
It also seems like a great time to review some of the gems at our intellectual fingertips. Here we’re talking about local cultural centers offering forums where arguments are made, notions are tested, new topics are shared, and perspectives are widened. The best part is that so much of this programming is free and open to the public… if you know where to look.
Of course you know the downside of a metropolis is, right? It’s the congestion. Thankfully, the venues we’re thinking of are also accessible by Metro bus or rail, which means you’ll forgo the traffic woes and parking headaches that’ll drain you brain, and get right to the heart of the matter.
So let’s take a look at a few of our favorite spots below (which you should definitely bookmark for the future), then we’ll list out some specific events to attend in the coming weeks.
Griffith Observatory
Most L.A. residents know that Griffith Observatory offers free admission to their constellation of space and science exhibits. But did you know they also have one of our favorite ongoing events: All Space Considered. ASC brings the Observatory’s curatorial staff and special guests together for a discussion on the latest phenomena and news in the world of astronomy during this evening presentation at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. And if nothing else, you can’t beat the view! While there is no direct route to the Observatory by Metro, you can hook up with the Dash Observatory shuttle (free to ride).
Zócalo Public Square
Zócalo Public Square has been facilitating conversations and discussions on urgent social, political, and economic issues for more than 20 years. Now based at the ASU California Center in Downtown Los Angeles, these evening events include in-depth panels featuring scholars and thought leaders followed by a reception with complimentary bites and beverages. To get there by Metro you can take the A or E line to Pico station OR use Lines 35/38 along Broadway.
The Hammer
Arguably no venue in the entire city hosts more free programming than The Hammer. We’re talking movie screenings, concerts, art celebrations, meditation sessions, art labs for kids, and of course, plenty of artist talks spotlighting exhibitions on view at the museum. They also host debate live streams, if you’re keen on politics as a spectator sport. To get there using Metro, Take Line 20/720 to Wilshire/Glendon OR take Line 233/602/761 to Westwood/Lindown.
LA Made Programming at Central Library
LA Made doesn’t just do conversations, the cultural series also features free music, dance, theater, and conversations with local entertainers at libraries throughout the city. But some of the best events pop up at Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, which is also handily accessible by Metro’s A, B, D, E, or J lines at the 7th Street / Metro Center Station.
Watson Lectures at Cal Tech
If you want to get immersed in cutting-edge science directly from Caltech’s premier researchers, the Watson Lecture Series is your jam, offering seasonal talks (usually running from October to May) on everything from planetary discoveries and the search for life on other plants to wearable health tech and disease treatment. Coming from downtown, you can jump on the A line to Filmore Station, then hop on the Line 267 bus to arrive at Del Mar Blvd & Wilson Ave.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
As one of the county’s primary centers of Mexican-American culture and history, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artres platforms a variety of free programming, from salsa nights and mercados to family-friendly holiday celebrations. They also present author talks and panels spotlighting authors in the Chicanx and Latinx communities. And of course, LA Plaza is just a stone’s throw from Union Station, accessible by Metro’s A, B or D lines.
Upcoming Events
Aug 7 at 7 p.m. | Charles Phoenix: Southern California in Kodachrome, a retro slideshow performance celebrating SoCal in the ‘50s & ‘60s at The Getty. Go Metro: Take Line 233 / 761 to Sepulveda / Getty Ctr.
Aug 8 at 5 p.m. | Un|Housed Panel Conversation at the Santa Monica History Museum. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica station.
Aug 13 at 7:30 p.m. | Artist and Mute Flesh curator EJ Hill will be in conversation with art historian David Getsy to discuss Hill’s practice and its connections to the works from the Hammer’s collections Hill chose for the exhibition. Go Metro: Take Line 20/720 to Wilshire/Glendon OR take Line 233/602/761 to Westwood/Lindown.
Aug 18 at 2 p.m. | LA Made Presents: Strong Words – Endless L.A. Summer at Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium. Go Metro: Take the A, B, D, E, or J lines to 7th Street / Metro Center Station.
Aug 22 at 7 p.m. | When Does Protest Make a Difference? at Zócalo Public Square. Go Metro: Take the A or E line to Pico station OR use Lines 35/38 along Broadway.
Sep 29 at 2 p.m. | Chicanx book talk with authors Carribean Fragoza, Estella González, and Daniel Olivas at LA Plaza. Go Metro: Take the A, B or D lines to Union Station.
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