The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a staple of culture in Los Angeles and the largest art museum in the western United States. It is normally open year-round, and the museum charges $20 for adult tickets, $16 for senior citizens, and is free for everyone under 17. However, when quarantine began, like many other museums it had to shut its doors and transition to an online viewing model. On Apr. 1, LACMA was able to reopen following the easing of Los Angeles restrictions. 

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the museum. We have a diverse and exciting program of exhibitions that are sure to inspire visitors during these challenging times… We are thrilled to again be a source of respite, solace, and beauty for Angelenos.” said LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan. 

Los Angeles guidelines allow the museum to be open at 25% capacity, but this means that tickets must be purchased with a time slot. These time slots—as well as other coronavirus protocols such as mandatory mask-wearing, contact tracing, health screening, temperature checking, and social distancing—are all part of a campaign to keep the museum safe for visitors. LACMA has also reworked its pathways, and its new exhibitions are streamlined to decrease contact. 

LACMA is reopening with six new exhibitions. “Bill Viola: Slowly Turning Narrative” is on view through June 27, and features a large-scale video installation composed of different images and clips as well as a mirror that emerges to reflect the viewer at themselves. The works of Yoshitomo Nara are on view through July 5, and feature a variety of sculptures and paintings by the renowned Japanese artist. “NOT I: Throwing Voices (1500 BCE–2020 CE)” is on view through July 25, and is a collection that seeks to explore ventriloquism through the ages and what the voice means. 

The longer-running exhibitions are more focused on photography and the contemporary world. “Vera Lutter: Museum in the Camera” is on view through Sept. 12, and features photographs taken during Lutter’s two-year residence at LACMA with the traditional style of camera obscura. “Cauleen Smith: Give It Or Leave It” is on view through Oct. 31, and features detailed interdisciplinary installations which capture the imagination through its creativity. “View From Here: Recent Acquisitions” is an ongoing exhibit featuring photographs from vastly different perspectives to capture the mind of the watcher.  

LACMA is proceeding with caution and other museums in the area are following suit, with the California Science Museum and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Country also opening up in April. However, many others are staying closed. These museums urge their visitors to plan their visits with caution. For those who are still unvaccinated or are hesitant to be around people, LACMA will continue to host their series LACMA @ home. This series showcases a large part of LACMA’s digitized artworks each week. However, if you are ready and willing to take the plunge you can plan your visit at www.lacma.org.

Photo courtesy of LACMA.ORG