Museums & Galleries in Vincent

The Gamble House was constructed between 1908 and 1909, an astonishing achievement designed by the brother-architects Greene & Greene for Mr. and Mrs. David and Mary Gamble of the Midwest. Built as a retirement sanctuary, the estate exemplifies architecture's Arts and Crafts movement through its incorporation of natural materials, handcrafted detail, bold aesthetics, and ample googly eyes. One-hour guided group tours lead keen-eyed spectators through the inspired views of the exquisite abode. Knowledgeable guides illuminate the natural beauty of the spacious yards and gardens and describe the cultural and architectural context of the stunning interior.

Pacific Asia Museum, which first opened its doors in 1971, is one of four U.S. institutions dedicated to the multilayered arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Immerse yourself in the multihued surroundings during the Fusion Fridays premiere, taking in more than 15,000 pieces of historical art dating back more than 4,000 years while sipping on a cocktail, nibbling gourmet nosh, and celebrating the museum's 40th birthday with complimentary cupcakes. Boogie-worthy tunes and lessons in Bollywood and belly dance abound as partygoers and ancient statues try their hips at shimmying moves. Don snazzy cocktail attire or your best museum hat while mingling among permanent collections, which include more than 800 Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Island graphic-art prints inspired by culture, politics, religion, and scenes from Ghostbusters.

Since its inception in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art has devoted itself to post-1940 artwork, a focus that sets it apart from all other Los Angeles museums. Its permanent collection harbors more than 5,000 art objects, encompassing media from video installations and documentary photography to pop art. Works from renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Diane Arbus share gallery space with pieces from up-and-coming artists across the museum’s three facilities.

To complement its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating temporary exhibits, such as the current Amanda Ross-Ho exhibit, Teeny Tiny Woman, which incorporates architectural elements and large-scale paintings. The museum staff also augments these displays with events, such as their summer concert series in Geffen Plaza, which explores the intersection of music and art like a guitar decoupaged with pages from DaVinci’s journal.

If you've ever stood on the second floor of the Los Angeles Central Public Library and marveled at the explosion of color within the rotunda or the 12 adjacent murals depicting California history, then you have the Los Angeles Conservancy to thank. When the library was scheduled for demolition in the mid-1970s, concerned citizens formed the Conservancy to save the rotunda, the exterior limestone sculptures, and the library's many other architectural treasures. The group finally convinced the City Council to preserve the library in 1983, after years of public discussion, debate, and book-sniffing sit-ins. Ever since, it has advocated for greater Los Angeles's historic sites and educated people about the city's architectural heritage. The Conservancy is responsible for saving and revitalizing landmarks such as the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, and the world’s oldest remaining McDonald’s restaurant.

To accomplish its mission, the membership-based nonprofit offers a number of ways people can experience these beautiful and storied places. The Last Remaining Seats series earned a Reader Recommendation for Best Film Series and Best Downtown Event in the Los Angeles Downtown News' 2012 poll, in which the conservancy’s walking tours also earned the title of Best Downtown Tour. But the organization does more than save grandiose public buildings: increasingly, it also focuses on smaller community projects such as garden apartments and sites that reflect the area's rich Latino culture.

Executive director and 20-year Conservancy veteran Linda Dishman explained to Patt Morrison of the Los Angeles Times, "People are becoming more vocal. …That's one of the great secrets about Los Angeles: People really identify with their neighborhoods." The Conservancy also presents annual preservation awards to honor the efforts of individuals who fight to save places such as Pann’s Coffee Shop and Griffith Observatory.

Planes of Fame Air Museum was simply dubbed “The Air Museum” when it was founded in 1957—as the only museum of its kind west of the Mississippi, it had no need for a more specific moniker. More than 50 years later, it now boasts a stock of more than 150 airplanes, including the world’s only authentic World War II Japanese Zero. In the museum’s hands-on aviation center, patrons can explore an array of exhibits and aircraft that trace aviation’s history from the Chanute Hang Glider in 1896 to sophisticated modern-day planes.

The Skirball Cultural Center is a renowned museum, vibrant performing arts center, and prestigious educational institution that is dedicated to sustaining Jewish heritage while welcoming visitors of all ethnic and cultural identities. Members get unlimited year-round access to museum exhibits, including Noah's Ark. The popular interactive gallery inside a massive wooden ark is filled with animal puppets (made from recycled materials) and hours worth of creative, challenging activities for kids of every shoe size, all aimed at teaching the value of community and sustainability without having to live among Himalayan monks for seven years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and members should call ahead to schedule a timed entry or book online.