A day off in Los Angeles

A view from Stough Canyon

Last week, my husband surprised me and my daughter by taking a partial day off to unplug and spend some time with his family. With nearly a full day and an entire city in front of us, the possibilities were overwhelming. Should we go to the beach? Take a drive up the coast? Go to the zoo? Sure, we've had plenty of days off for holidays or vacation - not to mention the weekends - but having an unplanned day off is extra special. It's like finding more time, which I think we can all appreciate!

A retrospective of Los Angeles arts and artists (Pacific Standard Time: Art In L.A. 1945-1980)

One of the largest collaborative art projects in Southern California officially kicked off last weekend. Pacific Standard Time: Art In Los Angeles 1945-1980 is a long overdue project that celebrates Los Angeles' contribution to and impact on the arts and popular culture. Over 60 museums and cultural venues are joining forces across Southern California (from Berkeley to San Diego) to share with the world the significant works, artforms and artists that this era in L.A. has produced.

Culture and art at your fingertips: Hammer Museum launches a free mobile app

I've already loved the depth and breadth of the Hammer Museum's event calendar, especially when so many are free! Now that they've rolled out a free mobile app to not only help plan my visit, but enhance my experience while I'm there, I see no reason not to go!

Experience Variety: Museums

What we love about Los Angeles is not only the sheer volume of events, but the variety of any given type of experience.  Museums in particular allow you to explore the gamut of history, music, and culture.  Have you been to a museum lately?  Check out the following selection of events all over LA that caught our eye...

• U.S. History & Society: Breach of Peace: Photographs of Freedom Riders by Eric Etheridge
  The Skirball Cultural Center hosts contemporary photos by Eric Etheridge showing former Freedom Riders (who converged on Jackson, Mississippi to challenge state segregation laws) next to their origianl mugshots.  The exhibition examines each subject's involvement with the Civil Rights movement, takes a look at who they are today, and provides their unique perspectives. 
  Now until April 11, 2010
• L.A. History: Justin Gershuny: A Retrospective
  Heritage Square Museum honors the life of Beverly Hills resident Justin Gershuny.  Gershuny recently passed on late 2009 and the exhibition features watercolors created by Gershuny who was an architect who had utilized his knowledge and talents for countless restoration proejcts including Heritage Square.
  Now until March 28, 2010
• World History: Secrets of the Silk Road
  The Bowers Museum in Orange County opens this exhibition on March 27th.  Featuring well-perserved mummies and artifacts of the people who lived along the ancient Silk Road.  This is the first time these mummies will be featured in the United States. 
  Opens March 27th and runs until July 25th 2010
• Music: The GRAMMY Museum
  The GRAMMY Museum hosts a number of programs in addition to their music history collection and interactive exhibitions.  Upcoming programs include A Celebration of Hawaiian Music, a family friendly program featuring GRAMMY Award-winning artist/producer Daniel Ho where families should come ready to sing, dance, and learn the basics of hula (March 20th 2010) and Fender Presents John 5: Professor of Shredology (March 31st 2010).
• Film and Literature: Hammer Museum Lectures, Readings, and Screenings
  In addition to their ongoing exhibitions, the Hammer Museum features film screenings, reading series, and lectures.  Upcoming events include family flicks like Watership Down (March 21st 2010), readings by Sheila Heti (March 24th 2010), and Bike Night (April 8th 2010)

-ExperienceLA Staff