The 5 Best Small Museums in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has its share of bigger-than-life experiences, but it also offers some of the best small musuems in the country.  These little gems won't take a full day to tour, but they will take up your full imagination.

Fowler Museum of Cultural History on the UCLA campus

This wonderful museum focuses on art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific Rim.  Objects on display run the gamut from textiles to silver, archaeological finds, ceramics, graphics and papier-mache.  You never know just what you may encounter here.  Past exhibits have included Haitian flags, Japanese fisherman's coats and Buddhist photography.  Prior shows have looked at the art of rice, the history of the bicycle and Che Guevara as a pop icon.  The best thing about the Fowler is that it is not dogmatic in its approach to its ethnographic exhibits.  It shares its considerable collection with open arms and an open mind.  The Fowler is a beautiful venue with a serene central courtyard and an excellent gift shop.  The Sunset Blvd. entrance to the UCLA campus is the closest approach.  Information kiosks will direct you to parking.  Admission is free.  Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Bonus:  If you made it onto the UCLA campus, you should also see the Fredrick Wright Sculpture Garden located a short walk from the Fowler Museum.  The sculpture garden is situated in the North Campus area and any passing Bruin can point you in the right direction.  It features an array of works by prominent 20th century artists, such as Moore and Botero.  The garden is outdoors and admission is free.

The Wende Museum, 5741 Buckingham Parkway, Suite E, Culver City