California African American Museum in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, US
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Site: http://www.caamuseum.org/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:10AM–5PM
- Wednesday:10AM–5PM
- Thursday:10AM–5PM
- Friday:10AM–5PM
- Saturday:10AM–5PM
- Sunday:11AM–5PM
in: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
out: 12:00 PM
No pets
No parties
Smoking allowed
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Cancellation is free up to 5 days before
After 5 days, cancellation costs a 5% Fee
You can't cancel an ongoing event
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24/24 concierge lodge
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King size bed
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There were maybe 6 people there total in the middle of the day. For some reason, the person at the desk made me hand carry my backpack. some of the art exhibits were interesting, and a bunch of old photos of people with captions. I really wanted to like this place, but it was dull and disappointing.
I Love CAAM museum that doubles as a superior Art Gallery. The historical displays offer a strong dose of truth about our shared American experience. Theres a heightened sensibility when history is curated through Art interpretation. In fact its probably a most effective teaching method
Great museum, the exhibits do change so you learn or see something new every time you visit. I highly recommend you visit with friends and family. For parking I would suggest behind the Chick-fil-A where all the restaurants are. I highly recommended on adding this to your todo list when visiting LA 🖤🖤
Such an amazing experiencing. I have never heard of the CAAM before my families trip to the LA area. We were looking for things to do with the family and came across it. This museum highlights lesser known African American artist that have amazing work. There were 5 exhibits when we went, to which change frequently to my understanding. Its in the museum area right next to the NHM and Science Museum. You can go to all of them in one day. But due to COVID, youll have to set an appointment because they are limiting the number of people at certain times. Which to me is an advantage.
This place was a breath of fresh ai! Most African-American Museum‘s tend to focus on slavery and civil rights and highlight the same five or 10 people. This museum shows other aspects of African-American culture. One of then-current exhibits focuses on the evolution of Cross Colors, starting from its creation by Marcus Garvey and then moving to its Influence not only in hip-hop culture but it’s infiltration into popular culture, most notably popularized by Bruno Mars. Also, the museum has a research library. I didn’t get a chance to look around, but I am guessing they probably have some great resources that offer additional insights into African-American culture and the African-American experience.
Just went to see the special exhibit on slavery in California. Nothing i ever learned in school. Great documentation, stories, artifacts, movies, etc. to see how it was established and then finally ended.Other exhibits regarding the civil rights marches in the 1960s. Other halls with contemporary art exhibits. An amazing space.
You can really slow down here take it in. Beautiful art. Much needed historical truths. Very peaceful place and its free. Exhibits change frequently. Parking is $12 but if you take the train it drops you off very close. Take a stroll is the rose gardens before or after make it a wonderful day.
Today was my first time! Admission is free! What a cool place! A collection of art, culture and research in this building that is only getting better. You can see the development and how modern it is. The art pieces were amazing, very different and organized in rooms so you could encounter a new experience through each door you walked through.It’s a very colorful place, not too many docents walking around and had a serene yet vibrant vibe to the flow of the rooms as each one had a different experience to offer. I would definitely go back to see what they have to offer as time passes by, and I would love to see more interactive pieces or activities.
I went one my last day in California for the end of my vacation. My family and I are very big on understanding and experience many different aspects of Black Culture and History. The exhibits we amazing the Adia Millett room was breath taking. Learning about The Liberators was inspiring. I just wish they had a gift shop of some sort. I will definitely be back on my next visit
Loads of information, with a few surprise elements. Took me 2 hours to get through all exhibits, but it can certainly be stretched out longer.I do wish there was more relevant info on exploring more ancient afro America art, so thats seriously lacking here.Beautiful atmosphere, all around. Just keep in mind that if youre driving to visit this museum you will have to pay a high price to park. This is definitely something I would have appreciated the museum notifying on their website.
Its free, first of all, and second of all, is filled with amazing art and exhibits that really make you think about race, expression, and politics. I especially enjoyed the Ease of Fiction exhibit featuring surreal illustrations from different African artists exploring reality and perception.
Another of my favorite museums. This retrospective featured the iconic master Ernie Barnes. You gotta really look at the subtle yet dramatic messaging and muscularity in his works. in that boxing scene, what’s the trainer saying to the corner manager. In thee lady walking, You can Sense the pride in both those shopping bags. And everyone knows the Marvin Gaye album cover - ok, everyone of that certain age.
The exhibit that I enjoyed while I was visiting for my first time was the Black Debutante exhibit. As a Bkack transplant to LA its always fun and enlightening to learn about the history of your people out here in the West Coast. The legacies of the families that were highlighted in the exhibit is a testament to why this museum and many like it should exist and continue to thrive.
I give my honest opinion. Not trying to satisfy everyones optimism. Lol just Honest. I was expecting more considering its an AFRICAN AMERICAN museum. All the commentators/ narrators were Asian. I ddnt see REAL AA HISTORY. from slavery Artifacts, to Black panther memoirs, to all FAMOUS BLACK INVENTORS, OR black Politicals who made history. Nothing!!! Who built the White House? Others were mentioned but ...who was that?? Only W.E.B Du Bois was acknowledged but minutia. No Harriet Tubman, No Martin Luther King, No Rosa Parks, No Fredrick douglass, No George Washinton Carver, No Thurgood Marshall, No Madam CJ Walker,...etc I mean I could go for days. The one in Atlanta is better. More art, important black heros and inventors, Art work, artifacts, acknowledgment of the people who paved the way for us. Figurines, Art, Slavery chains and all kind of stuff. This one is just blah. I really didnt learn anything. Alot of blankets I the walls which didnt speak to me at all. Wheres the REAL STUFF CALIFORNIA? LOL. We walked in, walked through about 8mins and we walked out.
It was nice to see black history that wasnt based on slavery. It was nice to be able to look at the other side of black people and to see happy times and to see how we have influenced things that still stand up until today. The museum is free. There about four big rooms it might take about an hour and a half to go through all of them. There is art and even thing sewn with hair. Its so interesting.
This place is $15 just to walk around or $40 for every, definitely worth going to at least the $15.00. Dinosaurs bones everywhere upstairs downstairs. The African animals that are stuffed are very nice looking. The American stuffed animals are very informative and interesting. They have a nice place for children to learn. Great food downstairs in the back open area. But expensive if you are not careful, but the food is or felt organic. Enjoy it and bring your wallet.
I am so glad this museum has opened up since Covid. I made it a point for my family and I to visit this museum when visiting Los Angeles and it was a great idea!As soon as you walk in, theres a great big beautiful open vestibule. The young lady who sat at the desk was so kind and greeted us warmly. We were able to visit the 4 exhibition rooms uninterrupted.The signs were clear. Certain exhibition rooms had signs to let you know how many people were allowed at a time.We picked a good time to go because we were able to view the rooms we wanted without restrictions. They had great exhibitions, exhibitions with detailed narratives beside them all. One room even had a short film playing so that you could stand and view.It was 2 to 4 minutes long.I would definitely recommend this museum to anyone visiting this area, its definitely a gem.
I spent a nice afternoon at CAAM. Currently the exhibits are Athens CA, Charting the Terrain, Refuge, How Sweet The Sound, Conditions & Forms of black longevity, & Fade to Black. I found how sweet the sound and Conditions & Forms of black longevity to be the most interesting. I recommend visiting CAAM & expanding your mind.
Great time tonight at CAAM with Maxine Waters!!! This Congresswoman is knowledgeable and informed; she speaks with wisdom, experience and understanding concerning her constituents. Many turned out to hear just what she had to say...Look out Mr. President because we will not let our democracy go backwards without a fight!!!
Upon arrival, I was surprised by the free admission, aside from the $12 parking. As I entered the museum though, I was slightly underwhelmed as there were only 3 exhibits present, all of which were fairly minimal and placed in relatively small rooms. I will go some other time as it became apparent they were prioritizing another event as the staff were placing tables in the main lobby, but for now, it is a pretty good museum that is relevant to our present society.
I cant believe this museum is free! Its tucked away near museums that get a lot more traffic, which is a shame. It has one of the only exhibits Ive ever seen dedicated to the history of black Americans settling in LA after the abolition of slavery. We visited during an installation by Adia Millett; the piece pictured below is called Expansion, and guests were allowed to step onto the dais and sit in the sofa, with calming noises piped in above
After seeing the google images my family and i were really excited to come here. we were actually pretty disappointed. a lot of space and not much going on. not your typical museum. quite boring and uneventful. they should mention how often they switch their exhibits because the ones we witnessed today were not worth our time. good thing the admission was free. if you wanna see some black history i recommend going to the grammy museum’s motown exhibit!
Its $12 for car parking. I only got to see the African American museum. It was free. I registered online. I reached there at 4pm and they close at 5pm. There was not enough time to check out Science museum and History museum. I think 3 to 4 hours is enough to see all museums.
It was a part of my stay-cation, places to go when you cant go to Jamaica. I grew up going to Exposition Park for swimming, ballet lessons, the rose garden and concerts/picnics in the park. CAAM (CA African American Museum) came later and I always enjoy my visits to their exhibitions - currently the black cotillions are featured - the young women being presented into society dating back to the 1940s. I was presented in 1962, a great experience. Also, a highlighted exhibition is Sanford Biggers quilts not only are they beautiful but historically they were used as code switches for enslaved people who escaped plantations on their roads to freedom. This was a wonderful experience, there was a photo of Rev Chip Murray - who sits of the museums Board of Trustees. Encouraging everyone to go and see the exhibits.
Just came back from the @aprilbey exhibit at CAAM and enjoyed it throughly. Her mixed media on the subject of women, Bahamas and black culture on fabric with sequins on huge format was refreshing. The zine workshop outside allowed us to create small books. Will come back for more!
I was able to visit the museum on a day when the artist was present to personally explain his favorite piece. I felt honored to gain such insight and learn about his thought process and goals. I took the time to explore all of the other exhibits and learn about my history as felt as seen through the eyes and filters of others.
The covid protocols here made me feel very safe: online ticketing, contactless admission, hand sanitizer everywhere, touchless doors, distance markers, and temperature checks. The galleries and exhibits themselves were fascinating and insightful, with an emphasis on art. I am very glad to have gone here.
Id never been, so decided to traipse down to Exposition Park to visit this museum. The staff was lovely and greeted me so nicely as I entered. Only two galleries were open with two contemporary artists work. I enjoyed checking them out. Nice high ceilings. Entrance is free, but parking is $12.00. On a nice day it is pleasant to walk around the park and maybe take a light lunch at the Science Museum or from a vendor selling snacks by that museum
As someone who loves museums I must say the art here was dope. But the staff was trash. I was followed around and even followed by police/security. I would think a place like this would be a safe place but apparently not. I wont be returning. I rather pay money and be treated with respect. Than experience a free profiling session. If I want that I can just walk around my hood.
I love the different exhibits they have every some many months. You think youve seen it all until you go back in 2 months and its a whole new set of artwork! I will forever continue to learn about and grow with this unsung group of talented people. Thank you CAAM for making it that much easier to learn about various African Americans. 😊
Love this museum especially for my family and students. They have wonderful free workshops throughout the year just go to their website and sign up they email you reminders!! They change exhibitions every 3-4 months so dont miss any. They also hosted an event for a non profit Cadre which a parent based organization in South LA.
They had a gospel music exhibit that was amazing.Its a small place, but its free and I cant complain about it at all.They put a lot of effort into curating the experience and getting good artists.My favorite part was actually the community events available. The yoga drum circle is awesome and they have a lot of opportunities for people to engage with artists and create something with them.
I Wouldhighly recommend the Museum, not only because my Fashion Styling work is featured in the CROSS COLOURS FASHION LINES, 30 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE. But, its an incredibly informative institution for ALL OF US. The Exhibitions are direct in their Visual acuity. The Staffers are polite and ready to Help with any questions you may have. And its a TRIBUTE TO THE MANY TALENTED BLACK American Artists that you may ,or May not be aware of.GO!! The STATE OF CALIFORNIA And its ridiculously undemocratic BUREAUCRACY creates the only negative to this wonderful experience. The Expensive Parking fee!!!??. As Tax Payers for the many Museums located here, there should be FREE PARKING!!! And they have the indignity of RAISING the prices when a LARGER CROWD is expected. Thats unpatriotic??!??
Awesome experience!! I recommend all to go see. I loved the information about albinism ! Art work was AMAZING ... Bringing light to the cartoons and micro-aggression were simply executed very well! I cant wait to return. It is cold inside the rooms that show art work so bring a jacket.
As an African American I am very disappointed with this museum. I expected to see African art from the past. The most I seen was a whole exhibit of the history of African Americans and gospel. Another exhibit was more recent African art from upcoming artists. The last exhibit was a room with a big screen and a few benches, on the screen was video of a LA dance group of kids dancing in someones background. This whole museum was a discgrace. I expected way more. Do better please!!
This museum is a nice place to visit before or after visiting other museums around the area. At our visit we were able to visit three differnt areas. My children ( ages 7 and 9) found the paintings to be very interesting and asked many questions. This museum, although small, homes alot of history. We visited for about an hour and surprisingly found most of the arts history from the roaming security guard.
Always free to come and they have a donation box so you can support them.Its great to visit here on this special day, Martin Luther King Jr.sday. Thank God for his dedication and sacrifice so all of us, regardless of the color of our skin, can enjoy the SAME rights as the White. God bless him and his family. Now the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., also has the same degree as his dad, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King. 😊remember to prepare $12 parking fee
Excellent museum, my favorite in Los Angeles. I learn something new every time I go. The exhibits are exciting and fresh. The people are friendly, facilities are clean and welcoming. My family, friends and new acquaintances I meet at events make visiting CAAM an unforgettable experience each time.
Appears to have 1 major exhibit and 2 other ones. The major exhibit was the History of Gospel Music in LA. Very informative. Has the pulpit where MLK preached a sermon that is surreal. Overall I was still expecting more. I wanted to spend the entire day there but there was not enough going on to allow me to do so.
The current show is a wonderful cross section of art, history, photo journalism and silent film. We were only able to see one of the films due to time constraints, but will most likely return. The history of racial bigotry in this country, this city of Los Angeles, is truly disturbing, but an important reminder and education. See this show!
Spending my holiday vacation here in Ventura, Cal. My first experience riding the subway to get to the area. Loved the museum, interesting facts, pic & slave trade letters. Took some pics of slave instruments. Im a big history buff, todays generation have no clue about any type of history. History is not taught in schools. Ive been in the educational field for 19 years. Its so sad that many ethnic groups have no idea about there past roots & background history. Books are being taken away. Students now learn on computers/ laptops. Thats a joke.
This museum is great. The staff was very kind and informative to me. The restrooms were clean which was actually really nice. The grounds right outside of the building are very pretty. There is plenty to do in the area also. If you are spending a day here, you will have much to see and do.
I was very disappointed with changes in the museum. For me the museum should reflect African American history and culture and there was only one exhibit that even came close to that. I think in a day and age where so many African American youth have no connection with their culture, heritage, and know little about their lineage this museum should be that link for them and I can remember when it used to be that for me
Great place of history... They do change the rooms now and again. My favorite was the la 93 riot. I was like.. Omg??? I saw this on tv with my dad then. And they have a terrific exhibit for martin luther king. No cafeteria there, but the california science center has food vendors and the natural history museum has a cafeteria in the basement (?) They are a nearby walk if you can walk 10-20 minutes depending on your speed of walking. There is paid-parking there. Also street signs if you decide where you want to go. Enjoy!
This little museum has its pros and cons. Unfortunately its small and pretty much all weve (black people) got in terms of a public institution celebrating and preserving African American history and art in LA. Its gotten better over the years, but its sometimes still a hit and miss for me. Sometimes they have great exhibits and other times its just mediocre. They have a Target free Sunday which is usually awesome. There is a discovery gallery which has exhibits that are a bit more multimedia or more hands on. It serves as an education gallery space thats great for children but also interesting for adults. They also offer events for films, political discussions, craftworks, etc.
The D.C. AA Museum is much more advanced. I would like more representation in this museum of medical and everyday advances contributed to society by African Americans. I would like less vulgarity through the Hip Hop display, I enjoy the historical content and push for 1st Amend Right. But, the display is glorification undefined which results in confusion
This is one of many hidden gems that Los Angeles has in its midst. This museum is by donation and brings many interesting, historical, creative, educational, and inspirational exhibits for the public to see & experience. They also have classes, a book club, show films, have speakers and try to engage the public in the experiences/contributions of the descendants of Africa from all over the world. Its located in Exposition Park.
I visited the Adia Millett exhibit today 4/9/19 at around 11am and unfortunately the experience was completely ruined by an employee of the museum who was on Instagram watching loud videos with no headphones on his cellphone. When I entered the room I assumed he was a visitor. As I moved throughout the exhibit I noticed he had a badge on. He kept sighing like he wanted me to leave. I would suggest you hire people that have more respect for artists and patrons. The installation is an incredibly touching immersive experience that includes audio. The loud music coming from his cellphone was distracting and disrespectful to this amazing artists work!
If you are a visitor a trip down to this part of town is well worth it since its located in Exposition Park which is home to several museums such as Natural History Museum, California Science Center, and ... I let you look up the rest! A must visit museum in LA. If you are a museum going art loving person in Los Angeles and havent visited California African American Museum yet you should do it. AND the admission is FREE!
The California African American Museum is drop dead unbelievable. The quality of the art is world class. The spacious open feeling of the lobby is fabulous. The quality of the presentation of the art in each of the four galleries is fabulous. The the first one called Visibly Invisible is just a knock out. It is all about albinism in Tanzania and in Jamaica and to a lesser degree in the United States. The people are discriminated against because they are albino. It is gripping touching and incredibly informative. The prejudice and literal hacking away of body parts for sale to witch doctors is beyond shocking to learn that this is happening on earth today. Beyond words for sure.The next gallery Curvature: Lines and Shapes is a quite interesting style. Several of my artist friends I would like to come see this one. I will be encouraging them to this location as soon as possible. The art is a bit abstract here for me, but of great quality. I enjoyed it very much.The next gallery show was titled Lookin Back In Front Of Me had selected pieces of art from the works of Mark Steven Greenfield. He was a director of the Watts Towers Museum Arts Center. Asa supporter of the arts and local artists for decades, his range of work is eye opening and wonderful. The next gallery had even more incredible history and art of Los Angeles. All I can say at this time is that I was overwhelmed at the quality of this gallery and the art therein.Oh yes. Its free. Triple WOW.
Exhibits lacks info. about origin Africa, also lacks different customs and rituals practice by Africans, no mention of middle passage, no mention Egypt, no mention African societies and religious beliefs systems, no mention of building process, no mention of how African lived prior to slavery. This exhibit must have been done by a white fifth grader knowledge of Africa.
The longer I live in LA the more a learn about the migration to the west coast for free brown southerners was just like what was happening across the rest of America. Thank you CAAM for sharing that story which escapes the elementary, middle and high school classrooms across this nation.
California African American Museum & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ExhibitCalifornia African American Museum to explore the exhibition: LOS ANGELES FREEDOM RALLY, 1963, which tells the story of how on May 26, 1963, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed nearly 40,000 people at Wrigley Field in South Los Angeles. Black history Is Everywhere, Everything, Everyday!!! #blackexcellence #blackHistory🙏🏿
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4.6 (199 comments)
Review №1
2022-03-30It was a good experience something that you can take the kids to see some flying exquisite art the pitches was live my girl enjoyed the pitches they looked like they were 3-D but they were hand painted.. It was eatery across the street found a place to park on a side street parking with $15 though.... Exhibit was free the trench traveler🤞🏾‼️🥱😳〽️⭕️🅱️
Review №2
2022-02-14Beautiful Museum! The two ladies at the reception desk kept saying Please Put Your Mask On...…. Great Job!
Review №3
2022-06-20Wonderful museum! Founded in 1977. Currently has a Buffalo Soldier exhibit. Sits in Exposition Park.
Review №4
2021-09-30A must visit museum for anyone interested in learning more about AA culture. Free (not including parking) to get in so there’s no excuse for you not pulling up.
Review №5
2022-06-29I would visit just to visit it was a wonderful experience even though I only made it to the first floor but the artwork absolutely breathtaking
Review №6
2022-06-15I have been going to the California African American Museum for decades. I used bring my children there and yesterday was first time bringing my grandchildren there. I gave me the chance to educate my granddaughters about Buffalo Soldiers and African American artist and why having this museum and its archives is important.Yesterdays visit was for childrens Yoga. It is Tuesdays at 11AM. My 14 year old and 5 year old granddaughters enjoyed it very much.. Parents and grand parents are encouraged to participate.
Review №7
2022-04-29The Buffalo Soldiers exhibit was awesome. My father was in the 92nd infantry.
Review №8
2021-12-12Historic, safe, clean AND bring your camera 📸 because there are jets, FULL SIZED real ones outside for viewing!
Review №9
2022-03-29Love to visit this museum when in LA.Friendly inviting staff.Clean and spacious museum.
Review №10
2021-06-17Only 4 exhibits were open for viewing, all worth the travel. Nice to see art come together like that. A small amount of people were there, made it pleasant to be there.