The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the official movie museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars. It opened in 2021 on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, and it is the best place in Los Angeles to learn how films are made, see legendary props and costumes and stand on a replica Oscars stage.
The museum spans two buildings: the restored 1939 May Company department store, now the Saban Building, and a giant glass-domed sphere designed by Renzo Piano. This guide covers tickets, hours, current exhibitions and how to plan your visit.
In this guide
The Academy Museum is on our list of the best museums in Los Angeles.
Academy Museum at a glance
- Address: 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile, Los Angeles
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Tickets: timed entry; buy online; check the museum’s site for current prices and discounts
- Nearest Metro: Wilshire/Fairfax station on the D Line
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Tickets and hours
The Academy Museum is open six days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays. Entry is by timed ticket, and booking online is the easiest way to guarantee your slot. General admission covers the permanent galleries and most temporary exhibitions; a few headline shows and the Oscars Experience may need an add-on.
Ticket tips
- Book ahead for weekends and school holidays.
- Discounts are available for seniors, students and children; kids get in free or at a reduced price, so check the current rates.
- Film screenings in the David Geffen Theater are ticketed separately.
- Members get free entry and early access to new exhibitions.
What to see
Stories of Cinema
The core exhibition spreads across several floors of the Saban Building. It rotates regularly, but often includes some of the most famous objects in movie history, such as a pair of Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, costumes from classic and modern films, and galleries on directing, animation, sound and special effects.
Hollywoodland
This permanent exhibition tells the story of the Jewish founders of the Hollywood studios and how they built the film industry in Los Angeles.
The Oscars Experience
Step onto a re-created Dolby Theatre stage, take an Oscar statuette in hand and give your acceptance speech in front of a virtual audience. You get a video to keep. The museum’s Oscars gallery also displays real Academy Awards and the history of the ceremony.
Current exhibitions in 2026
Temporary exhibitions change through the year. Shows on view in late 2026 include:
| Exhibition | Dates |
|---|---|
| The Horror Show | Now open |
| Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon | May 31, 2026 to February 28, 2027 |
| Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo | February 14, 2026 to March 21, 2027 |
| Glow: A Cinematic Moodscape | August 29, 2026 to July 18, 2027 |
| Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho | March 23, 2025 to October 24, 2027 |
Check the museum’s exhibitions page before your visit for the latest list.
The Sphere and the terrace
The sphere-shaped building holds the 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater, where the museum screens classic and new films. On top, the glass-domed Dolby Family Terrace has some of the best views of the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign on the Miracle Mile. A glass sky bridge links the sphere to the Saban Building.
Getting there and parking
- Metro: the D Line extension opened in May 2026; Wilshire/Fairfax station is steps from the museum. See our LA Metro guide.
- Parking: the museum shares the Pritzker Parking Garage with LACMA on 6th Street. Expect a flat rate around $23.
Nearby things to do
- LACMA: next door, with Urban Light and the Geffen Galleries.
- Petersen Automotive Museum: across the street, with movie cars in the Vault.
- La Brea Tar Pits: the Lake Pit mammoths are a short walk east.
- The Grove and the Original Farmers Market: about 10 minutes’ walk north.
Tips for visiting
- Start at the top of the Saban Building and work your way down.
- Book the Oscars Experience right away if you want it; slots are limited.
- Plan a movie: evening screenings in the David Geffen Theater are a great way to end the day.
- Fanny’s, the museum’s restaurant and cafe, is good for lunch.
- Accessibility: the museum is fully accessible, with elevators to every floor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Academy Museum open on Tuesdays?
No. The Academy Museum is closed on Tuesdays. It is open the other six days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Can you see Dorothy’s ruby slippers at the Academy Museum?
A pair of ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz has been one of the museum’s signature displays in Stories of Cinema. Because galleries rotate, check before your visit if it is a must-see for you.
How long does it take to see the Academy Museum?
Plan two to three hours for the main exhibitions, or longer if you add a film screening.
Can you hold an Oscar at the Academy Museum?
Yes. The Oscars Experience lets you hold a real Oscar statuette and give a speech on a re-created stage.
Where do you park for the Academy Museum?
Use the Pritzker Parking Garage on 6th Street, shared with LACMA.
Photo credits
Featured image: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
