Fowler Museum UCLA
Discover global arts and cultures from Africa, Asia, the Pacific & Americas. Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Fowler Museum UCLA
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover global arts and cultures from Africa, Asia, the Pacific & Americas. Free admission!
"Free admission to world-class exhibits exploring diverse global cultures."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Perfect for budget-conscious explorers!
🚫 No Large Bags
Leave oversized bags at home or in your car; they aren't allowed inside the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Global Cultural Treasures
Exhibition Halls
Explore captivating artifacts from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Each piece tells a unique story.
Intricate Textiles & Sculptures
Various Galleries
Marvel at the detailed craftsmanship of textiles and powerful sculptures that showcase diverse artistic traditions.
Temporary Exhibitions
Rotating Galleries
Discover thought-provoking temporary exhibits that offer fresh perspectives on global cultures and contemporary issues.
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Plan Your Visit
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Perfect for budget-conscious explorers!
🚫 No Large Bags
Leave oversized bags at home or in your car; they aren't allowed inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Campus Exploration
Combine your museum visit with a stroll around the beautiful UCLA campus.
📅 Check Hours
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always verify current operating hours before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy world-class exhibits without an entry fee. Perfect for budget-conscious explorers!
🚫 No Large Bags
Leave oversized bags at home or in your car; they aren't allowed inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Campus Exploration
Combine your museum visit with a stroll around the beautiful UCLA campus.
📅 Check Hours
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always verify current operating hours before your visit.
🎶 Free Concerts
Keep an eye out for special events like the Fowler Out Loud concert series!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Fowler Museum for its free admission and diverse, thought-provoking exhibitions that span global cultures. The quality and depth of the collections are frequently highlighted as a major draw. However, some find the campus parking to be inconvenient and costly, and a few mention that certain exhibits might be more suited for an adult audience.
"It's sort of small. No judging. 2 out of 4 exhibits change every now and then. One exhibit on permanent display "reflecting culture" is a silver collection but it was closed when I visited because the DJ at the showcase of the "construction, occupation" blocked it. "Intersections" is an ongoing exhibit that i found the most interesting, displaying diverse world culture. These pics are from intersections, I wish I took more photos!"
Isaac Salvatierra
"It was my first time going and it was for a class field trip and we got up close and personal with some of these object! I’ll definitely come back and explore the museum more !!"
Elizabeth Elaine
"A wonderful museum with very interesting display, educational, respectful, self-aware. The UCLA campus is lucky to have this great institution. This museum is free. Parking is underground, not far, on campus. On Wednesdays, the museum is open until 8pm."
A. Sosinski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fowler Museum is located on the UCLA campus in Westwood. You can reach it via public transportation, rideshare services, or by car. Parking on campus is available for a fee, or you can explore free street parking in the surrounding residential areas, which may require a walk.
Paid parking is available in UCLA campus structures. For free parking, you'll likely need to park off-campus in the apartment areas or frat row and walk about 15-20 minutes. The Veterans Ave cemetery side is sometimes a semi-consistent bet for free parking.
Yes, several bus lines serve the UCLA campus. Check with your local transit authority for routes and schedules that go to UCLA. This is often a more convenient option than dealing with campus parking.
The Fowler Museum is generally accessible. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information regarding ramps, elevators, and any temporary limitations.
From LAX, you can take a rideshare service directly to the museum, which is about a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a combination of bus and metro.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fowler Museum at UCLA offers free admission to all visitors. You can simply show up during operating hours.
The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
No, large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the museum. Visitors are advised to leave them at home or in their car.
Generally, all exhibitions at the Fowler Museum are free to the public, aligning with their mission of accessibility.
As admission is free and there are no timed entry requirements, you do not need to book a time slot. Just arrive during operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Fowler Museum focuses on historic and contemporary works from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Exhibits often explore cultural history, art, and global issues.
While the exhibits are rich and educational, the Fowler Museum is best suited for older children and adults who can appreciate the cultural and historical context of the artifacts. Some exhibits may be more engaging for younger visitors than others.
The museum occasionally offers guided tours or docent-led programs. It's best to check their website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival for any scheduled tours.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's crucial to look for signage within each gallery or ask museum staff for specific guidelines.
The Fowler Museum is located on the UCLA campus, close to other campus landmarks. The Hammer Museum is also nearby, though not directly on campus. The UCLA campus itself offers beautiful architecture and green spaces to explore.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Typically, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed, but always check for specific signage in each gallery or ask museum staff for clarification.
The museum's architecture and the diverse artifacts themselves offer great photo opportunities. Look for interesting textures, patterns, and the unique displays of cultural objects.
Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not permitted in museums to ensure the safety of the exhibits and the comfort of other visitors. Always adhere to museum guidelines.
Yes, commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission and may involve fees. For personal use, non-flash photography is typically allowed.
A camera with good low-light performance and a fast lens is ideal for museum photography, especially if flash is not allowed. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting with children, focus on the visual aspects of the artifacts – the colors, patterns, and shapes. The UCLA campus itself offers more open spaces for children to explore, so you might want to combine a shorter museum visit with a walk around the grounds. Remember that large bags are not permitted, so pack only essentials for the kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
This allows you to experience world-class art and cultural exhibits without any cost. It's a perfect way to immerse yourself in global cultures without spending a dime. To keep costs down further, consider using public transportation to reach the UCLA campus instead of paying for campus parking. Pack your own snacks and water, as on-campus dining can be pricey. This makes the Fowler Museum an ideal, enriching, and affordable stop on your Los Angeles itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Global Cultures at the Fowler Museum
Exhibitions at the Fowler are often thoughtfully curated, delving into specific themes, historical periods, or artistic movements. You might find displays of intricate textiles, powerful sculptures, ceremonial objects, and everyday items that provide deep insights into the societies from which they originate. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new and thought-provoking to discover on each visit.
Beyond the visual arts, the Fowler Museum also engages with its community through lectures, performances, and educational programs. These events often complement the current exhibitions, offering deeper context and interactive experiences. The museum's commitment to free admission makes these cultural explorations accessible to everyone, solidifying its role as a vital cultural hub on the UCLA campus and in the wider Los Angeles area.
Navigating UCLA Campus and Parking
Campus parking at UCLA is primarily available in designated parking structures, which charge hourly or daily rates. These can add up, especially for longer visits. For those seeking to avoid parking fees, free street parking can be found in the surrounding Westwood neighborhoods, particularly on the west side of campus near Veterans Avenue. Be aware that these spots can be competitive and may require a 15-20 minute walk to the museum.
Given the parking challenges and costs, many visitors opt for alternative transportation methods. Public buses frequently serve the UCLA campus, offering a more economical and often less stressful way to reach the Fowler Museum. Rideshare services are also a popular choice, providing direct access to the campus. Planning your transportation in advance can significantly enhance your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit