Urban Light LACMA
An iconic forest of 202 restored vintage street lamps, creating a magical, solar-powered public art spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical glow
Urban Light LACMA
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic forest of 202 restored vintage street lamps, creating a magical, solar-powered public art spectacle.
"Wandering through the rows of vintage streetlamps at night, everything feels a little dreamy, a little cinematic."
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Less traffic & fewer people for a more peaceful experience.
🚗 Parking Tips
Metered spots available; consider late-night visits for potential free parking.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 11,598 reviews
Type
Cultural landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Forest of Lights
LACMA Entrance
Wander through 202 restored vintage street lamps, creating a magical, glowing forest. A truly iconic LA photo op.
Daytime Elegance
LACMA Entrance
Striking and elegant by day, the installation offers a different, yet equally captivating, visual experience.
Cinematic Vibes
LACMA Entrance
Step into a movie set under the California stars. The installation evokes a dreamy, romantic, and cinematic atmosphere.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for That Perfect Shot
Free Art, But Parking Has a Price
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Less traffic & fewer people for a more peaceful experience.
🚗 Parking Tips
Metered spots available; consider late-night visits for potential free parking.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Numerous spots for stunning photos, day or night. Don't lean on the lights!
✨ Free to Visit!
Enjoy this iconic public art installation without an admission fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Less traffic & fewer people for a more peaceful experience.
🚗 Parking Tips
Metered spots available; consider late-night visits for potential free parking.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Numerous spots for stunning photos, day or night. Don't lean on the lights!
✨ Free to Visit!
Enjoy this iconic public art installation without an admission fee.
💡 Understand the Art
Learn about Chris Burden's work and the history of the 202 restored street lamps.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Urban Light's magical, cinematic atmosphere, especially at night, and its status as an iconic, free photo opportunity. While parking can be a hassle and crowds are common during peak times, the enchanting beauty and accessibility of the installation make it a must-see for locals and tourists alike. +1
"Urban Light at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an enchanting and unforgettable experience that beautifully blends art, history, and modern urban aesthetics. Composed of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, the installation is both striking and whimsical, transforming a simple outdoor space into a luminous wonderland.
Visiting Urban Light is magical, especially at dusk or after dark when the lamps glow warmly, creating a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere. The arrangement invites exploration, photography, and quiet contemplation, making it a favorite spot for visitors of all ages. Beyond its visual appeal, the installation also tells a story of Los Angeles’ urban history and artistic heritage, highlighting the city’s evolution and creativity.
Urban Light is more than just an art installation—it’s an iconic landmark and a symbol of beauty, innovation, and imagination. A visit here leaves you inspired, uplifted, and eager to return again and again."
LOUIE YAP
"The two other times I've been here, have been during the day time. I love it even more at night. Right now there's a bit of road construction up front, but there's some street parking available. Perfect to visit after a certain time at night aka free parking. Worth a visit!"
Annie Simsuangco
"Urban Light at LACMA is one of the most iconic spots in LA. With 202 restored vintage street lamps lined up in perfect rows, it feels like walking through a glowing outdoor museum. By day, it’s striking and elegant; by night, when the lamps light up, it turns into pure magic—romantic, cinematic, and unforgettable.
The best part? It’s free, open 24/7, and perfect for photos. It does get crowded at peak times, but if you visit late in the evening or early in the morning, you can enjoy the beauty in peace.
Me and my two friends visited for the first time at night, and it was an amazing experience. We hope to visit a couple more times in the future. A must-see for locals and visitors alike."
Mohammad Abdus Salam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Urban Light is located at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). You can reach it by car, with metered street parking and underground museum parking available. The new subway station opening soon will also make it more accessible. +1
While specific bus routes can vary, LACMA is generally accessible via public transit in Los Angeles. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. The upcoming subway station will significantly improve public transport access.
To avoid traffic, consider visiting during off-peak hours like early mornings or late evenings, especially on weekdays. Weekends and rush hour can be particularly congested.
Yes, Urban Light is part of the LACMA campus, which houses numerous other art exhibits. The surrounding area also boasts many other great museums.
Absolutely! Urban Light is an outdoor public art installation located outside the museum and is accessible to everyone without needing a museum ticket.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Urban Light is a free public art installation and does not require a ticket for entry. You can visit it anytime.
Urban Light is accessible 24/7, allowing you to experience its magic at any time of day or night.
There is no admission fee to view or photograph Urban Light. It's a completely free experience for all visitors.
Yes, photography is highly encouraged! It's one of the most photographed spots in LA, but remember not to lean on the actual lamp posts.
The street lamps are illuminated at night, creating the iconic glowing effect that makes Urban Light so popular.
📸 📸 Photography
While beautiful day or night, many prefer the magical glow of the lights after sunset. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds for unique shots.
The main guideline is to be respectful of the artwork and other visitors. Avoid leaning on or touching the lamp posts, and be mindful of others trying to capture their own photos.
You can capture everything from wide shots of the entire installation to close-ups of the vintage lamps. It's perfect for portraits, fashion shoots, or simply capturing the iconic LA vibe.
Tripods are generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check LACMA's current photography policy, especially during busy events. Be considerate of space.
Experiment with different angles! Walking through the rows offers unique perspectives. Shooting from a slight distance can capture the scale, while getting closer highlights the details of the lamps.
🎫 💡 Art & History
Urban Light was created by the artist Chris Burden, known for his provocative and often daring performance art.
The installation is composed of 202 restored cast iron antique street lamps that once lit up Southern California in the 1920s and 1930s.
Chris Burden's Urban Light is an assemblage sculpture that celebrates the history of public lighting in Los Angeles and serves as an iconic symbol of the city.
Yes, the installation is solar-powered, adding an eco-friendly aspect to this iconic piece of public art.
The lamps are from various locations across Southern California, representing different designs from the 1920s and 1930s.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit