Over 30 Museums Are Free Sunday, February 5th
February 2, 2023
Museum Free-For-All returns to Southern California this Sunday, Feb. 5. Over 30 museums will participate in the annual event, which was canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although some of the featured museums already offer free admission year-round, this event offers locals the opportunity to explore many that do not. It is also meant as a reminder of the many free opportunities available to museum visitors.
SoCal Museums lists museums that regularly offer free admission by day of the week here.
“We are thrilled to be able to collectively welcome visitors from across the region on this special day once again,” said Briana Sapp, SoCal Museums President and Director of Marketing and Communications, in a press release announcing the return of the annual event. “The Museums Free-for-All has always been a celebration of the varied and remarkable institutions in Southern California, and it is meaningful to continue this tradition of accessibility and joy.”
Free admission applies only to general admission. Any parking fees or tickets to special exhibits are not included. Some museums require timed ticket entry and ticket reservations to be made in advance.
2023 Free-For-All Museums
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will be hosting a festival Feb. 3-5 for their new exhibit, Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971. The event is included with general admission.
American Museum of Ceramic Art
Armory Center for the Arts (admission is always free)
- The International Festival of Chocolate is being held at the Bowers Museum on Feb. 5. The festival is free but will feature other ticketed events for a separate cost.
Catalina Museum for Art & History
Fowler Museum at UCLA (admission is always free)
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine University
Hammer Museum (admission is always free)
The Getty Center (admission is always free)
The Getty Villa (admission is always free)
- The Hidden Meanings of Ancient Nubian Jewelry, a free online and in-person talk, will be held at The Getty Villa on Feb. 5.
Japanese American National Museum
- Feb. 5 will be the last day to enjoy The Sea Around Us at Laguna Art Museum. It is the current exhibit at the annual Art & Nature festival.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (admission is always free)
Lincoln Memorial Shrine (admission is always free)
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) (admission is always free)
Museum of Latin America Art (MOLAA)
- MOLAA will host a printmaking workshop on Feb. 5.
Museum of Ventura County (admission is free for 2023)
Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum (admission is free for 2023)
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Wende Museum (admission is always free)
- Mail Art Across Borders and Media: A Conversation Between Zanna Gilbert and Sven Spieker will be held at The Wende Museum on Feb. 5. The event is free.
The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum
For more information, visit SoCal Museums here.
