Thursday, January 08, 2026

Cultural Agenda: Circa Previews LA’s Must-See Museums & Shows

Mark your calendars! This year, LA is a visual spectacle, with must-see art shows, exhibitions, and immersive experiences, many not far from Circa. 2026 also heralds the opening of some of the city’s most highly anticipated museums, including Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, David Geffen Galleries LACMA, and DATALAND at The Grand LA. Shop for new artwork at LA Art Show, Felix Art Fair, and Frieze Los Angeles. And gather your fellow culture connoisseurs for DTLA ArtNight, happening on the first Thursday of every month, when over 25 galleries debut new exhibitions from their fine arts collections. 

LA Art Show near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Art Show LA Convention Center South Hall 1201 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Jan 7 – 11 Los Angeles has emerged as a global epicenter of art & culture, with a distinct influence unique to the city. As LA hones its reputation as a world-class destination for art, the LA Art Show continues to lead the way with innovative programming and one-of-a-kind experiences for an expanding collecting audience. More than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space is committed to today’s prominent domestic and international galleries, curating special exhibits that are at the forefront of the burgeoning contemporary art movement. All works presented by galleries are available for your purchasing pleasure.

Felix Art Fair at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Felix Art Fair The Hollywood Roosevelt 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Feb 25 – Mar 1 Established in 2018, Felix is an art fair created with the intention to foster intimate experiences that prioritize conversation, collaboration, and community. Known for its boutique atmosphere, Felix Art Fair utilizes The Hollywood Roosevelt’s guest rooms and cabanas to create a more personal environment where collectors and galleries can connect in a relaxed and conversational setting.

Frieze Los Angeles art fair at the Santa Monica Airport

Frieze Los Angeles Santa Monica Airport 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Feb 26 – Mar 1 Frieze Los Angeles is a leading international art fair that was launched in 2019. The show largely focuses on contemporary art and celebrates the exceptionally dynamic culture of Los Angeles and its global contributions to the visual arts. The seventh edition of the fair returns to Santa Monica Airport and will feature approximately 100 galleries, an expansive program of ambitious installations, collaborations with nonprofit organizations, and pop-ups from some of Los Angeles’ most beloved restaurants.

DTLA Artnight art show near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

DTLA ArtNight Emerging Artist Gallery 125 W 4th St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLA ArtNight is a cultural gathering and art walk organized monthly on first Thursdays where over 25 Galleries debut new exhibitions from their fine arts collections. These works encompass a wide array of mediums from artists across LA, the U.S. and the world. DTLA ArtNight was launched by Happening In DTLA, and looks to help revitalize Downtown Los Angeles through culture and connection. The opening reception each month is the first Thursday of the month from 6PM – 10PM.

Cyberpunk exhibition at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Cyberpunk Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Closes Apr 12 Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema examines the global impact and lasting influence of the science fiction subgenre cyberpunk on cinema culture. Featuring an immersive media installation and an exclusive selection of key production materials and props, the exhibition highlights cyberpunk’s 20th-century origins and the new, global directions it has taken in the 21st century. 


Autry Museum of the American West near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Free Museum Days

Did you know that you can experience art, culture, and history at LA’s storied museums without spending a dime? Every month, museums across the city open their doors for free on specific days so everyone can enjoy the rich tapestry of human experience, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Explore the city’s cultural gems and embrace the spirit of art and knowledge. Check museum websites for free days.


The David Geffen Galleries at LACMA near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

David Geffen Galleries LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening April 2026 In the works for well over a decade and under construction since 2020, the David Geffen Galleries, a single-building replacement for LACMA’s eastern campus, will finally welcome museum goers in April. The Peter Zumthor–designed structure will have shopping and restaurant spaces on the ground floor, while its vast single floor of galleries floats above both sides of Wilshire Boulevard. 


DATALAND Museum of AI Arts and digital ecosystem near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

DATALAND The Grand LA 100 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening Spring 2026 DATALAND is the world’s first Museum of AI Arts and digital ecosystem dedicated to data visualization and AI-based creativity. DATALAND will unite pioneers in diverse fields including the arts, science, AI research, and cutting-edge technology under the artistic leadership of Refik Anadol Studio. With its flagship location launching in Spring, 2026 at The Grand LA, the Frank Gehry-designed development in Downtown Los Angeles, DATALAND will join the renowned visual and performing arts institutions in the city’s cultural and civic corridor.


Yoko Ono exhibition at The Broad near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

May 23 – Oct 25 Yoko Ono, the visionary artist, musician, and activist whose work has shaped contemporary culture for more than seven decades, will be celebrated at The Broad in Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, the artist’s first solo museum exhibition in Southern California, organized in collaboration with Tate Modern, London. Visitors will be invited to directly participate in many of Ono’s works that transform simple acts into expressions of peace and connection.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art  One Lucas Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037

Opening Sep 22, 2026 The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art celebrates the power of visual storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum explores how images move us and shape our collective memory. Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD, the Lucas Museum is located in Exposition Park in South Los Angeles. The museum’s campus includes new green space designed by Mia Lehrer and her team at Studio-MLA. Inside the building, the galleries explore timeless themes—family, love, work, play, fantasy, and more. Additional spaces include two state-of-the-art cinematic theaters and dedicated areas for learning, dining, retail, and events.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Photo #2: LA Art Show

Photo #3: Felix Art Fair 

Photo #4: Frieze Los Angeles

Photo #5: DTLA ArtNight 

Photo #6: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Photo #7: Autry Museum

Photo #8: Museum Associates/LACMA by Gary Leonard

Photo #9: DATALAND

Photo #10: The Broad

Photo #11: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art 

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