thebroadmuseum Archives

10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in LA

The heat is on, with no end in sight. Temperatures may be soaring, but if you resist the temptation to hunker down in your air conditioned cocoon, you’ll find a multitude of refreshing opportunities to survive the summer sizzle. From immersive exhibitions and twilight garden strolls to rafting on the LA River, and even an indoor ice skating rink, we’ve rounded up 10 cool ways to beat the heat in LA!

Circa elliptical pool & cabanas at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Happiness begins at home! Luxuriate in the resort-like ambiance of Circa’s two-acre rooftop park and amenity collection. Our 75-foot lap pool provides a revitalizing respite from sultry summer weather. Enjoy a dip in the elliptical pool and take a relaxing break in our private cabanas.

LA Underwater - exhibition at NHM near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

L.A. Underwater Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Before it was the vibrant city we know, Los Angeles was underwater for over 90 million years. Dive into NHM’s newest multimedia-rich, immersive exhibition L.A. Underwater and discover L.A.’s prehistoric past through the stories of nearly 40 fossils that are uncovering the secrets of our submerged prehistory. Many of these fossils were found by everyday Angelenos, from construction workers unearthing over 2,000 fish fossils while working on the Metro line to Museum neighbors discovering a whale skull while digging an irrigation ditch in Lincoln Heights. These locally-discovered fossils are helping scientists understand the topography of the city’s past and present.

The Huntington Botanical Gardens near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Twilight Garden Strolls at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Get ready for relaxation and exploration as you wander the gardens with friends and family after hours. The Red Car coffee shop will be open until 5:30PM and the 1919 Cafe will be open serving a selection of grilled items, house-made soups, hand-crafted sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go fare from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Food and drink are not permitted while strolling, but you may bring bottled water and a blanket to sit on the lawn. Most gardens will be open for your enjoyment. However, the library, art galleries, The Rose Hills Conservatory, and the Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden will be closed.

LA Kings Valley Ice Center indoor ice skating near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Kings Valley Ice Center 8750 Van Nuys Blvd. Panorama City, CA 91402

The Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center, home of the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, is a two ice surface facility located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. The rink offers everything in relation to the ice including hockey, ice skating, curling, broomball, public sessions, sticktime, learn to skate classes, group lessons, private lessons, filming, and special events.

Lucky Strike LA Live bowling near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Lucky Strike LA Live 800 W Olympic Blvd. Ste. 250, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Nestled just steps away from the Crypto.com Arena, Lucky Strike LA Live is the perfect place to roll a few frames, shoot some pool, and enjoy delicious cocktails and tasty bites. Featuring 18 premium lanes, tons of screens to catch all the big games, and plenty of tasty cuisine to fuel your fun, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Check out the luxury suite that offers a private setting with four lanes, two billiards tables, and a private bar.

Keith Haring at The Broad art museum near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Broad presents the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work and features over 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant color, energetic line work, and iconic characters, like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s work continues to dissolve barriers between art and life, and spread joy, all while being rooted in the creative spirit and mission of his subway drawings and renowned public murals.

Grand Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Gloria Molina Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

With its majestic views extending from the Music Center to City Hall, Grand Park provides Angelenos a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and and play. Throughout Grand Park, open spaces are available for casual sitting, leisurely strolling, and dining al fresco. Grand Park has four distinct areas featuring amenities ranging from a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a new wade-able membrane pool, a small intimate performance lawn, a community terrace planted with drought-tolerant specimen plants, and a grand event lawn.

McConnells's Fine Ice Cream near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

McConnell’s Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

For 70 years, McConnell’s has been making dense and pure-flavored ice creams, with smooth, consistent texture and a rich, velvety mouth feel – all made from scratch with a few, simple ingredients. McConnell’s mission is to produce the finest ice creams in the world, in the most responsible and sustainable way possible. In the process, they aim to enrich and enliven the communities in which they operate, and leave the world just a little bit “sweeter” than they found it.

Playa Vista Farmers' Market - Farm Habit near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

South Park Farmers’ Market 11th & Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Downtown LA has just booked another farmer’s market, this time in the South Park neighborhood. The South Park Farmers’ Market takes place each Saturday, from 9AM to 2PM on Grand Ave and 11th St. A diverse bunch of farmers, foodies, and artisans will be accompanied by live music. Market offerings include locally grown fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, French pastries, Southern gumbo, tamales, and free-range meat from a local rancher who practices regenerative agriculture. So come out, stock up for the week, and enjoy the community.

LA River Expeditions

Start your urban adventure! LA River Expeditions is the original boating organization on the Los Angeles River. The founders 2008 expedition down the river’s 51 miles (from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean) launched their involvement with the LA River revitalization as a nonprofit organization, committed to improving the quality of life in our community. This groundbreaking activism was a key factor in changing Federal environmental policy by winning Clean Water Act protections in 2010 for the Los Angeles River and waterways across the country. LA River enthusiasts can book kayak tours in both Los Angeles River recreational zones: Sepulveda Basin Recreation Zone and Elysian Valley Recreation Zone.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Circa LA

Photo #2: Circa LA

Photo #3: Natural History Museum

Photo #4: The Huntington

Photo #5: LA Kings Valley Ice Center

Photo #6: Lucky Strike LA Live

Photo #7: The Broad

Photo #8: Gloria Molina Grand Park

Photo #9: McConnell’s

Photo #10: Playa Vista Farmers’ Market

Photo #11: LA River Expeditions

Cultural Agenda: LA’s Top Exhibitions to See Now

April is Arts Month, a month-long celebration established by Arts for LA to promote arts and culture throughout Los Angeles. And what a month it is! LA is a visual feast, with must-see exhibitions, multi-media shows, and immersive experiences, many not far from Circa. If you’re ready to curate your own personal cultural agenda, there are some highly anticipated shows to put on your list, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, which just opened at The Grand LA, and Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody, coming to The Broad in May. You’ll also discover intriguing on-going exhibitions around town, with offerings as richly diverse as our city itself. Get your tickets now, as these shows can sell out fast.

Jean-Michel Basquiat- King Pleasure art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure The Grand LA 100 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s contributions to the history of art and his explorations of multifaceted cultural phenomena––including music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources––will be showcased through immersive environments providing unique insight into the late artist’s creative life and his singular voice that propelled a social and cultural narrative that continues to this day. Organized and curated by his family, this exhibition of over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.

William Kentridge - In Praise of Shadows art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

William Kentridge’s first monograph presentation at The Broad and his first major exhibition in Los Angeles in two decades will feature more than 130 works in an engaging and interactive design by Belgian designer Sabine Theunissen. Surveying 35 years of the celebrated South African artist’s practice, this landmark exhibition includes all 18 works from the Broad collection with substantial loans from across the United States and South Africa. A highlight of the exhibition is The Broad collection’s 30-minute five-channel video and multimedia installation The Refusal of Time (2012).

Keith Haring - Art is for Everybody art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opens May 27 The Broad will present the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work and will feature over 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant color, energetic linework and iconic characters like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s work continues to dissolve barriers between art and life and spread joy, all while being rooted in the creative spirit and mission of his subway drawings and renowned public murals: art is for everybody. Curated by Broad curator and exhibition manager Sarah Loyer, the exhibition will explore both Haring’s artistic practice and life, with much of the source material for the exhibition coming from his personal journals.

LA Plaza Cocina art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Plaza Cocina 501 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA Plaza Cocina presents The Legacy of Cacao, an exhibition focusing on chocolate, one of the most popular foods in the world. The exhibition follows the evolution of chocolate from its first reference by the Olmec civilization more than 2,000 years ago, to the present day, and reveals how the sacred connotations of the original pre-Hispanic beverage remain alive in contemporary Mexico. LA Plaza Cocina is the first museum in the United States to explore the history and culture of Mexican food, and how Mexico’s Mesoamerican culinary history is still a large part of the Los Angeles community and the world today.

NHM Butterfly Pavilion exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Wonder takes flight at the Museum! Walk among beautiful butterflies in the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer. With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, come get one of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects. While you’re at NHM, check out the schedule for First Fridays. Explore the Natural History Museum after hours with live music, DJs, topical discussions, signature cocktails, pop-up experiences, special NHM collections displays, and more.

Mr. Brainwash Art Museum art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mr Brainwash Art Museum 455 N Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The appropriately named “Mr Brainwash Art Museum” is the current pop-up exhibit in the once Paley Center of Media building. Artiste extraordinaire Thierry Guetta, aka Mr Brainwash, acquired the museum to develop it into a vibrant exhibit of his own works and those of other artists whom he admires – similar to his 2018 New York City pop-up exhibit which included paintings, sculptures and multi-media displays “brainwashed” with his signature uplifting commentary, historical imagery, and cornucopia of color.

Refik Anadol - Living Paintings art exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Refik Anadol: Living Paintings Jeffrey Deitch Gallery 925 N Orange Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90038

Living Paintings, Refik Anadol’s first major solo exhibition in Los Angeles, will showcase the complete series of Anadol’s artworks that are based on California-related datasets, and explore his fascination with the environments – physical, public, virtual, and multidimensional – that play an instrumental role in shaping his artistic vision. Merging collective memories of urban life and nature with groundbreaking machine learning and visualization technologies, Living Paintings invites a poetic and futuristic contemplation of purposeful human-machine collaborations. Refik Anadol, born in Istanbul, Turkey, is an internationally renowned media artist, director, and leader in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. He is also a lecturer in UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts.

Desert X outdoor art exhibition in Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs, California.

Desert X W8F6+56, Palm Springs, CA 92282

If you’re heading out to the Coachella Valley, be sure to check out Desert X. This sprawling exhibition will activate the desert landscape through 12 installations by artists from Europe, North America and South Asia, whose poetic and immersive works span a multitude of disciplines, including sculpture, painting, photography, architecture, and more. Desert X is produced by The Desert Biennial, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in California, conceived to produce recurring international contemporary art exhibitions that activate desert locations through site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists.

Titanic The Exhibition near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Titanic The Exhibition 4327 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004

Embark on an immersive, interactive tour of the Titanic with vast, jaw-dropping recreations of the ship’s interior and exterior. Visit the dock from where the Titanic first sailed, explore the galleries and boiler room, take a look inside a millionaire’s suite, stroll the exterior promenade deck under a starry night sky, and see the Grand Staircase with your own eyes. As you take in the stunning photography of the Titanic and step across the ocean floor strewn with relics, you’ll feel like you’re walking through history.

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age art exhibition near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Coded: Art Enters the Computer Age, 1952–1982 explores how the rise of computer technology, together with its emergence in popular consciousness, impacted the making of art in the age of the mainframe. International and interdisciplinary in scope, Coded examines the origins of what we now call digital art, featuring artists, writers, musicians, choreographers, and filmmakers working directly with computers, as well as those using algorithms and other systems to produce their work. Whether computer-generated or not, the many artworks considered here reflect the simultaneous wonder and alienation that was characteristic of the 1960s and ’70s, along with the utopian and dystopian possibilities of these new machines. Today, with digital technology having been fully integrated into our lives, the exhibition’s examination of the years leading up to the advent of the personal computer is relevant, even imperative, to fully appreciating art and culture in the age of the computer.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Broad

Photo #2: Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure

Photo #3: The Broad

Photo #4: The Broad

Photo #5: LA Plaza Cocina

Photo #6: Natural History Museum

Photo #7: Mr. Brainwash Art Museum

Photo #8: Jeffrey Deitch Gallery

Photo #9: Desert X

Photo #10: Titanic The Exhibition

Photo #11: LACMA

Culture Fix: LA’s Best Exhibitions & Immersive Experiences

LA is a visual feast this season, with must-see exhibitions, multi-media shows, and immersive experiences. So if you’re craving a culture fix, you’ll find plenty of inspiration near Circa. Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb are two spectacular exhibitions: Immersive King Tut at Lighthouse ArtSpace, and King Tut: The Immersive Experience from National Geographic opening November 4 in DTLA. Other upcoming shows include Brewery Artwork, William Kentrdige: In Praise of Shadows at The Broad, and Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts at The Huntington. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now, as these exhibitions can quickly sell out. Please check websites for health & safety protocols.

Alexander McQueen exhibition at LACMA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse LACMA 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

One of the most significant contributors to fashion between 1990 and 2010, Lee Alexander McQueen (London, 1969–2010) was both a conceptual and technical virtuoso. The first McQueen exhibition on the West Coast, Lee Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse contextualizes the designer’s imaginative work within a canon of artmakers who drew upon analogous themes and visual references. Exploring imagination, artistic process, and innovation in fashion and art, the exhibition examines the interdisciplinary impulse that defined the designer’s career. On display are select McQueen garments from the Collection of Regina J. Drucker alongside artworks largely from LACMA’s permanent collection.

Flutter Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Flutter Experience 217 S La Brea Los Angeles, CA 90036

Located just five minutes from LACMA, Flutter is an immersive sensory journey with projection mapping, painting, virtual reality, dancing, sound baths, and much more. Rated as America’s number one art experience, Flutter has brought incredible artists together to transform 14 rooms into spaces that will inspire you to play, create, imagine, and explore. Flutter partnered with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, who advise on mental health and youth engagement issues. Discover the interactive experience that will uplift your soul and allow you to interact with art like never before.

Color Fields LA exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Color Fields LA Blush Studios LA 147 N Mission Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90033

Come experience Color Fields in a new type of exhibition and event space in Los Angeles. This 10,000 square foot exhibition of analogue color theory exploration through light, shape, form, movement, technology, and self will test what you think you may understand about color and combinations. Step into and take a walk through Color Fields’ five detailed exhibit landscapes with some added color and shadow follies, each providing a different analogy of how we see, experience, and translate colors.

The Autry Museum exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Autry Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027

If you’re a fan of the American West, The Autry Museum in Griffin Park should be at the top of your must do list. The museum features world-class galleries showcasing the art, history and cultures of the American West plus film memorabilia, historic firearms and more. Their current exhibition, Dress Codes, is about what we wear, how we wear it, and why. Visitors can explore how the clothing in our closets have long and often surprising histories, unpacking cultural histories of western style. The exhibition is organized around six enduring icons of western style: blue jeans, plaid shirt, fringed jackets, aloha shirt, China Poblana dress, and the cowboy boot.

Immersive King Tut exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Immersive King Tut Lighthouse ArtSpace 6400 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

100 years ago, the boy king’s tomb was discovered. Celebrate the anniversary by venturing into the Valley of the Kings at Immersive King Tut. The groundbreaking immersive King Tut experience takes you on a mythical journey through the Egyptian afterlife. As pharaoh, Tutankhamun was the sun of his nation. In this immersive experience, you will follow him on his journal through the underworld. Will he triumph and bring his people eternal light and prosperity? Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt and unravel the myths and legends of King Tut like never before.

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience Magic Box LA 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Opens Nov 4 A hundred years after the legendary discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt comes National Geographic’s Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience, exclusively at Magic Box LA. Produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society, Beyond King Tut takes visitors on an immersive cinematic journey to Egypt to witness ancient wonders of the world, like the Temple at Karnak and the Great Sphinx, all in stunning high-resolution detail. Audiences then gaze upon a brilliant Egyptian sunrise over the Pyramids of Giza, before traveling back in time 3,300 years to the 18th dynasty and the age of the Golden Pharaohs when King Tut ruled. There, they meet Ancient Egyptian gods like Ra and Anubis, while descending into King Tut’s burial chamber and joining him on his quest for immortality.

Brewery Artwalk exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Brewery Artwalk 2100 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Nov 5 – 6 The Brewery Artwalk is a twice annual open studio weekend at the worlds largest art complex. With over 100 participating resident artists, you will have the opportunity to see new works, discover new favorites, speak with the artists, and purchase artwork directly from the artists’ studios. The creation of the Brewery Arts Complex began in 1982 at the site of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery. With the passing of the Los Angeles Artist-In-Residence code, artists could rent live/work space in industrially zoned buildings. Come and support LA’s finest artists, take home some great works, and dine at the on-site restaurant. Admission and parking are free.

William Kentridge Houseboy theatrical performance at REDCAT near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opens Nov 12 William Kentridge’s first monograph presentation at The Broad and his first major exhibition in Los Angeles in two decades will feature more than 130 works in an engaging and interactive design by Belgian designer Sabine Theunissen. Surveying 35 years of the celebrated South African artist’s practice, this landmark exhibition includes all 18 works from the Broad collection with substantial loans from across the United States and South Africa. Don’t miss the world theatrical premiere of the performance Houseboy, a production of the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg, directed by William Kentridge, at REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater), in downtown Los Angeles from November 17–20. Tickets HERE

Skirball Cultural Center exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049

Opens Nov 17 American Quilt Stories features works by more than forty artists, including Harriet Powers, Bisa Butler, and Sanford Biggers. Come celebrate the artistry and vision of a diverse and largely under-recognized group of creators in an exhibition that brings to light stories that enrich, deepen, and complicate our understanding of the American experience. Fabric of a Nation illuminates the unique capacity quilts have to tell stories and convey a sense of humanity. Whether produced as works of art or utilitarian objects, their tactile, intricate mode of creation and traditional use in the home impart deeply personal narratives of their makers and offer an intimate picture of American life. While you’re there, take some time to explore The Skirball’s beautiful campus in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts at The Huntington exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Opens Dec 10 The international traveling exhibition Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts explores the early inspirations behind Disney Studios’ creations, examining Walt Disney’s fascination with European art and the use of French motifs in Disney films and theme parks. Walt Disney had a deep affection for France, having served there as an ambulance driver following World War I. It was then that he first became fascinated with Europe and European art. Inspiring Walt Disney highlights his art and architecture encounters during return trips following the war. Approximately 50 works of 18th-century European decorative art and design, many of which are drawn from The Huntington’s significant collection, are featured alongside hand-drawn production artworks and works on paper from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, Walt Disney Archives, Walt Disney Imagineering Collection, and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Flutter Experience

Photo #2: LACMA

Photo #3: Flutter Experience

Photo #4: Blush Studios LA

Photo #5: The Autry Museum

Photo #6: Immersive King Tut

Photo #7: Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Photo #8: Brewery Artwalk

Photo #9: The Broad

Photo #10: Skirball Cultural Center

Photo #11: The Huntington

LA’s Best Exhibitions & Immersive Experiences

Great news for art lovers. Some of LA’s most coveted exhibitions, like Kusama Infinity Rooms at The Broad and Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, have reopened to the public at last. You’ll also discover must-see shows as richly diverse as our city itself, such as The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi Stadium, Garden of Words calligraphy exhibition at The Huntington, and a gallery showcasing Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology at Japan House. If you’re looking to get your culture on, you’ll find plenty of inspiration near Circa. Check websites for health protocols and reservations.

Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free The Canvas @L.A. Live 944 Georgia St. Los Angeles CA 90015

Have you visited the Tupac Shakur, Wake Me When I’m Free exhibit yet? This immersive and thought-provoking experience explores the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur. You can catch it right across the street from Circa at The Canvas. Created in collaboration with the Shakur Estate, this exhibit leverages technology, contemporary art, and never before seen artifacts from Tupac’s personal archives, and delves into the greater meaning of his activism, music, and revolutionary art.

Kusama The Souls of Millions exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Kusama Infinity Rooms The Broad 221 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Two of Yayoi Kusama’s groundbreaking Infinity Mirror Rooms have reopened to the public. Kusama’s Longing for Eternity (2017) is currently on view. Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013) is open with reservations required in advance. Born and raised in Japan, Yayoi Kusama has consistently created artwork about repetition and the concept of infinity. In 1965, Kusama produced her first Infinity Mirror Room, creating the illusion of infinite space using mirrors. Since then, Kusama has made more than twenty unique rooms. Book your tickets HERE

Banksy: Genius or Vandal? exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Banksy: Genius or Vandal? 10113 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232

In case you missed it the first time around, Banksy is back at an iconic location in Culver City. The exhibition includes over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the now classics Girl with Balloon, similar to the one destroyed by the artist at the auctioneer Sotheby’s in London. For the very first time, the public will be able to discover the works of Banksy in their natural habitat, thanks to an impressive multimedia installation. In addition, enjoy at the end of the exhibition a virtual reality experience through the artist’s career, created especially for this event.

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience 1345 N. Montebello Blvd. Montebello, CA 90640

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience is a 20,000 square foot light and sound spectacular featuring two-story projections of the artist’s most compelling works. Encounter the brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists in 360 degrees. The exhibition features a one of kind Virtual Reality component, which guides you on a ten-minute journey through “A day in the life of the Artist.” Walk alongside Monet during this peaceful, visually rich journey to discover the inspiration behind eight of his iconic works.

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037

The California Science Center proudly presents the world premiere of Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia – an international touring exhibition featuring over 120 ancient artifacts, half of which are on tour for the first time. Journey back 900 years to discover engineering and cultural marvels and daily life in the Khmer empire. Visit the exhibition and see the immersive IMAX movie Angkor 3D – a visually stunning IMAX adventure where science and mystery intersect on a 7-story screen.

Jane Goodall exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Becoming Jane Natural History Museum 900 W Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Explore a hands-on, transportive, multimedia exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and work of world-renowned conservationist and ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall. As an intrepid young woman with a dream to learn about animals in Africa, Dr. Goodall traveled to what is now Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and immersed herself by observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Rather than seeing the animals as subjects, she came to know them as individuals with personalities and emotion – a notion now considered revolutionary. Today, in her current role as an activist, mentor and advocate for creating a better world, she inspires us all.

Pipilotti Rist Geffen Contemporary at MOCA exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Pipilotti Rist Geffen Contemporary at MOCA 152 N Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor is the first West Coast survey of the internationally renowned Swiss media artist. Rist’s installations explore relationships of video and the body; exterior environments and interior psychological landscapes; and reason and instinct, and exuberantly probe the video medium’s capaciousness – for vivid color; sweeping views and extreme close-ups; introspection and cultural critique; and, importantly, the creation of shared experiences within the museum public space.

GRAMMY Museum exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom GRAMMY Museum 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom examines the role music has played in informing and inspiring social consciousness throughout American history. Charting a path from spirituals sung by enslaved people in America and the songs and sounds of the American Revolution, to the mass movement of music and art that helped to stir action during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, to the continued fight for racial justice in America today, the exhibit spans time and genre to tell the stories of music’s role as a source of inspiration and education.

Garden of Words exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Garden of Words Part 2 The Huntington1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Celebrating the recent opening of the final phase of its Chinese Garden, The Huntington presents an exhibition of contemporary Chinese calligraphy as the inaugural installation in the garden’s new art gallery, the Studio for Lodging the Mind. The exhibition is designed to illuminate the art form and foster deeper appreciation of its expressive qualities. The works on view comprise the original calligraphic scrolls that served as the models for inscriptions throughout the garden. To complement the show, a series of calligraphy demonstrations by featured artists will be offered inside an adjacent structure known as the Flowery Brush Library.

Japan House exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Japan House 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

From manga to modern architecture, prototyping to paper culture, the Gallery at Japan House is dedicated to highlighting the best of Japanese culture. Minimal, refined, and intricate, these creators embrace Japanese aesthetics through a myriad of mediums including art, fashion, gastronomy, technology, textiles, and literature. An innovative project of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan House seeks to foster awareness and appreciation for Japan around the world by showcasing the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, technology, and more.

The Kinsey Collection exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Kinsey Collection SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr. Inglewood, CA 90301

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection is the inspired work of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, and their son Khalil, and considered one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Beginning over 50 years ago, the Kinsey’s have been on a journey of collecting fine art and primary source historical objects that document the African American experience and illuminate the untold stories of Black Excellence throughout U.S. history. Curated by Khalil Kinsey and historian Larry Earl, the exhibition focuses on the lives, accomplishments, and brilliance of African Americans from the 16th century through the years of slavery and emancipation to the civil rights movement through modern day.

Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Immersive Frida Kahlo Lighthouse Artspace 6400 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Explore the world through the eyes of the legendary Frida Kahlo – a brilliant, uncompromising painter who created some of the history’s most iconic artwork. As you stroll through the Lighthouse Immersive gallery, you will see the Mexico-born artist’s work come to life on a grand scale and discover the people, events, and obstacles that made her the extraordinary woman she was. The mesmerizing, large-scale projections, accompanied by a ravishing musical score, will sweep you up as you encounter Frida as never before. Frida Kahlo’s art is not only beautiful on an aesthetic level; it has also become a universal symbol of resilience and perseverance.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: The Broad

Photo #2: Tupac Shakur Wake Me When I’m Free

Photo #3: The Broad

Photo #4: Exhibition Banksy: Genius or Vandal?

Photo #5: Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience

Photo #6: California Science Center

Photo #7: Natural History Museum

Photo #8: Geffen Contemporary at MOCA

Photo #9: GRAMMY Museum

Photo #10: The Huntington

Photo #11: Japan House

Photo #12: The Kinsey Collection

Photo #13: Immersive Frida Kahlo

Major Arts Organizations Offer Live Streaming & Access to Digital Archives

The Culture Beat goes on! Major arts organizations, including LA Phil, LA Opera, The Met, Hammer Museum, and The Broad, are offering free live streaming and access to their digital archives! Ordinarily, you might have to pay a hefty fee for some of these services, but in the spirit of healing through art, these institutions are throwing open their virtual doors and sharing their treasures with the world. In these unprecedented times, please consider making a donation to your favorite arts organization to keep our culture beat alive and thriving!

LA Opera@Home

Opera is bigger than just a stage – that’s why LA Opera is bringing it directly into your home. Enjoy all kinds of opera from the comfort of your couch, regardless of your previous experience or knowledge of opera. Whether it’s live Living Room Recitals, broadcasts of old performances, or how-to’s with some of your favorite artists, there are a ton of ways you can #LAOAtHome.

LA Phil At Home With Gustavo

Gustavo Dudamel has partnered with KUSC in Los Angeles and KDFC in San Francisco on a new radio show that he’s recording in his home. Tune in Tuesday-Friday at 6pm and Sunday at 7pm to hear Gustavo Dudamel’s broadcast on KUSC and KDFC, both on the air and online. You can also explore LA Phil’s archives online including videos, music, podcasts, interviews, and more.

Berlin Philharmonie Digital Concert Hall

The Berlin Philharmonie is closed for now, so they will come to you. The Digital Concert Hall is now free for everyone. Redeem the voucher code BERLINPHIL and receive free access to all concerts and films. The Philharmonie Berlin has been the musical heart of Berlin since 1963. Located at the periphery of West Berlin when it opened, it became part of the new urban center after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The distinctive tent-like shape and eye-catching bright yellow color makes it one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. The unusual architecture and innovative concert hall design initially ignited controversy, but it now serves as a model for concert halls all over the world.

The Metropolitan Opera Nightly Opera Stream

During this extraordinary time, the Met hopes to brighten the lives of their audience members even while their stage is dark. The Metropolitan Opera is offering free Nightly Opera Streams on their website – performances that show off opera at its most thrilling, thought-provoking, and uplifting. Each day, a different encore presentation from the company’s Live in HD series is available for free streaming, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. The schedule will include outstanding complete performances from the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of opera’s greatest singers.

Geffen Stayhouse

Geffen Stayhouse, presented by the Geffen Playhouse, is sharing exclusive, original content every Wednesday from some of their wonderful Geffen alumns and favorite theater artists. You can also watch full-length productions of Geffen Playhouse shows on BroadwayHD, including Long Day’s Journey Into Night, featuring Alfred Molina and Jane Kaczmarek; Thom Pain, featuring Rainn Wilson (The Office); and Benjamin Scheuer’s The Lion. And as a special treat, Benjamin is presenting an exclusive performance of “Weather the Storm” from The Lion all the way from Wales, UK, where he’s hunkering down with his family.

Hammer Museum Watch & Listen

Art has the power to transport us and to give insight into pressing cultural, political, and social questions. The Hammer’s lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and performances aim to spark meaningful encounters with art and ideas. Many of these programs were recorded and you’ll find selected highlights on their website. Find more on their YouTube channel. You can also watch interviews with Hammer artists.

The Broad From Home

While The Broad may be temporarily closed, they’re still committed to inspiring and fostering an appreciation of contemporary art. Through their new digital initiatives, they are offering ways to experience #TheBroadFromHome. Find inspiration through music, videos, poetry, and conversations (from a distance!). Check out the Infinite Drone Series, a new, contemplative way of experiencing The Broad’s most popular artwork, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.

GRAMMY Museum at Home

The GRAMMY Museum Exhibits at Home and Programs at Home allow you to access exhibits and watch conversations with musicians and industry professionals from their archives. The GRAMMY Museum seeks to educate and inspire all Museum visitors and members as to the enduring qualities and cultural significance of all genres of music.

LACO at Home

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s LACO AT HOME allows people everywhere to engage and listen to spellbinding performances with “America’s finest chamber orchestra” — no subscription, sign-up, or payment required. We may not be able to gather together to share music in person, but current circumstances will not prevent LACO from providing you with exquisite, enduring, personal musical experiences. LACO is happy to announce that their musicians have generously volunteered to share a wide variety of audio and video options during this time. All broadcasts can be live-streamed and streamed on-demand.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: LA Phil

Photo #2: LA Opera

Photo #3: LA Phil

Photo #4: Berlin Philharmonie

Photo #5: The Metropolitan Opera

Photo #6: Geffen Playhouse

Photo #7: Hammer Museum

Photo #8: The Broad

Photo #9: GRAMMY Museum

Photo #10: LACO

Get Your Culture Fix! DTLA’s Best Exhibitions, Theatre, Music & More!

Did you know that a trip to the theater, museum or art gallery could help you live longer? And the more often you get that culture fix the better, according to a new study from University College London. If LA’s extraordinary cultural amenities are any indication, Circa residents are destined to live long and prosper! From world-class museums to award-winning theatre, immersive performances, and inspiring art shows, it’s time to get your culture fix with DTLA’s best exhibitions, theatre, music & more!

Museums Annual Free For All Various venues

Jan 25 Over 40 museums, presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science, will open their doors and invite visitors to attend free of charge. This offer is for general museum admission only and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions. Regular parking fees apply at each museum. Consult individual museum websites for hours, directions, and other visitor information. Pictured is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms at The Broad. List of participating museums HERE

Los Angeles Central Library 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

One of LA’s best kept secrets, your LA Library card gives you access to lots more than books! Perks include free or discounted admission to L.A. cultural institutions like The Broad; free access to The New York Times and The WaPo’s digital sites; Octavia Lab, a new 3000 square foot space at the DTLA Central Library that’s full of full of all kinds of technology and gadgets to help users create, including a 3D printing machine, virtual reality gear, a laser cutter, and DIY digitation for your old photos, videos, and recordings. You also have access to 26,000 independent, documentary, classic and international films streamed free through Kanopy. You can even get free income tax preparation and filing!

The Last Ship Ahmanson Theatre 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Inspired by Sting’s 1991 album “The Soul Cages,” The Last Ship tells the story of Gideon, a prodigal son returning home after 17 years at sea to find that the local shipyard his town was built around is closing and Meg, the love he left behind, has moved on. Tensions flare and picket lines are drawn as foreman Jackie White (Sting) rallies the workers to take over the shipyard and build one last ship in the face of the gathering storm. A passionate homage to the shipbuilding community Sting grew up in, The Last Ship features a Tony-nominated original score by Sting including some of his best-loved songs “Island of Souls,” “All This Time,” and “When We Dance.”

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

JAN 26 Critics and historians consider F. W. Murnau’s Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, which won three awards at the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, to be one of the best films ever. For this world premiere presentation, Emmy Award–winning composer Jeff Beal (House of Cards, Pollock, The Biggest Little Farm) has created a brand-new score for choir and chamber orchestra, updating this silent film classic for the 21st century. Featuring the 40-voice LA Master Chorale, chamber orchestra, and silent film screening.

Mono to Immersive Grammy Museum 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Ever wonder what Cardi B would sound like on a gramophone? Just in time for the Grammy Awards, the Grammy Museum’s flagship experience room, Mono to Immersive, presented by Harman, takes you on a visual and audible journey of recorded sound from the dusty cylinders of the 19th century to the surround sound of the present as you engross yourself in your favorite GRAMMY performances. In Mono to Immersive, you will hear how recorded sound has changed and journey from the acoustic era to the digital world of today.

L.A. Murals Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

“L.A. Murals,” a new photography exhibition from the Library of Congress, documents murals painted on the streets of Los Angeles, an epicenter of the world’s street art scene. “L.A. Murals” features 30 photographs curated from the archives of photographers Carol M. Highsmith and Camilo José Vergara, which are part of the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division of more than 14 million photographs documenting America. The focus of the exhibition was inspired by the vitality of the visual arts and creativity of LA. Library curators organized the exhibit. The photographs are now on view at Walt Disney Concert Hall in the Library of Congress Ira Gershwin Gallery. The exhibition, which is free and open to visitors of the Concert Hall, will close in September 2020.

Cirque de Soleil Volta Dodger Stadium1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is about finding yourself and unveiling your personal powers. VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.

Curating the City: The ’70s Turn 50Curating the City: The ’70s Turn 50

The 50-year mark is significant when it comes to preserving buildings! The Los Angeles Conservancy is excited to present The ’70s Turn 50, an initiative exploring the 1970s’ lasting imprint on L.A. County’s built environment. In the Southland, the ’70s marked a time of unprecedented architectural exploration, and the structures left in its wake are some of the finest examples of that creative spirit. On the social and cultural front, the ’70s were a period known for strong civic engagement and activism. Frank Gehry’s use of cheap and accessible materials seen in his Santa Monica residence, from 1978, catapulted the Los Angeles Postmodernism movement onto the national stage. Throughout 2020, The LA Conservancy will tell the story of the ’70s and the decade’s lasting legacy.

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

Feb 5-9 Need some inspiration to pimp your pad? The LA Art Show is the most most comprehensive international contemporary art expo in America. Los Angeles has emerged as a global epicenter of art & culture, with a distinct, interwoven multi-cultural influence unique to the city. As LA rises as the world-class destination for art, LA Art Show continues to lead the way with innovative programming and one-of-a-kind experiences for an expanding collecting audience. More than 200,000 square feet of exhibition space are committed to today’s prominent galleries. Beyond the booth, these domestic and international galleries are curating special exhibits that are at the forefront of the burgeoning contemporary art movement.

LA’s Best Plans for Labor Day Weekend

We love Labor Day weekend! This three-day respite from the daily grind is your annual rite of passage from the waning days of summer to the fun fall days ahead. Created by the labor movement in the late 19th century, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.

So put your work ethic aside and do your patriotic duty – celebrate with LA’s best plans for Labor Day Weekend!

The Taste Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Backlot 783 N. Van Ness St Los Angeles, CA 90038

Aug 30 – Sept 1 This Labor Day weekend, join the Los Angeles Times for 3 evenings of amazing food, wine, spirits and chef experiences, plus unique culinary pop-ups and collaborations. Dozens of hand-picked local restaurants each evening will showcase our city’s rich and diverse culinary scene by serving you their best. Sip, savor, and celebrate Southern California’s most inspired food and drink. 21 and over only. Your ticket is all-inclusive and is good for unlimited food, beer, wine & spirits tastings, plus all stage activities.

John Williams Maestro of the Movies Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Aug 30 – Sept 1 John Williams’ history with the Hollywood Bowl is legendary. This year, our beloved master of cinematic scores introduces a memorable evening of his movie music to be conducted by his colleague and friend, maestro David Newman, including some selections performed with film clips. An unforgettable concert you won’t want to miss!

The Music Center Plaza Grand Opening 135 N Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90012

Celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Music Center Plaza with free events, featuring art-making, musical performances, food and festivities throughout Labor Day weekend! All are welcome as The Music Center Plaza becomes a fun, casual hangout on a long holiday weekend. The newly renovated space will be transformed into a giant backyard party filled with games and activities, splashing in The Music Center fountain, great food and more. Watch the Los Angeles Dodgers live on giant LED screens and Abernethy’s first five emerging chefs will be on hand, preparing and selling their individual versions of backyard bites and treats.

Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Ends Sept 1 Los Angeles fashion designer Rudi Gernreich (1922–1985) introduced the “monokini,” the thong, unisex caftans, pantsuits for women, and enough inventive clothing to earn him a worldwide reputation. The exhibition features over eighty Gernreich ensembles, along with accessories, original sketches, photographs, ephemera, and newly filmed interviews of friends and colleagues, illustrating how Gernreich challenged conventional notions of beauty, identity, and gender.

Soul of a Nation The Broad 221 S. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983 shines a bright light on the vital contribution of Black artists made over two decades, beginning in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement. Soul of a Nation explores how social justice movements, as well as stylistic evolutions in visual art (such as Minimalism and abstraction), were powerfully expressed in the work of artists. Featuring the work of more than 60 influential artists and including vibrant paintings, powerful sculptures, street photography, murals, and more, this landmark exhibition is a rare opportunity to see era-defining artworks that changed the face of art in America.

Labor Day Weekend @The Reserve 650 South Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Sept 1 & 2 The Reserve is kicking off Labor Day with a bang! Once filled with the riches of the wealthiest Angelenos of the 1920s, the modern day Reserve continues the tradition of excellence and sophistication by giving old school elegance a new school flair. From the unique location, to handcrafted cocktails, and alluring ambiance, The Reserve offers a wide range of luxuries in an intimate setting. Free before 11pm. For Bottle Service Reservations: Call/Text 213.716.9400 or Email at hospitality@thelareserve.com

Mimosa Mondays Labor Day Edition District 7 Bar & Lounge 555 West 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mimosa Mondays may be the most effective cure for your chronic case of post-holiday Manic Mondays. Every three day holiday weekend, The Alumni Group presents Mimosa Mondays — a brunch day party and happy hour that is the perfect end to your 3-day weekend! Have one last hurrah before you head back to that grind on Tuesday. For just $25, you can add bottomless brunch cocktails, including an array of mimosas, to your brunch entree.

LA Fleet Week Los Angeles World Cruise Center 600 N. Harbor Blvd San Pedro, CA 90731

LA Fleet Week® is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Labor Day Weekend. Free to the public, the event features active duty ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, aircraft flyovers, STEM Expo for kids of all ages, and the annual Conquer the Bridge Labor Day 5.3-mile walk/run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

88/11 Labor Day Party Exchange LA 618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Formerly the Los Angeles Stock Exchange, Exchange LA pays homage to its rich and opulent Art Deco past. After nearly two years of delicate renovations and retrofitting, Exchange LA opened as a vibrant venue that not only functions as a nightclub, but also as an event space for award shows, premiere parties, corporate events, fashion shows, film shoots and charity galas. Featuring multiple rooms, seven full service bars, state of the art lighting, sound, and a colossal LED screen display, this ornate venue sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ booming art and entertainment scene.