Mark your calendar! Museums Free-for-All returns on Sunday, March 16, 2025, offering free general admission to over 30 museums and cultural institutions across Southern California. This one-day event is a fantastic opportunity for families to experience art, history, science, and more—without spending a dime!
A Family-Friendly Tradition
The SoCal Museums Free-for-All has become a favorite tradition, allowing families to explore world-class museums without the usual admission costs. Whether your kids love dinosaurs, space, art, or history, there’s something for everyone. It’s also a great way to introduce little ones to new experiences without committing to a full-price ticket.
“As Los Angeles and Southern California continue to recover after the devastating fires, we hope to offer a space of comfort and connection for people. It is an honor for us to open our collective doors and welcome visitors in to experience the broad range of cultural experiences available in the region,” says Alexa Nishimoto, SoCal Museums President.
What You Need to Know:
✅ Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
✅ Admission: Free general admission at participating museums
✅ Parking: Regular parking fees apply
✅ Exhibits: Special exhibitions may require a separate ticket
✅ Metro Discounts: Many museums offer discounts for Metro riders with a TAP card
✅ Early Access: A few museums will offer free admission on Saturday, March 15 instead
Explore Southern California’s Museums for Free
From Los Angeles to Orange County, Ventura County, and beyond, this is your chance to explore incredible museums without the usual ticket cost. Whether it’s your first visit or a chance to return to a family favorite, there’s no better day to discover SoCal’s cultural gems.
Year-Round Free Museum Days
Missed Museums Free-for-All? No worries! Many museums offer free admission days throughout the year. Check out the full schedule of year-round free days.
 Thinkstock images via Canva |
Plan Your Visit
Before heading out, check individual museum websites for hours, special exhibits, and parking details. With over 30 locations participating, you’re sure to find a fun and educational outing for the whole family!
Make the most of this free museum day in Southern California—grab the kids, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of exploration and learning!
Check out the participating museums below:
Los Angeles County
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - Los Angeles
- Advance reservations are encouraged. Standby line will be available.
- American Museum of Ceramic Art - Advance reservations are required.
- Autry Museum of the American West - Advance reservations are required. TAP card holders always receive $4 off regular admission at the Autry.
- Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College
- The Broad
- California African American Museum
- California Botanic Garden
- Catalina Museum for Art & History
- Columbia Memorial Space Center
- Craft Contemporary
- Forest Lawn Museum
- Fowler Museum at UCLA
- Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine University
- The Getty Center
- GRAMMY Museum
- Hammer Museum
- Holocaust Museum LA
- Institute Contemporary Art, LA
- International Printing Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits & Museum - Advance tickets required. Visit website to make a reservation.
- LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art - LACMA
- The Museum of Contemporary Art - MOCA - Advance tickets strongly recommended. Visit website to make a reservation.
- Museum of Latin America Art - MOLAA
- Museum of Tolerance
- Santa Monica History Museum
- Skirball Cultural Center - Advance tickets strongly recommended. Visit website to make a reservation.
- The Wende Museum
Orange County
Riverside County
Santa Barbara County
San Bernardino County
The 2025 Museums Free-For-All is sponsored by LAist, PBS SoCal and The SoCal Sound.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore SoCal’s museums for free. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or revisiting a classic, it’s the perfect day for family fun and learning!
About SoCal Museums
SoCal Museums - SCM is a network of marketing and communications professionals from museums across Southern California. Their mission is to promote collaboration, increase museum awareness, and boost visitation. Learn more visit the SoCal Museums website.
