Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Tickets & Visitor Guide to the World's Premier Film Museum
⏱ 2.5-3.5 hours👤 All ages$$
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Opened in 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the flagship museum of cinema, created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the organization behind the Oscars. It occupies the restored former May Company building, a 1939 Streamline Moderne landmark on the Miracle Mile, joined to a striking spherical concrete-and-glass addition designed by Renzo Piano that houses a 1,000-seat theater and a rooftop terrace with views toward the Hollywood Hills.
Inside, the museum tells the story of movies through several floors of exhibits: the core "Stories of Cinema" galleries trace film history, craft, and culture; rotating and permanent displays showcase original props, costumes, and artifacts (instantly recognizable pieces from beloved films have featured among them); and interactive experiences let visitors step into the filmmaking process — including a popular simulated Oscars experience where you can imagine accepting an Academy Award. Galleries also spotlight individual filmmakers and the global breadth of cinema.
It's both substantive and fun, appealing to serious cinephiles and casual movie fans alike. Allow a few hours; special exhibitions and film screenings in the theaters may be ticketed separately. Its Miracle Mile location next to LACMA and near the La Brea Tar Pits makes it easy to combine into a cultural day. As with any museum, specific exhibits rotate, so check what's currently on view when you book.
What to Expect
Format
Self-paced across several floors of exhibits on the art and history of film, plus interactive experiences. Special exhibitions and theater screenings may be ticketed separately. On the Miracle Mile.
Best Time
Weekday mornings are quietest. Book ahead in peak season. Allow time for the rooftop terrace views.
Duration
2.5-3.5 hours; more if you add a screening.
Tips
Don't miss the interactive experiences, including the simulated Oscars moment, and the rooftop terrace in the Piano sphere. Check whether special exhibitions or theater screenings need separate tickets. It's next to LACMA and near the La Brea Tar Pits — an easy cultural cluster to combine.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Movie lovers of all kinds — from serious cinephiles to casual fans — wanting the definitive film museum.
Families
Engaging for kids who love movies; the interactive experiences and recognizable props are hits, and it's more dynamic than a traditional art museum.
Couples
A fun, shared outing for film-loving couples; the rooftop views and immersive exhibits are highlights.
Pair With
LACMA (next door) and the La Brea Tar Pits (nearby) on the Miracle Mile; a studio tour for a full movie-themed trip.
Time Needed
Half a day.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the Academy Museum?
It's the flagship museum of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the organization behind the Oscars — opened in 2021 to explore the art, science, and history of cinema.
What will I see?
Several floors of exhibits on film history and craft, original props and costumes from beloved films, interactive experiences (including a simulated Oscars moment), and galleries on filmmakers and global cinema.
What's the building like?
It pairs a restored 1939 Streamline Moderne landmark with a dramatic spherical glass-and-concrete addition by architect Renzo Piano, which houses a theater and a rooftop terrace with views toward the Hollywood Hills.
Where is it and what's nearby?
On the Miracle Mile next to LACMA and near the La Brea Tar Pits — an easy cultural cluster to combine into a half-day or more.
Are screenings and special exhibitions included?
Special exhibitions and film screenings in the theaters may be ticketed separately from general admission. Check what's on when you book.
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