Hammer Museum Museum
University art museum in Los Angeles with contemporary collections
The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, affiliated with UCLA, presents contemporary art exhibitions, public programs and a collection of modern works. Audiences attend rotating shows, film screenings and campus-linked events in Westwood.
Hammer Museum at a Glance#
Address: 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States
Website: https://hammer.ucla.edu/
Hours: Wed-Sun 12:00pm-6:00pm, Thu 12:00pm-8:00pm, closed Mon-Tue (verify on museum website)
Admission: Free admission to general galleries; special exhibitions may have an admission fee (check website)
About Hammer Museum#
The Hammer Museum is an art museum and cultural center in the Westwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, known for contemporary art exhibitions, public programs and a collection that originated with Armand Hammer.
The museum grew from the collection and patronage of Armand Hammer and opened as a public museum to display that collection and contemporary art. It later developed affiliations with the University of California and expanded its program of exhibitions and public events.
Located in Westwood near the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, the museum sits on a major urban cultural corridor and is accessible by local transit and car.
- Location advantage: Sits adjacent to the UCLA campus in the Westwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, making it convenient for campus visitors and Westwood tourists.
- Programs and exhibitions: Public programming includes regular film screenings, artist talks and temporary exhibitions focused on contemporary art and visual culture.
What to See#
- Billy Wilder Theater: A dedicated auditorium used for film screenings, talks and public programs that forms a key part of the museum’s cinema and events schedule.
- Main exhibition galleries: The museum’s main exhibition galleries that host rotating contemporary-art shows alongside displays drawn from the Hammer’s permanent collection.
How to Get to Hammer Museum#
The Hammer is in Westwood near UCLA. By car: Wilshire Boulevard (10899 Wilshire Blvd). Public transit: several Metro bus lines serve Wilshire Blvd and stops near the museum; UCLA BruinBus shuttles also offer connections from campus areas.
Tips for Visiting Hammer Museum#
- Check the museum's calendar for free public programs, film screenings and gallery talks tied to rotating exhibitions.
- Weekend crowds are common; mid-week visits are quieter and allow more time with the permanent collection.
- Allow time to see both exhibition spaces and the outdoor sculpture court when weather permits.
Best Time to Visit Hammer Museum#
The Hammer is an indoor institution and is a good visit year-round; check the website for special exhibitions and evening events.
Weather & Climate near Hammer Museum#
Hammer Museum's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 79 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 9° - 20° | 14° | 79 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 22° | 16° | 23 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 12° - 22° | 17° | 4 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 24° | 19° | 1 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 26° | 21° | 0 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 27° | 22° | 2 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 16° - 27° | 21° | 5 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 14° - 25° | 20° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 11° - 22° | 16° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 20° | 14° | 51 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
