On the second Tuesday of every month, the Los Angeles County Museum of
Art drops its admission fees, inviting visitors from all backgrounds to explore its vast collection of artwork, free of charge. The initiative, designed to increase accessibility and foster a sense of community, has proven to be more than just a cost-saving opportunity. For many, it is their first step into the world of museums.
Joe Hewes Clark, a visitor from San Pedro, had already spent an hour and a half wandering the museum’s galleries. Though he hadn’t specifically planned his visit around Free Museum Day, he acknowledged its benefits.
“I absolutely would come back as a paying visitor,” Clark said. “I love seeing the art from the ‘20s to the ‘60s, the surrealism and the abstract expressionism and the influences from that era. But I also have a real interest in the digital art exhibits.”
For other visitors, the free admission was a welcome surprise. Sophie Thorn, a tourist from Nashville, was traveling with family and had planned to visit LACMA that day without realizing it would cost them nothing.
“We were originally going to come here anyway,” Thorn said. “But when we got to the entrance and found out it was free, it was such a nice bonus. If I come back to L.A., I would definitely return.”
LACMA’s Free Museum Day is particularly impactful for those who might not otherwise prioritize an art museum visit. The museum’s docents who lead discussions and provide insight about the exhibits, noted that the event brings in a different kind of crowd.
“We see a lot more young people on free days,” said Barbara M., a docent who has been volunteering since 2013. “There are also many families, strollers everywhere. And parking fills up much faster.”
Another docent, Mariana G., added that the museum’s goal with Free Museum Day extends beyond just boosting attendance.
“It’s about building a stronger community,” she said. “We want to make art accessible to everyone. The museum also hosts jazz concerts and other events to bring people together.”
While some visitors used the opportunity to explore solo, others turned their visit into a social experience. Clark, who came with his parents, said he prefers a more personal and reflective approach to art.
“I usually go through museums on my own, taking in the pieces at my own pace,” he said.
Others, like Thorn, saw it as a chance to bond with family. The accessibility of the event made it easy for visitors to experience art together, reinforcing LACMA’s role as a community builder.
While the free days lower financial barriers, do they also encourage long-term engagement with the arts?
For many, the answer seems to be yes.
“I think it’s great that anybody can have the opportunity to come here, no matter their financial status,” said Serena Fox, who works at LACMA. “This is an L.A. institution, and everybody should get to experience it.”
Though some museum employees weren’t given an official explanation for the free day, they agreed that the intent seems to be community outreach.
“It’s really interesting that the museum doesn’t explicitly say what the goal is,” added Natalie Rezek, another LACMA staff member. “But the turnout speaks for itself, people take advantage of it.”
And despite the larger crowds, the event doesn’t seem to diminish the museum experience. Visitors still take their time engaging with the artwork.
For first-time visitors, it serves as an introduction to the museum, and, for many, a reason to return.
“I think I would’ve come even if it wasn’t free,” Thorn said. “But knowing it’s accessible to everyone makes it even better.”
As LACMA continues to expand its offerings and public outreach, its Free Museum Day proves that art should be for everyone, not just those who can afford the price of admission.
