Los Angeles is full of art. It’s not just in museums, but also on buildings, sidewalks, buses, and even billboards. In 2025, the city is offering more contemporary art events than ever before. Big names, new voices, and experimental formats are showing up all across town—from West Hollywood to Downtown, from galleries to parking lots.
Some events are free. Others ask you to reserve a spot or pay a small fee. If you’re visiting from another city or trying to see everything in one weekend, costs like transport, food, and tickets can add up. That’s why some people plan ahead, save early, or even use California-based personal loans to make the trip possible. It’s a way to enjoy the experience without worrying about missing something important.
If you’re ready to explore what L.A. has to offer this year, here are the events worth your time.
Top Must-Visit LA Art Shows in 2025
There are plenty of arts events happening in Los Angeles this year. Plan your weekend, grab your Los Angeles public transportation guide, and start exploring:
Mary Weatherford — The Surrealist
The Los Angeles art scene brightens with Mary Weatherford’s art show “The Surrealist,” which runs at David Kordansky Gallery in Mid-City from May 16 to June 28. Her paintings mix dark swirls of paint with bright neon lights, so they shift in mood as the sky turns from day to night. Entry is free, and street parking on South La Brea becomes free after 6 p.m.
Lap-See Lam — Tales of the Altersea
Lap-See Lam’s immersive video show “Tales of the Altersea” runs at the Hammer Museum in Westwood until June 30. Giant wall-to-wall screens surround you with rolling seas and ghost ships, and motion sensors make virtual water ripple under your feet. Tickets are free, but it’s best to reserve online about a week in advance.
Olafur Eliasson — OPEN
The show “OPEN” runs at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Little Tokyo until July 6. Inside the huge warehouse, cool fog drifts through mirrors and shifting lights, so you quickly lose track of space and direction. It gets chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket. Reserve a timed entry ticket online to avoid lines. After the show, be sure to find the best street food in Los Angeles.
SaveArtSpace — The Things That Bind Us
From June 27 to July 27, Los Angeles turns its highways into a giant outdoor gallery. Over a hundred billboards throughout Los Angeles replace ads with new art created by emerging local artists. Each board carries a QR code; scan the first one you find to open a live map that shows every location in real time. Regarding public art installations, the project incurs no costs, remains open, and invites everyone to explore art in the open air.
Li Ran — The Signs Are Present
Li Ran’s show “The Signs Are Present” runs at Lisson Gallery in Hollywood from June 27 to August 23. The artist pairs looping videos with wall text that looks like computer code. Start at the main screen, then follow the numbered notes that lead you around the room. Admission is free. Parking meters on Highland Avenue stop charging after 7 p.m., and nearby Thai restaurants stay open late if you want a quick meal after the exhibit.
Christina Kimeze — Carnival
From June 28 to October 4, Hauser & Wirth in West Hollywood hosts Christina Kimeze’s show, where parade scenes burst with pink, lime, and gold. On select weekends, the sidewalk outside comes alive with steel-drum music—check the gallery’s social pages for exact times. Entry is free, but please arrive early, as the small parking lot fills up quickly. After the exhibit, walk over to nearby Melrose Avenue to see its famous street murals.
Marcel Dzama — Solo Show
Opening on June 28 at David Zwirner in Mid-City, this new show fills the gallery with gouache paintings of masked dancers, chess knights, and moonlit bears. A short film plays on a loop in the back room, expanding the story in moving images. Limited-edition zines, priced at approximately $25, tend to sell out during the first weekend, so arrive early if you want to secure one. The gallery bookstore also offers small prints for under $200, making it easy to take a piece of the show home.
How Much It Really Costs to See Art in L.A. (and How to Save)
Seeing art in L.A. can be cheap or expensive, depending on your choices. Plan for flights in the $200–$500 range and hotels that start around $150 a night. A Metro day pass costs $7, and parking downtown can exceed $20 per day. A few more tips are.
- Research ahead. Many gallery openings and art nights are free, but RSVP is required. Sign up on event sites early to secure your spot.
- Mix free and paid. Mix pricier events with free ones. Drop into free galleries on Melrose or in Chinatown, then pay for one special show in the afternoon.
- Learn to say “no thank you”. Especially at free openings, alcohol is often served. If you’re budgeting, politely decline anything you don’t want.
North Hollywood’s Role in LA’s Art Evolution
The North Hollywood arts district has quietly become one of L.A.’s most creative communities. NoHo has many theaters, galleries, dance studios, and indie art spaces. It once boasted 22 live theaters (second only to Broadway). The Metro Red Line’s North Hollywood station plugs NoHo directly into downtown L.A., making it easy for Angelenos to attend the Arts District quickly.
The Lankershim Arts Center (above a Metro plaza) hosts exhibits and events; nearby cafes and bars often feature local art on their walls. Frequent street murals celebrate NoHo’s DIY spirit.
New initiatives continue to emerge: in 2025, the NoHo Arts District launched a monthly NoHo Market, which took place on April 27, May 25, June 22, and July 27 at NoHo Plaza. You can buy an artist’s print on Sunday afternoon and chat with the creator, all for under $20.
Los Angeles overflows with art and ideas. You can spend days exploring famous arts and still feel there’s more to see. There are new paths for artists and visitors alike, no matter your interests. The best part? You can enjoy it even on a small budget—so jump in!