Hammer Museum

The Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Culture Center, known simply as the Hammer Museum, is a unique art institution that aims to connect the past with the present. Positioned in Westwood, the three-story building is one of three public art units located within the School of Arts and Architecture at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Founded by Dr. Armand Hammer as a place to exhibit his extensive art collection, the museum opened to the public in November 1990. Unfortunately, less than two weeks after the opening, Dr. Hammer passed away, all construction was halted, and the building was never fully completed. Four years later, a partnership with UCLA was finalized and the Los Angeles art museum resumed operations.

Today, the museum aims to promote cultural understanding by presenting both historical and contemporary art, in a variety of different forms. In addition to its renowned permanent collections, the Hammer Museum regularly presents a series of temporary exhibitions. Every Thursday admission is free for all visitors.

Events at the Hammer Museum also include a number of programs for the public, such as lectures, film screenings, readings, and musical performances. Many of these take place in the elegant Billy Wilder Theater; located on the courtyard level of the museum, the theater has a capacity of almost 300 people.