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Top Tips for Visiting the GRAMMY Museum

January 24, 2025 By CityPASS

Music fans from across the globe travel to Los Angeles to explore the GRAMMY Museum, where the world's most influential artists and their achievements come alive through interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia. This guide will help you plan an enriching visit to this musical landmark in downtown Los Angeles.

Original artwork commissioned for each year of the Latin GRAMMY Awards.
Original artwork commissioned for each year of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, part of the Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence exhibit. Courtesy of The GRAMMY Museum © 2024.

Overview of the GRAMMY Museum

Since December 2008, the GRAMMY Museum has delighted visitors with four floors of musical exploration. The museum goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating hands-on technology and immersive experiences that connect you with the creative process behind your favorite songs.

Each floor tells a different story of musical innovation and excellence. The museum's mission extends beyond entertainment — it serves as an educational center where students and music enthusiasts can discover the technical and creative aspects of music production, songwriting, and performance.

Key Exhibits and Attractions

Music springs to life across four floors of dynamic exhibits. Each gives you distinctive ways to engage with the artistry, technology, and emotion behind the recording industry. As you begin your journey through the museum, you'll discover both hands-on experiences and carefully preserved pieces of musical history.

Interactive Recording Studios

Ever wondered how your favorite songs are created? The museum's recording studios put you in the producer's chair. Here, you can mix tracks, experiment with different instruments, and learn the basics of sound engineering using professional-grade equipment. These studios feature intuitive interfaces that make music production accessible to everyone, from curious beginners to experienced musicians.

The Roland Live studio lets you create beats and layer tracks, while the pod-style mixing stations teach you how different elements combine to create a finished song. Museum educators often lead demonstrations, sharing insights into modern music production techniques.

Iconic Music Artifacts

The museum's collection of music memorabilia spans decades of musical innovation. Signature instruments, handwritten lyrics, and legendary performance costumes tell the stories behind countless GRAMMY-winning moments. Notable displays include original stage wear from genre-defining artists and instruments that pioneered new sounds in popular music.

These artifacts rotate regularly, so you can be sure to have fresh experiences with each visit. The careful curation provides context for each piece, explaining its significance in shaping musical history and popular culture.

Special Exhibitions

Rotating exhibitions keep the museum's content dynamic and engaging. These installations delve into specific genres, artists, or musical movements, offering deep insights into different aspects of musical culture. Past exhibitions have explored topics ranging from the roots of hip-hop to the evolution of electronic music technology.

Current special exhibitions often align with significant musical anniversaries or cultural moments, creating timely and relevant experiences. These spaces frequently incorporate multimedia elements, archival footage, and interactive components that bring each topic to life.

Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit.
Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit. Courtesy of The GRAMMY Museum © 2024

Planning Your Visit to the GRAMMY Museum

Transportation Tips

Multiple transportation options make reaching the museum convenient. If you're driving, several parking structures serve the LA LIVE complex, with varying rates depending on events and time of day. However, parking can become limited and expensive during major events at LA LIVE. During these times, consider using public transportation. The nearby Pico Metro station connects you to greater Los Angeles, while rideshare services provide flexible transportation alternatives.

Tips for Music Enthusiasts

To fully experience the museum's interactive elements, plan for a visit of at least two to three hours. Weekday mornings typically offer a quieter environment, allowing more time for you to peruse popular exhibits. Bring your own headphones to enhance the audio exhibits' sound quality.

Many visitors find it helpful to start at the top floor and work their way down, as the exhibits follow a natural progression. The museum's educators often provide impromptu demonstrations of the interactive exhibits — don't hesitate to ask questions!

Other Local Attractions and Landmarks

The GRAMMY Museum's prime location puts you within walking distance of some of LA's most celebrated cultural destinations. With historic theaters and modern entertainment venues in the surrounding area, you'll have plenty of opportunities to extend your musical journey.

Broadway Theater District

A short walk from the GRAMMY Museum, the Broadway Theater District showcases Los Angeles's entertainment heritage. These beautifully preserved venues, with their ornate architecture and rich history, complement the musical experience of the GRAMMY Museum. The district's revival has brought new energy to downtown, with restored theaters hosting contemporary performances alongside classic shows.

Staples Center and LA LIVE

The LA LIVE entertainment complex surrounding the museum has great energy. After exploring the museum, you'll find numerous dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The complex frequently hosts special events at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), creating an exciting atmosphere for visitors.

The Mono to Immersive exhibit.
The Mono to Immersive exhibit traces the sonic evolution of recorded sound from the dusty cylinders of the 19th century to the surround sound of the present. Courtesy of The GRAMMY Museum © 2024.

Choose the GRAMMY Museum for Your Next Experience

The GRAMMY Museum transforms how you experience and understand music. Through interactive technology, rare artifacts, and engaging exhibits, the museum creates meaningful connections between visitors and the music they love.

CityPASS® tickets enhance your Los Angeles adventure by combining the GRAMMY Museum with other premier attractions such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, and more. Explore the best of the city while saving up to 48% at Los Angeles's best theme parks and attractions.

Whether you're interested in music production, fascinated by music history, or simply love listening to great songs, the GRAMMY Museum offers experiences that will deepen your appreciation for the art form. Plan your visit today to discover the stories, sounds, and innovations that continue to shape our musical world.

Los Angeles Lodging

To get the most out of your stay in Los Angeles, we recommend finding lodging near Los Angeles’s top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:

 

Header Image Courtesy of The GRAMMY Museum © 2024

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