Author: Ariel Landrum
As Los Angeles faces devastating wildfires (Live updates: Wildfires spread across Los Angeles), the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) are stepping up to support the community. Starting today, Monday, January 13, through Friday, January 17, NHMLAC is offering free general admission to the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and the La Brea Tar Pits. These spaces provide a much-needed opportunity for comfort, connection, and exploration during this challenging time.
For families seeking a sense of normalcy or a way to help children who have been fearful, the museums offer moments of joy, learning, and distraction. Whether it’s a chance to wander through exhibits, take a quiet and mindful walk, or connect with the natural and cultural wonders on display, the museums are ready to welcome visitors needing a safe and engaging space.
The fires have left many local children unable to attend school, while families grapple with uncertainty. With strong winds forecasted to worsen conditions (Strong winds forecast in LA, making its raging fires even harder to fight), NHMLAC is stepping in to help. Mobile Museums are being deployed to community parks hosting emergency youth camps, and students from impacted areas are being welcomed for field trips, ensuring children have educational experiences to enrich their days.
Free access to the museums isn’t limited to this week. NHMLAC regularly offers general admission at no cost to EBT cardholders, Los Angeles County residents (weekdays after 3 pm), teachers, veterans, and more. Visitors can also explore NHM Commons, where features like Gnatalie the Green Dino and Barbara Carrasco’s mural L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective are always free to enjoy. For more information on free admission opportunities, visit NHMLAC’s admission page.
The Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits aren’t the only places in Exposition Park welcoming the community during this time. The California African-American Museum and the California Science Center are also open as safe and free spaces. Meanwhile, firefighters are making progress on the Palisades and Eaton fires, though challenges remain (Firefighters Making Progress Against L.A. Fires: Updates).
NHMLAC continues to prioritize the health and safety of its staff and visitors, assessing the situation daily. Updates, resources, and information about museum hours and programming are available on NHMLAC’s social media channels.
For those needing a safe place to decompress or to provide children with a sense of security and joy, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County are here to help. Plan your visit today by checking out NHMLAC’s website.