Have you visited the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures?
Prepare to be dazzled! My family and I recently visited the museum, which opened in 2021, and I can tell you it's a must-see attraction no movie buff should miss, whether you live in California or are just passing through.
As soon as you step through the doors, you're transported into a world of pure Hollywood magic. Each gallery on the seven-floor museum is a treasure trove of incredible displays showcasing the greatest moments from the silver screen, past and present. From iconic costumes to awe-inspiring props, it is so exciting to see the actual costumes, props, and displays of your all-time favorite movies. I felt like a kid, lost in movie magic seeing iconic items like the full-scale model of Bruce the Shark from Jaws.
The author and her family were hosted to facilitate the review. All thoughts are her own.
My kids especially loved the animation gallery because they got to see the clay figurines of their favorite movie characters, like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and how they were used to create each film. They also loved the props from Star Wars and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Another jaw-dropping gallery was "Identity: Costume Design" which really showed how costumes help shape a character in films.
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Literally, everywhere you turn, there's movie magic.
One of the best parts for this mama? Kids ages 17 and under visit the museum for free!
Get your acceptance speech ready
Ever wondered what it would feel like to see an Oscar® up close? You'll be surrounded by them at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
But you not only have the chance to see Oscars, you can actually accept one.
Add on The Oscars® Experience to your ticket and you'll actually get to experience what it would feel like to walk up on the Dolby Theatre stage and hold an Oscar® in your hands as thousands of lights, cameras, and adoring fans applaud your victory. It is an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience you'll be able to replay again and again because each guest is provided a video capturing your classic Hollywood moment!
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Planning a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures? Here's what you need to know:
🍿Kids ages 17 and under are free.
🍿CA EBT cardholders receive free general admission. Get more information.
🍿Bags larger than 15x12x4 inches must be checked — keep that in mind if carrying a diaper bag!
🍿Manual and electric wheelchairs and strollers can be used in all galleries. Manual wheelchairs are available for use at no charge.
Free family workshops
In addition to seven floors of Hollywood magic, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosts free hands-on family workshops the first three Saturdays of every month. The day we went the workshop was focused on character and costume design. We had the chance to design our own characters and then choose different fabrics and elements to create one-of-a-kind outfits for them.
The kids' creative minds got to work right away!
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Other workshops include activities such as art making, experimenting with moviemaking equipment, and learning the elements of filmmaking.
There are also special workshops just for teens, drop-in tours led by educators, and "Calm Mornings," available for visitors who enjoy less sensory-stimulating spaces with moderated sound and lighting displays.
Find out what programming is available when you visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Before leaving, make sure to check out the museum's cute gift shop. It is full of cool merchandise and souvenirs that give you the chance to take a little piece of the Academy Museum with you.
I also highly recommend indulging in a little snack over at Fanny's Cafe. I'll just say two words... pistachio croissant — YUM!
There is so much to see, so many one-of-a-kind pictures to take, and so much fun and learning to be had at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. You can even head upstairs for a panoramic view of Hollywood from a distance.
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I will definitely be making a return visit to this museum! The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is truly a must-see attraction for movie lovers of all ages and an unforgettable Hollywood experience.
