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Museums

California African American Museum

📍 South Los Angeles, CA

4.6(1,389 Google reviews)👶All ages

Rotating exhibits showcase African American art, architecture, and history. Guided tours available, plus hands-on programs like arts and crafts and live orchestral performances on special occasions.

Beautifully curatedGuided toursSpecial event programmingFree admissionCompact visitInspiring exhibits
★★★★★Featured review by Arriana Nicole

The California African American Museum is a beautiful and inspiring space that highlights the incredible work of Black artists, architects, and visionaries. It was smaller than I expected, but very well maintained and thoughtfully curated. Each exhibit was engaging and educational, with a great mix of history and modern artistry. I truly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. A wonderful celebration of culture and creativity!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for school-age children and teens who engage with art and history narratives. The guided Dear Mazie exhibit on African American pioneer architects is particularly strong for ages 8+. Younger kids enjoy special event days with hands-on crafts and music. Pair with the Natural History Museum next door for a full Exposition Park day.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Take the E Line Metro—the stop is three blocks away and avoids parking entirely
Check the events calendar before visiting—craft workshops and concerts run on select dates
🎟️Book a guided tour in advance for school groups or larger families
🚗Combine with the Natural History Museum or California Science Center for a full day at Exposition Park

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6

1,389 Google reviews

Educational and inspiring45%
Well-curated exhibits30%
Special events and workshops15%
Compact — under one hour10%
A

Arriana Nicole

4 months ago

The California African American Museum is a beautiful and inspiring space that highlights the incredible work of Black artists, architects, and visionaries. It was smaller than I expected, but very well maintained and thoughtfully curated. Each exhibit was engaging and educational, with a great mix of history and modern artistry. I truly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. A wonderful celebration of culture and creativity!

B

Bri P.

4 weeks ago

Had the pleasure of taking a group of Students to visit CAAM last week as we celebrate Black History Year ✊🏾 We had a guided tour of the Dear Mazie Exhibit. It was very powerful to learn about African American pioneer women as architects in the 40s. Can't wait to bring my daughter for another tour 💜

M

Myisha Harris

2 months ago

It was amazing for MLK day! We did arts and crafts and my kids also enjoyed the orchestra.

S

S Ryder (Fairydust)

2 months ago

Attended a Martin Luther King concert tribute here. Please note that the exhibits are all art exhibits by local California black artists. The museum should be renamed the California African American Art museum. Its very small and will take you less than an hour to see all of the exhibits. You can make a day of it by visiting the other 2 nearby museums. Best to take transit to get here. The E line Metro is about 3 blocks away.

Reviews from Google

Overview

CAAM features rotating exhibits spotlighting Black artists, architects, and historical figures, with a guided tour program that brings each exhibit to life. Special event days—MLK Day, Black History Month—add orchestral concerts and craft workshops. The museum is compact enough to cover in under an hour, making it easy to pair with other Exposition Park venues next door.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday11:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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