From the south side of Los Angeles, the California African American Museum (CAAM) makes a focused stop in Exposition Park, with galleries exploring African American cultural heritage and history, especially in California and the western United States. Free admission and nearby museums and landmarks make it easy to build a longer park visit around the museum.
- Location: 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles.
- Admission: Free; reservations are not required.
- Gallery hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Transit: The Metro E Line serves Expo Park/USC station.
What to expect at the museum
CAAM presents African American history and culture through art, artifacts and historical material, with particular attention to California and the western United States. A joint statement from CAAM and Exposition Park describes its permanent collection as containing more than 4,000 works of art, artifacts and historical documents.
The museum also has a publicly accessible research library. All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trained service dogs are permitted in public areas; emotional-support, comfort and therapy animals that do not qualify as ADA service animals are not allowed inside.
Admission, hours and visitor policies
Admission, exhibitions, programs and events are free, and reservations are not required. CAAM closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the official site before you go, since hours and policies can change.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
CAAM asks visitors not to bring large bags because its bag check is closed.
How do you get to CAAM?
CAAM is at 600 State Drive, on the corner of Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard, just west of the 110 Freeway. The parking-lot entrance is at 39th Street and Figueroa Street; CAAM advises entering that intersection in a maps app or GPS. Exposition Park parking costs $20 during the day and $24 after 5:00 p.m.
The Metro E Line serves the park at Expo Park/USC and Expo/Vermont stations. Expo Park/USC is the station CAAM identifies for the museum. For bus or rail route planning, use Metro’s trip-planning information; the museum also provides 1-800-266-6883 for route information and general service questions.
From Florentina Motel - Los Angeles, CAAM is about 9 minutes away by car. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is also in Exposition Park, making it an easy pairing for a museum-focused visit. Check current routes and parking details before setting out.
What else can you visit in Exposition Park?
Exposition Park includes the California Science Center and Natural History Museum, as well as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and BMO Stadium. The park’s normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though hours may change on special-event days.
The California Science Center and Natural History Museum have food-service options during their normal museum hours, and picnicking is allowed in the park. For another museum stop, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is identified as a nearby attraction.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is also in the park, making it possible to pair a museum visit with time at this landmark.
For planning a separate stop, the LA Memorial Coliseum visitor guide covers the stadium.
FAQs
Is the California African American Museum free?
Yes. Admission, exhibitions, programs and events are free, and reservations are not required.
When is CAAM open?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Is CAAM wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you take public transit to CAAM?
Yes. The Metro E Line serves Expo Park/USC station, which CAAM identifies as its station. The line also serves Expo/Vermont station in Exposition Park.