The newest L.A. and O.C. museum exhibitions to see in December
Costume jewelry from classic Disney films at the Bowers Museum, restored string instruments at the Holocaust Museum LA and intimate photographs of Princess Diana at Santa Monica Place lead our December list of exhibitions across Southern California.
Check back here for weekly updates. And before you go, call or check online for reservation requirements and other COVID-19 protocols. The shows that have our attention:
New and upcoming
‘All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives’
Jewelry and accessories used in Disney and 20th Century Studios films, including “Aladdin,†“Titanic,†“Pollyanna†and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,†are featured in this special-ticketed exhibition on view through June 19. Also on view: “Artistic Legacy: The Ann and Bill Cullen Collection,†paintings and drawings from the estate of actress, model and artist Ann Macomber Cullen, wife of the late game-show host Bill Cullen (through Dec. 19). Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Closed Mondays. “All That Glittersâ€: $10-$25 (includes museum admission); general admission: $10-$15; children younger than 12 are free; advance purchase recommended. (714) 567-3600. bowers.org
‘Jewelry and Harmony: Highlights From the Episodes’
Handcrafted jewelry and musical instruments seen in or inspired by the PBS series “Craft in America†will be on display through March 19. Craft in America Center, 8415 W. 3rd St., L.A. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free. craftinamerica.org
‘The Science of Gingerbread’
This holiday-themed exhibit with hands-on activities is on view through Jan. 2. Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar; Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $13.95-$19.95; advance timed entry tickets required. discoverycube.org
‘Recent Acquisitions 2021: Collecting for the Museum’
On view through Feb. 27. Also on view: “Fluxus Means Change: Jean Brown’s Avant-Garde Archive,†artwork and ephemera tied to the 1960s-era experimental art movement Fluxus (through Jan. 2); “19th-Century Paintings and Sculptures,†works by Van Gogh, Rodin and others from the Getty’s permanent collection, normally housed in separate galleries, will be exhibited together while exhibition spaces in the West Pavilion are closed for renovations (through Jan. 2); “Holbein: Capturing Character in the Renaissance,†featuring portraits of royals, courtiers, scholars and other once-prominent figures painted by German artist Hans Holbein the Younger (through Jan. 9). Getty Center, Sepulveda Boulevard and Getty Center Drive, L.A. Closed Mondays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu
A knockout exhibition of portraits by the Renaissance painter has opened in L.A.
‘Ruth Gruber: Photojournalist’
Images taken by the globetrotting photographer, journalist and humanitarian are on display through April 13. Also on view: “Violins of Hope,†a selection of stringed instruments that once belonged to Holocaust survivors and victims (through Jan. 8); “Passports for Life,†saluting the heroic efforts of Polish diplomats to save Jews during the Holocaust (through mid-December). Holocaust Museum LA, 100 the Grove Drive, L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $10, $15; students and California residents with valid ID, free; advance timed-entry tickets required. holocaustmuseumla.org
‘The Interactive StoryFile of Lawson Iichiro Sakai’
This new high-tech interactive exhibit allows visitors to “converse†with the highly decorated World War II veteran. Also on view: “A Life in Pieces: The Diary and Letters of Stanley Hayami,†an exhibition honoring the young man who, despite being unjustly incarcerated by the U.S. government during World War II, went on to serve in a highly decorated Army unit composed of Japanese American soldiers (through Jan. 9). Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., downtown L.A. Open Tuesdays-Sundays. $7, $16; reservations recommended, walk-ups available. (213) 625-0414. janm.org
‘Kumihimo: The Art of Japanese Silk Braiding by Domyo’
The history of this decorative art, which dates to the sixth century, is traced in this exhibit on view through March 6. Japan House Los Angeles, Hollywood & Highland, Level 2 Gallery, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Open daily. Free. japanhousela.com
‘June Edmonds: Full Spectrum’
This survey of works by the L.A.-based artist is on view through Feb. 20. Laband Art Gallery, Burns Fine Arts Center, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, L.A. Open Saturdays-Sundays. Free; reservations required; no walk-ups. (310) 338-2880. cfa.lmu.edu
‘Mixpantli: Space, Time, and the Indigenous Origins of Mexico’ and ‘Mixpantli: Contemporary Echoes’
The blending of Mesoamerican and European civilizations that began five centuries ago is seen from the perspective of Mexico’s Indigenous peoples in this exhibit that pairs colonial-era paintings with ancient artifacts, while a companion exhibit showcases recent works, including an interactive map of Southern California’s historic Native American communities. Also on view: “The Obama Portraits Tour,†portraits of former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, commissioned from Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, respectively, for the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. (through Jan. 2); “Yoshitomo Nara,†three-decade survey of works by the Japanese artist (through Jan. 2). Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Closed Wednesdays. $10-$25; ages 12 and younger are free; discounts available to L.A. County residents. (323) 857-6010. lacma.org
Travelers heading to Washington, D.C., this spring will have something new to see: Portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery.
‘Alex Gardner: We All Exist Right Now’
The Long Beach native explores the interaction of people and spaces in paintings on display through May 1. Also on view: “California Landscapes: Selections From the Permanent Collection†and “Recent Acquisitions 2019-2021†(Dec. 10 through May 1). Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $10, $12; ages 12 and younger are free. (562) 439-2119. lbma.org
‘Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels’
This new exhibit exploring the various uses of gems and minerals will be on display through Feb. 21. Also on view: silent film legend Lon Chaney Sr.’s makeup kit and costume from the 1920 film “The Penalty“ (through May 16); “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,“ a special multimedia exhibit charting the life and career of the renowned primatologist and activist (through April 17; additional $6-$10 fee required). Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A. Closed Tuesday. $8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; reservations recommended, walk-ups welcome. (213) 763-DINO. nhm.org
‘Remembering Rob’
Paintings and works on paper by Rob Mintz will be on display from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana. Open Fridays-Sundays; by appointment, Mondays-Thursdays. Free. (714) 667-1517. occca.org
‘Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme’
Vehicles that combine high performance and luxury will be on display through May 2023. Also on view: “Prototype Giants,†a special exhibition exploring the history and legacy of Porsche’s 956 and 962 race cars (through Jan. 14); “Bond in Motion,†a special exhibition featuring cars, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles used in James Bond films through the decades (through Oct. 30). Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. Special exhibition fee: $40-$65 (includes admission to the rest of the museum); regular admission: $11-$16; children younger than 4 are free; advance purchase required. (323) 930-2277. petersen.org
‘Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access’
Images of the onetime Princess of Wales and her family, taken by veteran royal photographer Anwar Hussein and his sons Zak and Samir, are on display. Santa Monica Place, 315 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $17-$25. feverup.com
A new Santa Monica exhibition featuring Hussein’s work details untold stories and archival images of the late royal—one of the most photographed women in the world.
‘Cauleen Smith: In the Wake NFT’
Short video-based works by the L.A.-based artist are on view on an outdoor electronic billboard through March 31, alongside work by David Hartt (through Dec. 30), Catherine Opie (through Feb. 29) and Pipilotti Rist (through June 6). Sunset Spectacular, Sunset Boulevard and Sherbourne Drive, West Hollywood. Anytime. Free. tomwiscombe.com
‘Aboriginal Screen-Printed Textiles From Australia’s Top End’
Works by contemporary textile artists from northern Australia are on display from through June 19. Also on view: “Fowler in Focus: Communication Systems in a Global Context,†exploring written and visual communication from the dawn of history to the present day (through Feb. 27). UCLA Fowler Museum, 308 Charles E. Young Drive North, Westwood. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. Free. (310) 825-4361. fowler.ucla.edu
Continuing
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ newly opened shrine to all things cinema features exhibits exploring the art and craft of filmmaking, historic memorabilia including props and costumes, plus movie screenings, film series and artist talks. 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open daily. $15-$25; ages 17 and younger are free. Reservations required. (323) 930-3000. academymuseum.org
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has opened as the ultimate celebration of Hollywood history, Oscar lore and today’s movie makers.
‘Nicole Seisler: Holding Patterns’
Works by the L.A. ceramicist will be on view through Dec. 19. Also on view: “Mind+Matter,†works by five sculptors from the Bay Area (through Jan. 23). American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave., Pomona. Open Fridays-Sundays. $5, $7; 12 and younger, free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (909) 865-3146. amoca.org
‘The Silent Westâ€
Movie posters from the silent film era. Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. Closed Mondays. $6-$14; children younger than 3 are free; reservations available online; walk-ups allowed. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org
‘Kim Abeles: Smog Collectors, 1987-2020’
This decades-spanning survey of the L.A. artist’s mixed-media works demonstrating the effects of air pollution will be on view through Dec. 18. Begovich Gallery, Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. Closed Fridays and Sundays. Free. fullerton.edu
‘Sahara: Acts of Memory’
Works by graphic designer Amir Berbić recalling his family’s life in a camp for Bosnian refugees in Denmark in the 1990s will be on view through Feb. 27. Benton Museum of Art, Pomona College, 120 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free; reservations required. pomona.edu
‘Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe’
Large survey of the acclaimed artist’s works. Through Dec. 19 at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, 120 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free; reservations required. pomona.edu
A sculpture survey shared by two Los Angeles art museums
‘Since Unveiling: Selected Acquisitions of a Decade’
Works by John Baldessari, Julie Mehretu, et al., added to the Broad collection over the last 10 years, will be on display through April 3. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required; no on-site standby line. (213) 232-6200. thebroad.org
‘LaToya Ruby Frazier: The Last Cruze’
The artist documents the 2019 shuttering of an auto plant in Ohio and its effect on the local working-class community in photographs, video and an architectural installation in this exhibit that will be on view through March 20. Also on view: “April Bey: Atlantica, The Gilda Region†(through Jan. 17); “Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch,†quilt-based works by the New York artist explore African American history and traditions (through Jan. 23). California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A. Closed Mondays. Free. (213) 744-7432. caamuseum.org
‘Gifted: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956’
Examples of early 20th century California Impressionist paintings by noteworthy artists; on view through Jan. 9. California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks at the Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive. Open Friday-Sunday. Free. (805) 405-5240. cmato.org
‘Fire! Science & Safety’
This new permanent exhibit is designed to educate visitors on how to mitigate as well as respond to fire dangers at home. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, L.A. Open daily. Permanent exhibits are free; special exhibits, including the current Lego art show and IMAX films, vary in price. Reservations required. (323) 724-3623. californiasciencecenter.org
‘Titanic: Real Artifacts, Real People, Real Stories’
The maritime disaster is revisited through photographs and personal effects, through Feb. 13. Catalina Island Museum, 217 Metropole Ave., Avalon. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $15, $17; kids 15 and younger are free with a paying adult; advance purchase recommended. catalinamuseum.org
‘Witch Craft: Rethinking Power’
Zimbabwean artist Moffat Takadiwa explores the intersection of African politics and spirituality in a series of new assemblages on view through Jan. 9. Also on view: “Pouya Afshar: The Charm of the Unfamiliar,†multimedia works by the animator and visual artist examining the immigrant experience (through Jan. 9); “Consuelo Flores: The Roots of Our Resistance,†an altar by the L.A.-based artist dedicated to Black and Latinx communities affected by COVID-19 (through Jan. 9). Craft Contemporary, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $7, $9; Sundays are pay what you can; reservations required. craftcontemporary.org
‘Experience 49: blue/s’
The color blue in all its permutations is explored via painting, sculpture, photography, collage, soundscapes and site-specific installations in this group exhibition on view through March 26. ESMoA (El Segundo Museum of Art), 208 Main St., El Segundo. Open Fridays and Saturdays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (424) 277-1020. esmoa.org
‘Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor’
This survey of videos, installations and sculptures by the Swiss multimedia artist will be on view through June 6. The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo, downtown L.A. Open Wednesdays-Mondays. Special ticketed exhibition costs $10-$18 (advance purchase required; each ticket is good for a free second visit); children younger than 12, free. (213) 626-6222. moca.org
Get inside Pipilotti’s playhouse, a psychedelic excursion into the power of digital art.
‘Rubens: Picturing Antiquity’
Drawings, oil sketches and monumental paintings by the Flemish artist are displayed alongside Greek, Roman and Etruscan art from the museum’s collection in this exhibit on view through Jan. 24. The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades. Closed Tuesdays. Free; advance reservations required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu
‘Motown: The Sound of Young America’
The storied record label is celebrated through stage costumes, musical instruments and more; on view though January. Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. Open Friday-Sunday. $13, $15; ages 5 and under are free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (213) 765-6800. grammymuseum.org
‘No Humans Involved’
Seven emerging artists and collectives explore race, gender, class and sexuality as viewed — or distorted — through the lens of Western humanism in this exhibit on view through Jan. 9. Also on view: “Hammer Projects: David Hartt,†multimedia installation that examines culture, geography and colonial histories in the Americas during the 19th century (through Jan. 2); “Houseguest: Shadows Fall Down,†L.A.-based Monica Majoli curates a centuries-spanning selection of drawings from the collections of the Hammer and the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts (through Jan. 2). UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Closed Mondays. Free; reservations required. (310) 443-7000. hammer.ucla.edu
‘Witch Hunt’
Co-presented by the UCLA Hammer Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, this international group exhibition of works by female artists explores the global impact of systemic patriarchy and colonialism on women, the LGBTQ community and Indigenous peoples. On view at both institutions through Jan. 9. Hammer, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood; closed Mondays; free; reservations required; (310) 443-7000, hammer.ucla.edu. ICA L.A., 1717 E. 7th St., L.A.; open Wednesdays-Sundays; free; (213) 928-0833, theicala.org
‘Borderlands’
American art history is re-contextualized in this new permanent installation that displays works from the Huntington’s collection alongside pieces by contemporary artists. Also on view: Kehinde Wiley’s “A Portrait of a Young Gentleman,†a newly commissioned painting inspired by Gainsborough’s 18th century masterpiece “The Blue Boy†(through Jan. 3). Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Closed Tuesdays. $13-$29; children younger than 4 are free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (626) 405-2100. huntington.org
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens has commissioned artist Kehinde Wiley to recast Thomas Gainsborough’s 18th century portrait “The Blue Boy.â€
‘Mammoths and Mastodons’
Fossils and exhibits recall the prehistoric mammals that once called Southern California home. La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Wednesday through Sunday. $7-$15; California teachers and EBT cardholders, active and retired military, and kids 2 and younger are free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (213) 763-3499. tarpits.org
‘Patriotism in Conflict: Fighting for Country and Comunidad’
The Chicano Moratorium, in which tens of thousands of Mexican American citizen-activists took to the streets of East L.A. in August 1970 to protest the Vietnam War and its impact on their communities, is revisited in this exhibition featuring archival photographs, videos, printed materials and ephemera; on view through June 19. Also on view: “Carlos Almaraz: Evolution of Form,†an exhibition exploring the Chicano artist’s early life to reveal influences on his style and form (through Jan. 9). LA Plaza de Cultural y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A. Thursday-Sundays. Free; reservations suggested. (213) 542-6200. lapca.org
The events and emotions of the Chicano Moratorium still reverberate in L.A.’s Latino community 50 years later.
‘Family Album: Dannielle Bowman, Janna Ireland, and Contemporary Works from LACMA’
Images by artists of color inspired by the visual language of family photographs will be on view through June 5. LACMA’s Charles White Elementary School Gallery, 2401 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Saturdays only. Free. lacma.org
‘Any-Instant-Whatever’
Presented as part of Laguna Art Museum’s 2021 Art & Nature Festival, this video installation by Rebeca Méndez that documents the sky above Los Angeles during winter 2019-20 and the companion exhibit “Sky Space Time Change,†featuring works from the museum’s permanent collection, will be on view through April 25. Also on view: “A Fanciful World: Jessie Arms Botke,†works by the 20th century California painter known for her brightly colored studies of exotic birds and flowers (through Jan. 16); “Matthew Rolston, Art People: The Pageant Portraits,†large-scale, high-resolution photographs inspired by the tableaux vivant presentations at Laguna Beach’s annual Pageant of the Masters (through Jan. 2). Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. Closed Wednesdays. $9, $12; children 12 and younger are free. (949) 494-8971. lagunaartmuseum.org
‘Pulling the Sun Back — Xa’aa Peshii Nehiino Taame’
The cultural heritage of L.A.’s original inhabitants, the Tongva people, is celebrated in this site-specific outdoor installation created by artist Mercedes Dorame in collaboration with architectural designer Lilliana Castro; through Jan. 31. Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1315 N. Spring St., downtown L.A. Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Free. clockshop.org
‘Andy Warhol: Selections From the Luckman Permanent Collection’
More than 70 works by the iconic Pop artist are on view through Feb. 21. Luckman Gallery, Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Cal State Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. Free. luckmanarts.org
Blake Gopnik’s definitive ‘Warhol’ gathers up all the receipts on the blank icon who stormed the barricades of art, only to serve it up to commerce.
‘Jennifer Packer: Every Shut Eye Ain’t Sleep’
New and recent paintings by the New York artist; through Feb. 21. Also on view: “Evidence: Selections From the Permanent Collection†and “Making Space: Recent Photography Acquisitions†(through Feb. 21). MoCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. Free; special exhibitions, $10, $18. (213) 626-6222. moca.org
‘Land as Kin’
Paintings, photography, ceramics, beadwork, etc., celebrating Southern California’s Indigenous peoples and their connection to the land are on view through Dec. 9. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. Open Monday-Thursday. $5 per group of up to four people. themuck.org
‘Structure’
The ways in which humans organize their inner lives as well as the outside world are explored in this group show on view through Dec. 26. Museum of Art & History, 665 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Closed Mondays. Free; reservations required. (661) 723-6250. lancastermoah.org
‘Gabriella Sanchez: Partial Pictures’
Works by the L.A.-based painter and graphic designer, on view through January. Also on view: “Judy Baca: Memorias de Nuestra Tierra, a Retrospective,†works by the acclaimed Chicana muralist, educator and activist (through January). Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. Open Tuesdays-Fridays. $7, $10; younger than 12, free; advance purchase suggested. molaa.org
Judy Baca wants to bring her acclaimed “Great Wall of Los Angeles†mural into the present. But a new MOLAA retrospective reveals sides of the artist beyond murals.
‘Tessie Dong: Screens’
This window-based exhibit featuring examples of the artist’s metalwork, stained glass and neon sculptures is on view through Dec. 31. Museum of Neon Art, 216 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Open Fridays-Sundays. $5-$10; ages 12 and younger and veterans, free. neonmona.org
‘Manet’s Philosophers’
A trio of large-scale portraits by the 19th century French painter, one from the Norton Simon collection and two on loan from the Art Institute of Chicago, are on display through Feb. 28. Also on view: “Unseen Picasso,†a selection of rarely exhibited prints by the Spanish artist (through Jan. 10). Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Closed Tuesdays-Wednesdays. $12-$15; students, active military and ages 18 and younger are free. (626) 449-6840. nortonsimon.org
‘The Modern Chair’
Examples of cutting-edge chair design from the early 20th century to the present day will be on display through April 3. Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, 300 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Closed Mondays-Wednesdays. $5. psmuseum.org
‘Black Quantum Futurism: CPT Reversal’
The concept of time is explored in this multimedia exhibit presented by the Black Quantum Futurism Collective, a collaboration among artists Camae Ayewa (a.k.a. Moor Mother) and Rasheedah Phillips; on view through March 5. The Gallery at REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. Closed Mondays. Free. redcat.org
‘Where Do We Go From Here?’
This public art exhibition featuring works by contemporary artists who identify as women and people of color is on view through March 1. 7 Main, 700 S. Main St., L.A. Fashion District. Available anytime. Free. fashiondistrict.org
‘Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds’
This special exhibit featuring props, models and costumes from the long-running science fiction franchise is on view through Feb. 20. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Closed Mondays. Special exhibition pricing: $13-$18; admission is free for everyone on Thursdays and for children younger than 2 every day; advance timed-entry tickets required. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
Full of ideas and emotions, the ever-expanding ‘Star Trek’ canon is still finding new ways to go where no TV show has gone before, 55 years on.
‘Art Ascending: Fall Art Show 2021’
Works by Karen Amy Finkel Fishof, Merissa Mann, L. Aviva Diamond and Robin Comanor are featured in separate exhibits on view through Dec. 27. Dortort Center for Creativity in the Arts at UCLA Hillel, 574 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. Open Mondays-Fridays. Free. uclahillel.org
‘Deep Connections’
Black-and-white images by photographer Ken Karagozian chronicle three decades of subway construction in Los Angeles; on view through 2021. Union Station’s Passageway Art Gallery, 800 N. Alameda St., downtown L.A. Available anytime. unionstationla.com
‘Pachappa Camp: The First Koreatown in America’
The brief history of this early 20th century community of Korean American agricultural workers and their families is recalled via photographs, maps, documents and other ephemera in this exhibit on view through Jan. 9. Also on view: “Brandon Lattu: Empirical, Textural, Contextual,†the first U.S. survey of works by the photographer and visual artist (through Jan. 9). UCR Arts (California Museum of Photography, Culver Center of the Arts), 3824-34 Main St., Riverside. Open Thursdays-Sundays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. ucrarts.ucr.edu
‘Intervention: Fresh Perspectives After 50 Years’
New works by seven contemporary Asian American artists created to interrogate the museum’s existing collection of Asian and Pacific Island art are on view through Feb. 6. Also on view: “Hakka Round Houses: Photographs by Elizabeth Gill Lui,†images of historical architecture from the Hong Kong region (through Dec. 31). USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $7, $10; free for ages 17 and younger, and every second Sunday of the month; advance tickets recommended. (626) 787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu
Incidents of Asian hate push the museum to review its collections and move exhibitions away from stereotypes toward a more complex view of Asian culture.
‘Golden Hour: California Photography From the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’
The Vincent Price Art Museum reopens with this touring exhibit of works by more than 70 artists and photography collectives, on view through Feb. 5. VPAM, East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays. Free. (323) 265-8841. vincentpriceartmuseum.org
‘Questionable History’
Images of Vladimir Lenin from the museum’s collection are juxtaposed with contemporary works depicting the former Soviet premier in this exhibition on view through March 20. Also on view: “Soviet Jewish Life: Bill Aron and Yevgeniy Fiks,†images by the American photographer are displayed alongside works by the Russian multidisciplinary artist (through March 20). Wende Museum, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Open Friday-Sunday. Free; reservations required. (310) 216-1600. wendemuseum.org
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2:25 p.m. Dec. 14, 2021: This post has been updated to add new shows and to remove shows that have already closed.
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