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California African American Museum

Museum
In Los Angeles, California
3.9 mi from Route 66

The California African American Museum, known as CAAM, is in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, CA, about 5.1 miles off the old road. Open since 1981, it explores African American history, art and culture, looking most closely at California and the wider western US. For Route 66 travelers, it is a thoughtful stop right beside the park's other big museums.

What is California African American Museum?

CAAM sets out to research, collect and preserve the story of African Americans in this part of the country, and to share it with the public. Its exhibitions cover history, art and culture, with California and the wider West at the center.

The museum is also a place of learning. It runs lectures, workshops and hands-on activities, both in its own building and elsewhere, some on its own and some with partners. These programs serve students from public and private schools as well as regular museum visitors and people from the surrounding community.

History of California African American Museum

The museum dates from 1981. It sits in Exposition Park beside the California Science Center, and the same state body, the California Natural Resources Agency, oversees both museums. That shared setting has made it a steady part of the park's cluster of museums for more than four decades.

Visiting California African American Museum: tips

The museum is about 5.1 miles from the old road. The building is wheelchair accessible. Allow about an hour, or more if a lecture or workshop is on that day. Check the museum's own listings before going.

The Wallis Annenberg Building stands right next door, and the California Science Center is about 0.2 miles away, so it is easy to combine several stops. The USC Fisher Museum of Art is about 0.3 miles off. For food, Chick-fil-A is about 0.1 miles away, and the University of Southern California Hotel, about 0.3 miles off, is the nearest place to stay.

Practical info

Address: 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Phone: +1 213-744-7432
Website: caamuseum.org
Hours: Tue–Sat 10–5 · Sun 11–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near California African American Museum

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Philippe's
Los Angeles, CA · 4.0 mi from California African American Museum
A downtown Los Angeles restaurant running since 1908 that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich.
Diner & restaurant
Pink's Hot Dogs
Los Angeles, CA · 5.9 mi from California African American Museum
A Los Angeles hot dog stand on North La Brea Avenue, serving since 1939 at the edge of Hollywood.
Diner & restaurant
Formosa Cafe
West Hollywood, CA · 6.3 mi from California African American Museum
A West Hollywood restaurant and bar from 1925, long a hangout for film stars from the studio lot nearby.