Welcome to the Children's Museum of Los Angeles!

In 2004, the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles celebrated its 25th anniversary! The Museum doors opened on June 11, 1979, when a group of parents and community leaders came together to plan a museum for the children of Los Angeles. Their collective vision was to create a vehicle through which children could discover, learn and dream about worlds beyond their immediate experiences.

The Museum remained open at its original location, in the Civic Center of Los Angeles, for 21 years. More than 5 million visitors traveled to the 17,000 square-foot downtown institution including educators, parents, and of course children. However, with demand for the Museum exceeding the available space, and the lease soon to expire, the Museum leadership began looking for a new venue that could serve the entire Los Angeles community.

The new Museum will continue to honor the founders’ philosophy to educate, entertain and empower children and the adults who care for them.  Once inside the NEW Museum at Hansen Dam, those from the immediate neighborhoods, and those who have traveled from the four corners of Los Angeles County, will immerse themselves in an experience where pride in our community and tolerance of others are the most important themes.  Planned exhibits range from a bustling street fair to an Olympic Park, each emphasizing our City and its place on the world-stage.  Perhaps the most exciting manifestation of this desired theme will be our exhibit linking young Angelinos with other children around the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new Museum at Hansen Dam Recreation Area !