Collections of costumes, props, posters and the history of the movies. 7 places, each with a map.
1660 N. Highland Ave. · Hollywood
Housed in the 1935 art deco Max Factor Building, where the makeup pioneer created looks for Hollywood’s biggest stars, this museum fills four floors with costumes, props and memorabilia. Don’t miss the restored makeup rooms, each painted for blondes, brunettes, redheads or ‘brownettes’. Hannibal Lecter’s cell waits in the basement.
2100 N. Highland Ave. · Hollywood Hills
In 1913 and 1914, Cecil B. DeMille and Jesse Lasky’s company made The Squaw Man, the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, using this barn as its headquarters. The barn was moved to the Paramount lot and then, in 1983, to this spot across from the Hollywood Bowl. Exhibits cover the silent era.
6067 Wilshire Blvd. · Miracle Mile
Opened in 2021 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the museum joins the restored 1939 May Company department store with Renzo Piano’s spherical theater. Exhibits span the history of filmmaking, from Dorothy’s ruby slippers to Bruce the shark from Jaws, and a simulated stage lets visitors accept an Oscar.
6767 Hollywood Blvd. · Hollywood
One of the boulevard’s longest-running attractions, the wax museum opened in 1965 and has added figures of film and TV stars ever since. Visitors can pose beside classic legends and modern favorites in recreated movie scenes. It sits in the heart of the Walk of Fame, a short stroll from the Chinese Theatre.
2301 N. Highland Ave. · Hollywood Hills
Tucked into the Bowl’s grounds, this small free museum tells the venue’s story through photographs, programs, recordings and film clips, from the first Easter sunrise service in 1921 to the Beatles. It is usually open during the day in concert season. Combine it with a picnic in the Bowl’s gardens.
333 S. La Cienega Blvd. · Beverly Hills
The Academy’s research library occupies a 1928 Spanish Colonial building that began as a city water treatment plant. It holds millions of film photographs along with scripts, posters and production files, and scholars come from around the world. The reading room is open to the public, usually by appointment.
6933 Hollywood Blvd. · Hollywood
Next to the Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood branch of the famous wax-figure attraction opened in 2009. Its themed rooms place visitors alongside film stars, superheroes and music icons, with the boulevard’s crowds and costumed characters right outside. Combined tickets with nearby attractions are often available.