The Magic of Movie-Making: Exploring the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Located in the heart of Los Angeles at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures stands as the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art, science, and artists of moviemaking. Opened by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this dynamic cultural hub celebrates the rich global history of cinema while offering an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at how the magic on screen is created.
Housed in a stunning architectural marvel designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano—which marries the historic 1939 Saban Building with a massive, futuristic glass-and-concrete sphere—the museum is a mandatory pilgrimage site for film buffs and casual tourists alike.
1. Stories of Cinema: The Heart of the Museum
Spread across three floors, the museum’s core exhibition, Stories of Cinema, serves as an evolving, multi-gallery exploration of the international history of filmmaking. Rather than telling a single linear story, these galleries present diverse, complex, and engaging perspectives on the technology, artists, and social impact of movies.
Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to critical aspects of the craft, including screenwriting, sound design, and cinematography. Within these spaces, the museum showcases an unparalleled collection of legendary cinematic artifacts:
- Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz (1939).
- The original typewriter used by Joseph Stefano to write Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1660).
- The full-sized historical shark model casting from Jaws (1975).
- An expansive array of historic animation cels, intricate costumes, and legendary sci-fi props from films like Blade Runner.
2. The Oscars® Experience and Academy History
No museum built by the Academy would be complete without celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night. The museum provides a dedicated look into the history of the Academy Awards®, showcasing historic statuettes and focusing on groundbreaking milestones that broke barriers over the decades.
- The Oscars® Experience: For an additional ticket fee, visitors can step inside a highly immersive simulation that mimics the exact perspective of standing on the stage at the Dolby Theatre. You hear your name called, walk out from behind the curtain to a roaring crowd of Hollywood elite, and physically hold a real, 8.5-pound Oscar® statuette while cameras flash.
3. State-of-the-Art Theaters and Public Programming
Beyond the exhibition galleries, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures functions as a living center for cinematic culture. It houses two cutting-edge theaters: the grand 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the more intimate 288-seat Ted Mann Theater.
These spaces host a robust calendar of events, including:
- Daily screenings of classic, independent, and international films.
- In-depth panels and symposiums with directors, actors, and craft professionals.
- Youth education programs and specialized filmmaking workshops.
Planning Your Visit
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. While the museum features walk-up ticket availability on a first-come, first-served basis, it is highly recommended to reserve timed-entry tickets online in advance.
Be sure to wrap up your visit by taking the elevator up to the Dolby Family Terrace. Situated atop the open-air glass sphere, the terrace offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills, the iconic Hollywood Sign, and the sprawling Los Angeles basin—a fitting end to a day immersed in the world of dreams.
