Dear Reader,
There are a few new people in my subscriber list, and I thought it was a good time to reintroduce myself and what I do.
My name is Kristen, and I am a midwesterner who has lived in L.A. for over twenty years.I take the thought work out of finding things to do, see, and support in Los Angeles. By subscribing to Los Angeles Curated, you get a curated list for the month. I separate the authentic from the algorithmic to get you off your screens and into the world. This newsletter and my website are my love letter to the small businesses and art organizations that make Los Angeles an amazing place to live.
In an era of rapidly changing algorithms and lost connections, this newsletter is the only way people connect with This Ugly Beautiful City. My goal this month is to get to 550 newsletter subscribers. I’ve been close to 500 for almost two years now. Will you help me spread the word?
If I helped you find your next favorite restaurant, tuned you in to a life-changing exhibit, saved you money on date night, introduced you to skate hunnies, or just like this newsletter and think more people in Southern California would like it too, tell someone.
Tell a friend why you like this newsletter and send this link: https://thisuglybeautifulcity.kit.com/
Free Museum (Day)
I am sending this newsletter to you on Los Angeles’ Free Museum Day. I love the idea of this amazing day where Los Angeles’ museums are free. If you missed today or had no idea it was happening, there is no need for FOMO. Los Angeles is full of museums that are free all the time.
I love museums that are welcoming and serve as third spaces. Here are some of my favorites:
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Free
(Closed Mondays)
This museum, the size of a city block, contains multitudes. In this small space, you can see works by John Singer Sargent and ASCO. It is easy to do in an hour, but worthy of more time. I’ve attended book releases, award contender screenings with Q&As with directors, and snacked at the Alice Waters restaurant on-site.
Paid subscribers and I are going to meet up here this Saturday to experience Made In L.A. and visit some of my favorite Made In L.A. businesses. It is a great itinerary on a Budget day. It’s not too late to join.
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Subscribe & get the invite ⬇️
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I want to get out and do stuff
This is for those of you who are craving community and want to get out and explore the city you call home. You will... Read more |
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Free
(Open Friday-Sunday)
Los Angeles has an amazing amount of niche museums, including this museum focusing on the Cold War. This is one of L.A. best kept secrets, especially when it comes to programming. I am kicking myself for missing 80s hip-hop legends reflect on 50 years of groundbreaking moments in music. There are dance nights, yoga, and exhibits that have increased my world knowledge more than any other museum. The outdoor space will be your next great meditation escape.
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Free
(Closed Mondays)
The museum campus at USC (University of Southern California) has many great museums, including the free California Science Center and the Fisher Museum, but my favorite is CAAM. It is the only museum that concentrates solely on the black experience, and we have it in our own backyard. From textile arts to contemporary installations, there is a lot to see in this small space on campus. Their programming is pretty fantastic. (Paid subscribers just saw an event in honor of Octavia Butler in the last bonus issue.)
P.S. They also partner with Art + Practice in Leimert Park—another free museum.
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Free
(Open every day)
This is the place you should go if you ever have to take your 1st time visitors to Hollywood. Yes, I know it is on Hollywood & Highland. When you are stuck, wondering what to do when you realize that the Walk of Fame is just a sidewalk, you should head to Japan House. There is a small gallery and tons of programming, including director Q&As, cooking classes, kaiseki nights, floral arranging, and more than I can list.
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