Last year at about this time, the Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires engulfed the L.A area with smoke and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. I happened to be in town to take NLS to the Los Angeles International Airport and her return flight to Japan. The experience of being somewhere that’s enduring a major natural disaster was surreal, especially when certain places around the city closed. There weren’t many I could go to, but I completely understood and waited for another time, since I visit L.A. so often.

One of those places was the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The staff members said that they did not open because of the degree of smoke that could possibly damage the displays, which include old films, costumes and props. I wanted to write about the place for an article. But now I’ve returned to L.A. and visited the museum, which is in the Mid-Wilshire area, adjacent to the County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits.  It’s always something I’ve found fascinating – not just because I love movies but also because of the role they have played in the city’s history and culture.

One note – I visited the museum on my own, with no guides or special access. So, I went as any normal person would. I often prefer this approach, because I want to experience a place like anyone does.

Exhibitions

One thing that distinguishes the Academy Museum from others is that few of its displays are permanent. The exhibits last anywhere from one to two years, but ones that were on display in the past will likely not be there now. There is also an extensive slate of events, screenings and tours that are also constantly changing. So, the best way to plan for a visit is to check its website and see what will be offered.

My favorites of the roughly two dozen exhibitions – two of which (Hollywoodland and Stories of Cinema: Introduction) are permanent – were from my personal interests in film. The fiftieth anniversary of “Jaws” featured the inspiration, development and behind the scenes from one of the most iconic films ever made. It even included merchandise inspired by the film. I also enjoyed the displays from two British production designers who helped visualize the movies “Barbie,” “Anna Karenina,” and the live action “Beauty and the Beast.” I also would have liked to have stayed longer to peruse the creative process of L.A. noir films like one of my favorites, “Double Indemnity,” but I ran out of time.

The Oscars Experience

I did not go to this special exhibit, which allows visitors to enjoy a multimedia immersion of winning an Academy award. From an entourage escort to being on the stage the Dolby Theater in Hollywood to holding an actual Oscar and giving an acceptance speech, it allows anyone who’s ever ever watched the most awards show to see, hear and feel what it like to be a star in the spotlight.

Part of the reason for my skipping out on this is personal – something like this, especially when I have even paid a small extra fee – simply doesn’t appeal to me. That wasn’t the case with other visitors, who willingly queued up for a long wait to participate in this. I won’t begrudge anyone else’s fun – it’s just not mine. Like the Oscars Experience is the Godfather Photo Experience, which does not cost extra but does allow visitors to take a picture in a replica set from Vito Corleone’s office.

Logistics

Here is the biggest problem with a visit. There isn’t any reasonably priced parking available, unless you should go on a weekend, park at the nearby Onyx Tower and obtain validation at the museum. The cost with this option is a mere $10. You can park on the street with meters or take a bike or public transit, but let’s be real – this is Los Angeles, and how many people truly do this? The closest and most convenient lot is the underground one for the L.A. County Museum of Art. You can also find less expensive parking at the Petersen Automotive Museum, to the northeast about a block away – but only for two hours. Should you stay longer than that, it’ll cost $40.

The Academy Museum is also closed on Tuesdays. Admission ranges from $25 to adults up to age 62, $19 for seniors and $15 for all students with a valid ID. Children and teens under 17 can enter for free, as well as anyone with a museums or Academy membership. Accessibility devices and services are available where needed. There is also a gift shop as well as a restaurant called Fanny's. As I said before, always check the museum’s website for the hours of operation, current exhibits and programs available for your visit. Also, please consider when to go. I went during the weekend on a rainy day, which was probably one of the worst times to go when L.A. locals can’t go outside.