Experience only the best of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Enter through the Saban Building and step into a museum built by the Academy behind the Oscars. First impressions are scale and cinema context, with multi-level galleries ahead, designed for browsing, reading, and film discovery rather than a theme-park-style attraction.

Before the main galleries, pause in the Spielberg Family Gallery for a 13-minute montage that sets the tone. It is a strong first reset if you want context before diving into the museum’s denser exhibition floors.

Most visits flow into Stories of Cinema and adjacent craft-focused galleries spread across several floors. Expect costumes, cameras, storyboards, and media installations explaining directing, editing, sound, and visual effects. Unlike a studio tour, the payoff here is interpretation.

Bridges lead toward the spherical wing, where the David Geffen Theater anchors the museum’s boldest architectural moment. Terraces on the upper levels, Included, give you a visual break before heading back into galleries or a temporary exhibition.

By the final stretch, most visitors have spent about 2 to 4 hours moving between film history, global cinema, and rotating displays. If you map your route floor by floor, you’re less likely to miss sections and double back, which saves time.

Temporary exhibitions can shift the visit’s focus, so repeat visits may feel different. Drop-in gallery talks, Guided only, add context when scheduled, while programs at the David Geffen Theater or Ted Mann Theater are a Separate ticket if you want to extend the day.

The museum's signature exhibition traces the history of filmmaking through six floors of immersive galleries. Explore original costumes, props, storyboards, cameras, scripts, and interactive displays that reveal how movies are conceived, created, and brought to life.

Step into one of Hollywood's most beloved classics through original costumes, production sketches, and behind-the-scenes artifacts. Highlights include Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers and exhibits showcasing the groundbreaking visual effects that transformed cinematic storytelling.

Discover how one of cinema's greatest masterpieces was made through original scripts, costumes, photographs, and production materials. Learn about the creative decisions that helped shape this landmark crime drama and its lasting influence on filmmaking.

Celebrate the artistry behind animated films with concept art, character models, storyboards, and digital animation displays. The galleries reveal how beloved animated worlds evolve from early sketches into fully realized films.

Explore the history and cultural impact of the Academy Awards through memorable Oscar statuettes, acceptance speeches, costumes, and film memorabilia. Interactive exhibits showcase the stories behind Hollywood's biggest night.

See original props, costumes, and models from iconic science fiction films that pushed the boundaries of visual effects and imagination. The displays highlight how filmmakers brought futuristic worlds to the big screen.

One of the museum's permanent highlights, this gallery explores the craft of filmmaking through cameras, editing equipment, production design, sound, costume creation, and special effects. Interactive exhibits let visitors experience the collaborative process behind every movie.

The Academy Museum regularly hosts rotating exhibitions celebrating influential filmmakers, actors, genres, studios, and cinematic movements. Every visit offers something new, making repeat visits worthwhile for movie enthusiasts.