Dec 9, 2024

Italian American Museum Los Angeles

Italia LA!

"The "Italian American Museum" in LA Goes back to 1908 when it was a community gathering place. It gives me a deeper appreciation for my ancestry..."

Ciao, bella! Enjoy a slice of Italy in the heart of Los Angeles! The Italian American Museum is a cultural hall of Italian history and heritage. I'm "59% Italian" and coming here helps me connect with my roots! It gives Italian descendants a glimpse into our ancestry and the sacrifice our Grandparents made to be in Los Angeles today. 

The Italian American Museum is a monument of Italian history. Located in the Historic Italian Hall, this building was constructed in 1908 as a community gathering place for Italians. The museum chronicles the history of Italian immigration, famous Italians, Italian inventions, and a unique chapter of the Italian Diaspora.

In addition to showcasing Italian history, the museum hosts a robust calendar of events to bring the community together today. Every year, they host a hugely successful "Taste of Italy" festival inviting the greater Los Angeles public to sample the best food and wine in the region. They also host film screenings, book signings, and other cultural attractions.

The best part about the Italian Museum is that it's located right next to Chinatown and Olvera St. (the oldest Mexican neighborhood in Los Angeles). It's a one-stop culture shop in Los Angeles. Mexican, Chinese, and Italian traditions can all be experienced on one American city block. 

Admission is free. Donations always appreciated. Parking in the area costs $5-10 a day. Or, you can take a train or bus into Union Station (which is only 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk from the museum, Olvera St. and Chinatown).

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

North Main Street 644

free:

US$

free

2134858432

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Los Angeles guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles

Garden-of-Oz

Garden of Oz – Enchanted Hollywood garden

"The Garden of Oz" in Hollywoodland in LA. Easy to miss, it's a bright and creative place that asks one to pause, look in from the outside, and smile...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 5, 2025
Griffith-Park-Merry-Go-Round

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round – Go on a ride!

The "Griffith Park Merry Go Round" in Los Angeles was the inspiration for Disneyland... I came here as a kid and still enjoy it today!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
Glendale-Galleria

Glendale Galleria – For the shopper in you

"Glendale Galleria" is the third largest shopping mall in Los Angeles county. With over 260 stores and 3 levels, I can easily spend hours here!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
Half-Half-Tea-Express

Half & Half Tea Express – Bobalicious

"Half & Half Tea Express" Los Angeles isn’t your usual tea house. Half & Half is known for originating Iced Milk Drinks and hot honey boba...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
The-Huntington

The Huntington – Museums and Nature

"The Huntington" in Los Angeles is a picturesque spot - its library, art collections and botanical gardens is perfect for my dose of history, nature and...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
Americana-at-Brand

Americana at Brand – Outdoor shopping!

"Americana at Brand" is my favorite place to experience outdoor shopping and relaxation. Shop, dine, or catch a film - there's plenty to do!

008-ticket
Cinema
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
CottonHi

CottonHi – Cotton candy & ice cream!

"CottonHi" in Los Angeles has a simple concept: soft serve ice cream topped with organic cotton candy. I'm always ready to go back to this shop and...

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Kristina

Nikols

Feb 5, 2025
LA-Thrift-Shops

LA Thrift Shops – Treasure Hunting

I love thrift shopping! Like treasure hunting, you never know what you're going to find. There's joy in seeing new value in old things. Breathing fresh life into something recycled.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 4, 2025
Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

LAX Layover Fun – An LAX adventure

If I have a few hours to kill before a flight out of LAX, or if I want an inexpensive beach day, here's what I do: I start at Hank's & then go to Trask...

017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 4, 2025
Simply-Wholesome

Simply Wholesome – Healthy Soul Food

"Simply Wholesome" in LA makes the best Caribbean soul food. It's a legendary hotspot for anyone who wants to feel good about what they put in their body.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 4, 2025
Screenshot

United Artists Theater – Golden Era Hollywood

As the first United Theater, it's grandiose, ornate, and absolutely gorgeous. Immaculate details from floor to ceiling. This movie palace feels special to be inside.

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 4, 2025
Processed with VSCO with a4 preset

House Roots Coffee – Coffee and snacks

"House Roots Coffee" has the best cappuccinos in the Valley, Los Angeles. My friend had loved it for ages before I tried it, and now I get it...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Alejandra

Diaz

Feb 4, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Art & culture?

0 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Art & culture?

0 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!

Our team loves Los Angeles

Get to know our other Spotters from Los Angeles