One of my new favorite attractions in Los Angeles is the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and I just love everything about it! From the incredible selection of art to the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, there’s so much to see and experience.
Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, we’re always looking for fun and different date ideas, and this museum is the perfect place for a day-date together! The Lucas Museum is such a wonderful place to spend the day together. Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon, a little culture, or simply somewhere beautiful to wander around, this museum makes for a pretty perfect LA date.
Here are a few ways to make a day of it!
1. Explore the galleries together (and don’t rush!)
One of my favorite things about this museum is that the galleries are organized around different themes and stories. You’ll find everything from family moments and childhood to romance, community, comics, and so much more.
One of my favorite discoveries was the Love Gallery. It’s filled with beautiful and interesting artwork that explores love and relationships. It’s also a fun gallery to experience together on a date!
Take your time, look at the artwork, and talk about what catches your eye. You might even discover something new about each other along the way.
2. Take in the incredible architecture and gardens
Don’t make the mistake of rushing through your visit. The museum’s architecture is absolutely stunning, and there’s so much to appreciate both inside and outside the building.
Take time to explore the garden paths, hanging gardens, and beautiful green spaces surrounding the museum. There are 10 outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds, including some traditional sculptures and a few familiar favorites for movie and Star Wars fans.
Bring a blanket, find a spot on the grass, and just enjoy being outside together. Honestly, you almost forget you’re in the middle of Los Angeles!
3. Find the waterfall
There’s also a beautiful waterfall feature called The Rain on the north side of the museum. It’s a lovely spot to stop, take a few photos, and enjoy a quieter moment during your visit. It’s one of those little details that makes the entire campus feel so special.
4. Make time for a bite to eat
You can grab something at the museum café or, if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, enjoy a meal at the Skywalker Grill. I’d been looking forward to checking out Skywalker Grill because I’ve heard wonderful things about the restaurant and its beautiful views overlooking Los Angeles. Unfortunately, it was fully booked the day we visited. So disappointing! That’s definitely on our list for next time. Make a reservation ahead of time if you want to include it in your date.
5. Catch a movie together
Here’s something you might not know: the museum has two movie theaters, the Robert Flaherty Theater and the Slavko Vorkapich Theater. Check the movie schedule before your visit or while you are there. There are short films and documentaries playing throughout the day. It’s a nice way to slow down, give your feet a rest, and enjoy a little cinema together.
We sat in for Creating Heroes: The Life and Art of Jim Lee in the Robert Flaherty theater. Since we’re both into comics, this was a really cool one for us to see.
6. Stop by the gift shop for a little keepsake
I always enjoy looking through museum gift shops, and this one was no exception. We picked out a postcard featuring one of our favorite images from the Love Gallery, J.C. Leyendecker’s Couple and Faster Walk. It’s a simple little keepsake, but something we’ll enjoy looking back on. I even wrote the date of our visit on the back. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a day memorable.
7. Take a few photos together
Between the incredible architecture, the gardens, sculptures, and waterfall, there are so many beautiful photo opportunities throughout the property. It’s worth taking a few pictures together to remember your date.
And don’t forget to look up! The architecture has so many interesting details.
One of the things I love most about the Lucas Museum is that you don’t have to squeeze everything into a quick visit. There’s plenty to see, and it’s the kind of place where you can wander, discover something unexpected, sit outside, catch a film, and enjoy each other’s company.
Even if you don’t have time to visit the galleries, the Park & Gardens and outdoor sculptures are free and open to the public. You can enjoy the beautiful grounds without purchasing a museum ticket.
If you’re looking for a different kind of date in Los Angeles, I’d definitely put the Lucas Museum on your list. It’s a wonderful place to start or end your day, and one I’m already looking forward to visiting again. The Natural History Museum and The California Science Center are just steps away if you want to add other attractions to your visit!
