The California African American Museum (CAAM) is in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, where it focuses on African American cultural heritage and history, especially in California and the western United States. Admission is free, and its location makes it easy to combine the museum with another Exposition Park stop.
- Location: 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles.
- Admission: Free; reservations are not required.
- Gallery hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Getting there: The Metro E Line serves Expo Park/USC station.
What to expect at the California African American Museum
CAAM presents African American history and culture through its collection, exhibitions, programs and events. Its permanent collection contains more than 4,000 works of art, artifacts and historical documents, and the museum also has a publicly accessible research library.
The museum is at 600 State Drive, at the corner of Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard, just west of the 110 Freeway. That puts it within Exposition Park, alongside other museums and cultural venues.
Admission, hours and visitor access
CAAM admission is free, and you do not need a reservation. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Check the official site before you go for current hours and visitor guidance.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Leave large bags behind: the museum asks visitors not to bring them while its bag check is closed. Trained service dogs are permitted in public areas; emotional-support, comfort and therapy animals that do not qualify as ADA service animals are not allowed inside.
If you are driving, the CAAM parking-lot entrance is at 39th Street and Figueroa Street; the museum advises entering that intersection in a maps app or GPS.
Exposition Park parking costs $20 during the day and $24 after 5:00 p.m. For bus or rail routes, CAAM directs visitors to Metro trip-planning information and lists 1-800-266-6883 for route information and general service questions.
How do you get to Exposition Park from the motel?
From a motel in South Central Los Angeles, CAAM is about a 7-minute drive. You can also take the Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC station, which serves the museum and the wider park. Exposition Park’s FAQ also identifies Expo/Vermont as an E Line station serving the park; both stations have ramps and level boarding.
Accessible parking is available throughout Exposition Park. To use an accessible stall, you need a valid DMV-issued ADA parking permit.
What else can you visit in Exposition Park?
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Science Center are nearby, making either a natural addition to a museum day. The park also includes the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and BMO Stadium. The Natural History Museum’s collections and visitor details are covered in this Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County visitor guide.
Picnicking is allowed in Exposition Park, and both the California Science Center and Natural History Museum have food-service options during their normal museum hours. The park’s usual operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though they may change on special-event days.
If you are adding a Coliseum stop, the guide to getting to the LA Memorial Coliseum from South Central covers that visit.
FAQs
Is the California African American Museum free?
Yes. Admission, exhibitions, programs and events are free, and reservations are not required.
What days is CAAM open?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Is CAAM accessible by public transit?
Yes. The Metro E Line serves Expo Park/USC station. The park is also served at Expo/Vermont station.
Can you bring a large bag into the museum?
CAAM asks visitors not to bring large bags because its bag check is closed.