5 Reasons to Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

After a decade since its first announcement, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures finally opened its doors to the public on September 30, 2021. Featuring over 13 million items, the museum is one of the largest institutions in the U.S. devoted to filmmaking. With several museums located around the Academy museum, why should one dedicate their entire day to this one? Here are 5 reasons visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures should be at the top of your to-do list.

You Get an Inside Look at the Behind the Scenes of Movies

As guests make their way through the museum, they’re greeted with several pieces of history and entire sections dedicated to how much effort goes into a single movie. On the second floor of the museum, guests can take a seat and watch the famous Boulder Chase scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark as it goes through different stages of sound mixing and Foley effects. Just outside of this mini-theater, guests can read up on how the tornado that sent Dorothy to Oz was designed. And I can’t forget the stunning concept art and figures created for some of the most beloved animated films! These are just some of the interesting tidbits about what it takes to produce a film for the big screen.

Diverse Movie History

One aspect I really enjoy about the Academy Museum is how diverse it is in the movie history it covers. The museum doesn’t shy away from criticizing the racism, misogyny, and other social issues present in film. It features these topics while also uplifting and showing off the achievements of different minorities respectfully. The Academy Museum also shows how social issues and their movements are being addressed through the usage of movies.

Not to mention, the museum also makes sure every medium and genre has time to shine. The museum even features foreign films! Throughout the museum, guests can learn about animation’s past, the origins of some of the most beloved sci-fi films, and even some beautifully crafted films representing countries and people from all over the world.

Iconic Props Galore

In order to tell a complete story in a film, of course, props have a big role. Whether it's exotic costumes, a robotic friend, or even a weapon to beat the bad guys and save the day, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has you covered! Throughout the museum, visitors can feast their eyes on some of the most iconic props in all of cinema, such as the robotic shark used in Jaws, the May Queen gown used in Midsommar, and even a pair of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers used in the original Wizard of OZ!

The Hayao Miyazaki Exhibit

From now until June 5 later this year, the Academy Museum will host the first North American exhibit for Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of the beloved Studio Ghibli. If you’re a fan of animation, chances are you know exactly who this man is. As the creative mind behind such classics as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, Miyazaki has many pieces of Studio Ghibli on display for the North American public to enjoy for the first time. Each animation cel, concept art, and painting featured are all exciting to look at and easily enrapture the viewer. Sadly, no photography is allowed and there is a fee on top of the ticket price to get in.

It's Free for Those Under 18

Luckily for most high school students, the Academy Museum offers free general admission for everyone under 18! Even if you plan on going with your family, being able to save money is always a great thing. As previously mentioned, there is an extra charge to visit certain exhibitions, such as the Hayao Miyazaki section, but being able to save a few bucks on the general admission can go towards the price for those select exhibits!

You can find the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, a 2-minute walk from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I hope you’ll check this amazing place yourself and learn as much as I did!