Thursday, 18 December 2025

Art You Can Take Home: Shopping at Los Angeles Museum Gift Stores

The Shop at The Broad
Los Angeles is a city where culture is collected, curated and celebrated on a world-class scale. From contemporary art and cinema to science, space exploration and automotive history, LA’s museums are destinations in their own right. Yet beyond the galleries and exhibitions lies another treasure often overlooked by travellers: the museum gift store. These thoughtfully curated spaces transform inspiration into beautifully designed objects, allowing visitors to take home a meaningful piece of their experience.

Whether you are searching for an affordable keepsake, a design-led home accessory or a limited edition artwork, shopping at museum stores in Los Angeles offers a uniquely creative way to remember your journey.

Contemporary Art Finds in Downtown LA

The Shop at The Broad has become a must-visit destination for art lovers. Integrated into the museum’s striking lobby, the store reflects the bold, contemporary spirit of the collection. Shoppers will find artist-inspired gifts, exhibition catalogues, architecture-focused publications and limited edition prints. Items range from playful art stickers and plush cushions to striking design objects and collectible statement pieces inspired by iconic contemporary artists.

Nearby, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Store continues the creative dialogue with an impressive selection of art books, posters and wearable art. Collaborations with artists and designers make this store a favourite for those seeking exclusive fashion pieces, accessories and exhibition-related merchandise that feels both collectible and wearable.

Music, Movies and Pop Culture Icons

At the GRAMMY Museum Store at L.A. LIVE, music history becomes tangible. The shop celebrates sound and creativity through apparel, jewellery, books and collectible vinyl records. From iconic album artwork to playful gifts for future rock stars, the store captures the energy of the global music scene in thoughtfully designed memorabilia.

Film lovers are equally spoiled at the Academy Museum Store. Designed exclusively for cinema enthusiasts, the space offers Oscars-inspired merchandise, film posters, apparel, vinyl records and one of the most comprehensive collections of cinema books in Los Angeles. It is a destination where Hollywood history meets modern design, perfect for serious collectors and casual fans alike.

Science, Nature and Space-Inspired Souvenirs

Families and curious minds gravitate towards the California Science Center ExploraStore, where science education meets hands-on fun. The expansive store is organised around major exhibition themes, offering educational toys, kits, apparel and gifts that encourage learning through play.

Griffith Observatory
The Natural History Museum Store blends education with design, featuring nature-inspired home décor, books and unique apparel. From dinosaur-themed souvenirs to exhibition-driven collectibles, each item extends the museum experience beyond its walls.

High above the city, the Griffith Observatory’s Stellar Emporium Bookstore & Gift Shop captures the wonder of the cosmos. Astronomy books, space-themed gifts and imaginative toys make this a favourite stop for dreamers of all ages.

Cultural Heritage and Craftsmanship

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes offers a deeply cultural shopping experience through its museum gift store, which showcases artisan-made home décor, jewellery and books celebrating Mexican and Mexican American heritage. The emphasis on local artists and limited edition works makes every purchase feel personal and purposeful.

Craft Contemporary’s museum shop continues this artisanal journey with beautifully handmade objects sourced from around the world. From textiles and ceramics to glassware and footwear, each piece reflects the museum’s commitment to craftsmanship and creative expression.

Automotive Legends and American History

Car enthusiasts should not miss the Petersen Automotive Museum Store, where design, speed and nostalgia come together. The shop features apparel, scale models, books and exhibition-related collectibles that celebrate automotive innovation and racing culture.

At the Autry Museum of the American West, shopping becomes a journey through history. The museum store offers Western-inspired apparel, Native American art, books and music, including exclusive items linked to founder Gene Autry and the cultural legacy of the American West.

Global Art Perspectives Across LA

The Getty Center and Getty Villa elevate museum shopping with refined collections inspired by art, architecture and antiquity. Multiple stores across the campuses offer everything from scholarly publications and jewellery to sculptural home décor and children’s gifts, all reflecting the elegance of the Getty collections.

Museum of Latin American Art
Meanwhile, the Skirball Cultural Center, Hammer Museum, Museum of Latin American Art, Norton Simon Museum and Museum of Tolerance each present thoughtfully curated stores that mirror their institutional missions. From emerging artists and social history to global traditions and human rights education, these shops transform museum visits into lasting connections.

Shopping at museum gift stores in Los Angeles is more than retail therapy. It is an extension of cultural discovery, where every object tells a story and every purchase supports creativity, education and preservation. For travellers seeking meaningful souvenirs with substance and style, LA’s museum stores are destinations worth exploring.

For more information on Los Angeles museums and cultural attractions, visit:
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

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