Founded in 1862, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of the oldest public arts institutions in the United States. A smaller, more intimate museum, the Albright-Knox puts its focus on modern and contemporary art. Those fond of European, post-war American, and multiple styles of art up until the present time will delight in the wandering the gallery's halls, and won't have to spend an entire day doing so.
Best and worst times to go to the Albright-Knox
An extremely popular destination for children's field trips (the museum offers free docent-led tours for grades K–12), attending during the school year on weekdays may prove to be crowded. In addition, tours for the general public are offered each week on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. With the last tour at 1:30, visiting any evening after school hours will provide the most unencumbered viewing times. Take note: the museum is closed every Monday, as well as New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Must see/do at the Albright-Knox
Exhibitions come and go at the gallery, so check the website for any updates in what is coming or going. Non-permanent exhibits may be there as little as a couple of weeks, while the longer ones stick around for several months. One of the most extensive permanent collections was donated by the late Seymour H. Knox, Jr. and includes such works as Jackson Pollock's Convergence and Franz Kline's New York, N.Y. Numerous educational activities, such as art classes and animation workshops, let patrons also get hands-on with creative endeavors.
Admission to the Albright-Knox
Current admission to the museum is in the twelve dollar range for adults, with students and seniors paying a few dollars less. Kids ages six to twelve get even more of a discount, while the youngest get in for free. Members also get in for free (after paying their annual fee), and admission is also free for active-duty United States and Canadian Armed Services personnel and their families, and members of CIMAM (the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art). Locally-owned M&T Bank sponsors a program called First Fridays, where admission is free the first Friday of every month – but this does not cover special exhibitions, which may still incur an additional fee.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Albright-Knox
The gallery has its own parking lot, which does have a fee for both members and non-members, with members paying a couple of dollars less. Parking on First Fridays is free, and also free for active-duty military. It's important to remember to take a parking ticket when entering the lot to have it validated at the Admissions Desk, as the parking fees support the museum. Getting there is easy enough, whether you're a local or coming from Canada; it's right off the Scajaquada Expressway (Rt. 198 East) – look for Exit 11, marked "Elmwood Avenue, Art Gallery." Buffalo's Metro Bus system provides a quick and safe trip to the gallery from multiple stops, both in and around the city.
Food at the Albright-Knox
The AK Café is within the gallery, but doesn't open until noon for lunch. The fare is simple: sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. Dinner is only available on First Fridays and is also fairly basic. The children's menu is extremely limited, offering only pizza or mac and cheese. Wine and beer are available. You might be better off – especially in the summer months – to pack a picnic lunch and dine in nearby Delaware Park, which is pretty and serene after a day of viewing art.
Insider tip for visitors to the Albright-Knox
Large purses, bags, backpacks, baby carriers, umbrellas, briefcases, video cameras, flashes, and tripods are prohibited to enter the museum. And any smaller bags are still subject to inspection, so don't try to smuggle anything in that you might want back!
Author's bio: Kimberly Mintz is a writer and voice actor who lives in the Buffalo area. Find her on Twitter @KimIsWriting.
The Kala Art Gallery holds eight or more exhibitions each year for upcoming and established artists. It showcases all types of artistic media, including paintings, sculpture, video and print. It also runs the Kala Board Prize Exhibition, a special competition which selects proposals for new and experimental works each year. In addition, the Kala Art Gallery provides curatorial services for business and special interest groups on a case-by-case basis.
Old Brick is a historic landmark and the second oldest building in Iowa City. Built in 1856, it has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The building now serves as a community center and houses several non-profit organizations, such as Table to Table, Peace Iowa, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and more. Old Brick also has an auditorium available to rent for meetings, events, lectures and weddings.
Habitot Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The museum operates year-round exhibits, classes and performances as well as a literacy program and toy lending library. For parents, Habitot offers parenting classes, parent support groups, a family resource center and more. For teachers, the museum holds teacher training programs.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) does an extraordinary job in giving visitors of all ages a "big picture" of our planet. The museum houses one of the world's top collections of natural and cultural history. NHM protects more than 35 million objects, some dating back 4.5 billion years. Many are displayed within the Dinosaur, Mammal, Bird, and Insect Halls, as well as in the Discovery Center, interactive Nature Lab, Gem and Mineral Rooms, and Nature Gardens.
Best and worst time to go to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Not surprisingly, the museum is crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Weekdays can be crowded, too, with school field trips. The best times to visit NHM are weekday afternoons, after 1:30 p.m., and weekend mornings at 9:30 a.m.
Must See/Do at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The Natural History Museum has a wealth of "must-sees" starting with the Halls of North American and African Mammals, with dioramas of animals in their "realistic" settings. The 14,000 square foot Dinosaur Hall is stunning. Be sure not to miss the Nature Lab on Level G with live animals, including frogs, turtles, snakes and rats.
Admission to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission ranges from $5 to mid-teens; children 2 and under are free. Specialty combo tickets, which include the seasonal Butterfly and Spider Pavilions, are higher.
How to get to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The Natural History Museum is located in Exposition Park at 900 Exposition Boulevard between Vermont Avenue and Figueroa Street. Paid parking is available (cash only) at the Museum's Car Park (Exposition Blvd. and Bill Robertson Lane). The Expo Rail Line stops right at the museum (exit at the Expo/Vermont stop).
Food at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
The NHM Grill on Level G of the museum serves burgers and grilled sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups and pre-packaged snacks and drinks. You can dine inside or on the outside patio.
Insider tips for visitors to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Free admission is offered on the first Tuesday of each month, except in July and August. If you take Metro to the Natural History Museum, show your ticket or pass and receive $1.25 off an adult admission. The daily "Hidden in Plain Sight" tours offer fun hidden factoids that you might miss-like the predatory wolves hidden in the plains bison diorama.
Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of many museums and arts organizations.