Two Super-Cool Reasons to Visit the L.A. County Museum of Art With Your Kids: “Metropolis II” and “Levitated Mass”
As soon as I heard about Chris Burden’s Metropolis II at LACMA, I knew it was a must-see exhibit. I learned about the sculpture from friends who talked about how mesmerizing it is. Modeled after a large, urban city, Metropolis II buzzes with noise and action. It is an interconnected series of grids including 18 roadways, one 6-lane freeway and train tracks. More than 100,000 cars (think hot-wheels) zoom through the high and low-rise buildings, making noise and creating a sense of frenzied commotion.
We arrived about 10 minutes before Metropolis II started running (check times to make sure you get there when the cars are running). My, husband, kids and I were fascinated. We watched it from the second floor balcony and right up close. It is truly masterful. This crazy-cool exhibit is intricate and boldly colorful, every angle offering a unique viewpoint. You imagine yourself in Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Anyplace USA. This is an exhibit we will happily return to see time and again.
While you’re at LACMA, wander outside and walk under the gigantic Levitated Mass, a sculpture of enormous size and scale. Until you’re gazing up at it, you can’t really grasp how big this rock is–340 tons to be exact. The kids will love running under it, back and forth. You probably heard about Levitated Mass’ long journey of more than 100 miles (at night) to get to LACMA. Now, its found its place in the sun.
See Metropolis II in action (no reservation required): Fri: 11:30–12:30 pm; 1:30–2:30 pm; 3:30–4:30 pm; 5:30–6:30 pm S/Su: 10:30 am–11:30 pm; 12:30–1:30 pm; 2:30–3:30 pm; 4:30–5:30 pm
Sundays at LACMA are designed especially for families. In the Boone Gallery, kids were painting and creating art projects and having a great time. Arts for NexGen LACMA is the nation’s only free youth membership program! NexGen offers free general admission to anyone 17 and under as well as one accompanying adult. To join, visit the LACMA box office or print the enrollment form and mail it in. www.lacma.org
Contributed by Christina Simon, author of Beyond The Brochure: An Insider’s Guide To Private Elementary Schools in Los Angeles
So glad to have your review – I have been meaning to check this out!