Ucla Fowler Museum Of Cultural History

UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Located on the vibrant UCLA campus in Los Angeles, the Fowler Museum at UCLA is a leading cultural institution dedicated to the arts and material cultures of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas. Since its founding in 1963, the Fowler has grown into a globally recognized repository of more than 130,000 artworks and cultural objects. The museum’s mission extends beyond preservation and display; it is committed to research, education, and ethical stewardship, with a strong emphasis on respectful cultural exchange and repatriation of artifacts. Visitors can expect a rich array of permanent and special exhibitions, public programs, and a welcoming, accessible environment—all with free admission (Fowler Museum at UCLA - Wikipedia; Fowler Museum Exhibitions).

History and Development
Collections and Exhibitions
- Permanent Collections
- Special and Current Exhibitions
Educational Significance
Ethical Stewardship and Repatriation
Visiting Hours and Admission
Accessibility and Amenities
Getting There
Visitor Tips
Community Engagement and Future Directions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Explore More Los Angeles Historical Sites
Call to Action
References

History and Development

The museum began in 1963 as the Museum and Laboratories of Ethnic Arts and Technology, created to consolidate UCLA’s expanding collection of non-Western art and artifacts, primarily used by the anthropology department (Fowler Museum at UCLA - Wikipedia). Over the years, it evolved into the Museum of Cultural History and, later, the Fowler Museum at UCLA, reflecting its broadened focus and growing stature. Notable milestones include major donations such as Natalie Wood’s gift of ancient Mexican ceramics in 1969 and the opening of its state-of-the-art facility in 1992, named after philanthropist Francis E. Fowler Jr. (Fowler Museum at UCLA - Wikipedia).

Collections and Exhibitions

Permanent Collections

The Fowler Museum houses over 130,000 artworks and objects, including textiles, ceramics, ritual objects, and contemporary pieces from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas, as well as select European works (Fowler Museum Collections). Highlights include:

African Art: Significantly expanded by a $14 million donation from Jay and Deborah Last, including rare Lega objects.
Francis E. Fowler, Jr. Collection of Silver: Over 800 pieces, offering a global history of silverwork from the 16th to 19th centuries.
California Indian Baskets and Ceramics: Extensive collections from Native Californian and Mexican cultures.

Special and Current Exhibitions

The Fowler Museum is known for its dynamic programming, typically featuring three to six exhibitions at any time (WhichMuseum - Fowler Museum). Notable recent and upcoming exhibitions include:

Fire Kinship: Southern California Native Ecology and Art: Explores Native stewardship traditions and fire’s generative role in ecology, featuring works by Weshoyot Alvitre, Emily Clarke, and others (UCLA Newsroom: Fire Kinship).
Taming the Desert: Resilience, Religion and Ancestors in Ancient Peru: Artifacts from the Moche and Nasca civilizations, highlighting resilience in challenging environments (The Art Newspaper: Exhibitions to See).
Cosmic Provenance: A 60th Anniversary Installation: Celebrates six decades of collecting and scholarship (Fowler Museum Exhibitions).

Exhibitions are often developed in collaboration with artists and community experts to ensure authenticity and respectful representation (Art Guides - Fowler Museum).

Educational Significance

As a university museum, the Fowler is a crucial resource for UCLA faculty and students, offering internships, research opportunities, and hands-on access to its collections (Art Guides - Fowler Museum). Its educational outreach extends to K-12 programs, public lectures, family workshops, and collaborative events with local schools and organizations. Regular programs include curator talks, artist workshops, and “Lunch & Learn” sessions, fostering cultural awareness and academic engagement (WhichMuseum - Fowler Museum).

Ethical Stewardship and Repatriation

The Fowler Museum is recognized as a leader in provenance research and ethical repatriation. Under the direction of Silvia Forni, it has intensified efforts to trace the history of its collections and return objects to their rightful communities when appropriate (UCLA Newsroom). Recent initiatives include:

Return of Larrakia Sacred Objects: In 2025, 11 objects of spiritual significance were returned to the Larrakia people of Australia (AIATSIS News - Fowler Museum Returns Objects).
Repatriation of Asante Royal Regalia: Returned to Ghana.
Native American Remains and Artifacts: Nearly all repatriated to tribal communities in line with federal law.

These actions are supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, transparency, and ongoing partnership with Indigenous and source communities (Fowler-AIATSIS Media Release; BroadwayWorld).

Visiting Hours and Admission

Address: 308 Charles E. Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90024, UCLA Campus (Fowler Museum Visit).
Hours:
- Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Closed: Monday and Tuesday, and major holidays.
Admission: Always free. No tickets required; donations are welcome.

Accessibility and Amenities

Wheelchair Accessibility: All galleries and restrooms are ADA compliant, with accessible parking in UCLA Lot 4 and elevator access (Fowler Museum Visit).
Service Animals: Permitted per ADA guidelines.
Photography: Non-flash photography allowed unless otherwise indicated.
Amenities: Public WiFi, seating areas, family-friendly programs, and event spaces (Discover Los Angeles).

For special accommodations, contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.

Getting There

By Car: Park in UCLA Lot 4 (221 Westwood Plaza), $3/hour or $12/day (Fowler Museum Visit).
By Public Transit: Served by Metro and Big Blue Bus lines (SoCal Museums).
Drop-offs: At 305 Royce Drive, behind the museum.

Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Check the official website for current exhibitions, programs, and events.
Arrive Early: Secure parking and enjoy quieter galleries.
Explore Programs: Join guided tours, workshops, or lectures for a deeper experience.
Combine Visits: Visit nearby attractions like the Hammer Museum or Westwood Village.

Community Engagement and Future Directions

The Fowler Museum is committed to inclusivity and cultural dialogue, acknowledging the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional caretakers of the land (Fowler Museum Visit). It continues to participate in initiatives such as the PST ART Climate Impact Program and actively expands its collections and curatorial perspectives. This focus keeps the museum relevant and engaged with contemporary issues (Fowler Museum Exhibitions).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the Fowler Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Wednesday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Thursday–Sunday 12 p.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. See museum website for updates.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, always free. No tickets required.

Q: Where is the museum located?
A: 308 Charles E. Young Dr N, UCLA campus.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, fully ADA compliant.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is generally allowed.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check the events page or contact the museum.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, in UCLA Lot 4.

Q: Are service animals allowed?
A: Yes, following ADA guidelines.

Explore More Los Angeles Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring neighboring museums and landmarks such as the Hammer Museum and the Getty Center. Westwood Village offers dining and entertainment, making for a full day of cultural discovery.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Fowler Museum at UCLA and immerse yourself in global cultural heritage. Download the Audiala app for interactive guides and exclusive content. Stay connected by following the museum and Audiala on social media, and consult related articles to further explore Los Angeles’s rich cultural landscape.

Summary

The Fowler Museum at UCLA is a vital resource for exploring the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Its robust collections, ethical leadership in repatriation, and commitment to education and accessibility make it a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. Take advantage of guided tours, family programs, and the Audiala app to enrich your experience, and visit nearby cultural sites for a comprehensive journey through the city’s historical treasures. Stay informed and engaged by visiting the museum’s website and following its social media channels (Fowler Museum at UCLA; AIATSIS News; Art Guides - Fowler Museum).