Best Women's History Museum Exhibits In Los Angeles
Since 1911, the United States has recognized the significance and the participation of women in society, first with an International Woman's Day, then with a Women's History Week, and eventually proclaiming March as Women's History Month.
The theme of the 2012 Women's History Month is "Women's Education – Women's Empowerment." Schools, governments and other agencies are holding special events in celebration of Women's History Month and these Los Angeles museums will also be joining in on the celebrations.
Price: $10 adults/$7 seniors 65+ and full-time students/$5 children 2 – 12 years old/Free to children under 2 and Skirball members/All exhibitions are free to the public on Thursdays
Hours: Tues to Fri – Noon to 5 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Until May of this year, the Skirball presents "Women Hold Up Half the Sky." This exhibition is inspired by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book "Half The Sky," which discusses the oppression of women around the world and what needs to be done to stop it. The display includes photographs, audio, video and interactive activities appropriate for anyone aged 8 years and older. Of much importance, the presentation provides ideas and opportunities for involvement.
Price: Free
Hours: Tues to Sat – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Until March 29, the California African American Museum displays the exhibit "Women: Game Changers, Less Known, Here Celebrated" in its entrance space. The images bring to the forefront the stories of women who were or are a key part in the achievements of science, sports and culture, some of them whose names have gone unnoticed or even forgotten.
Price: $10 adults/$8 seniors/$5 students and active military with I.D./$3 children 5 – 12 years old/Free children under 5 and museum members
Hours: Tues to Sun – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed on Mondays
Closing down the celebration of Women's History Month, the Petersen will hold "Women's Day" on March 31 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., during which time female docents will lead tours and attendees will be able to learn and celebrate during an afternoon of car-related activities. This event requires advance registration by calling (323) 964-6308 or emailing lsalazar@petersen.org. It has a cost of $25.00 for non-members and $20 for members.
Price: $15 adults/$10 seniors and students/Children free
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs – Noon to 8 p.m.; Fri – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wed closed
Until May 6, LACMA presents in its Resnick Pavilion "In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States." About 175 pieces represent surrealist art done by women in Mexico and the U.S., including both unknown artists and big names of the genre, like Frida Kahlo and Louise Borgeouis. These women spoke on canvas about their identity, their difficulties and their enjoyments, and became an influence on the feminist movement that would soon develop.
Price: Free for groups of 10 or less
Hours: Tues and Thurs -10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum's exhibit, "Woman of Fire," celebrates women who have served in the fire service since the 1800s. It provides the history not only of female firefighters around the country, but also about specific members of the service in Los Angeles, including those who became leaders and others who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Related: Pick-a-Side: Women's History Month--Which Woman Do You Admire More?
Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
