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Best Museums For Dates In Los Angeles

Getty Museum Hosts Vast Collection Of Art And Antiquities
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Casual dates or serious relationship-building experiences are widely available across the Southland, but these five best choices take the direct focus from the relationship to a sharing of artistic creativity. From the less-than-serious Hollywood Wax Museum to the formal Getty Center Museum, and from contemporary art to dioramas, these choices include museums that make for a great date. Often in districts with reputations of their own, the museum is a center point of an incomparable special date.

Getty Museum Hosts Vast Collection Of Art And Antiquities
(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

J. Paul Getty Center Museum
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu

In view of the Santa Monica mountain range and amid the collections and gardens, the J. Paul Getty Center's museum is an ideal setting for couples to enjoy each other's company. Two food venues, The Restaurant and Garden Terrace Cafe, offer everything from standard fare to fine dining. Quality wines and beers are also available. World renowned for its extensive collection that covers the panorama of all art forms from prehistory to contemporary, The Getty Center has drawings, sculpture, paintings, photographic art and more which will make it a day to remember. In all, it's an experience to grow a relationship through art appreciation.

Related: Best Date Ideas For Art Lovers In Los Angeles

George Lopez Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds Hollywood
(credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Hollywood Wax Museum
6767 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-5991
www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com

Open all day until midnight and close to all of the entertainment venues and restaurants of the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Wax Museum is a starting point for a lighthearted evening with someone special. Operating since 1965, this museum showcases the "icons of the silver screen." It's a celebration of celebrity. Hollywood's stars come to life, from Johnny Depp and Kirsten Dunst to iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin. Over 100 movie and television scenes are recreated as well. For couples getting to know each other, it's a fine distraction. For long-term couples, it's all entertainment. This may be not the most romantic date, but it is a sure bet for an evening well spent.

rsz_gitamuseum.jpg
(credit: RSZ)

Bhagavad-Gita Museum
3764 Watseka Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 845-9333
www.bhagavadgitamuseum.com

A visit to Bhagavad-Gita Museum is an exotic step into the world of the Hare Krishna and maybe a binding examination of their world-view involving the sublime nature of ancient beliefs. Officially known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, this museum has been established in the Southland for decades. The museum's dioramas are a colorful look at the many legends of the American movement that is part of Hindu culture, but don't expect an evangelistic come-on. This art institution just wants the public to experience the museum and restaurant, and there is also the Govindas Gift Shop. While the museum enlightens the mind, the restaurant feeds the body with the best vegetarian cuisine in the Southland - it's a "higher taste." For adventurous and curious couples, this is a date that steps out of the norms - expect the unexpected. The staff is personable and eager to share and provide the best in customer service.

lacma.jpg
(credit: LACMA)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
www.lacma.org

Spanning both "history and geography," the County's Museum of Art has the most extensive collection in the West. From prehistory to current day, these works of art have been collected from around the world representing cultures from every continent. For couples fond of art, there is a bookstore. Additionally, there are four restaurants and a gift shop so you can enjoy a delicious meal with your date and grab a souvenir. The Art Catalogs Bookstore has exhibition catalogs ;and book titles on contemporary art. From the café to a fine dining restaurant, there's "something for everyone." Ray's has received critical acclaim for its Mediterranean menu and serves California wines, boutique beers and quality spirits. The Stark Bar serves adult beverages and quality appetizers. The coffeehouse serves artisan coffees and pastries. On balance, it's a complete date for any couple. You'll also want to make sure not to miss the popular "Urban Light" art sculpture by Chris Burden located at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance where you can take some great photos on your date next to 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s.

Related: Best Art Galleries In Los Angeles

moca musem of contemporary art orange county
(Credit: Museum Of Contemporary Art)

The Geffen Contemporary at Moca
152 N. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-6222
www.moca.org

In 1983, this former police warehouse in Little Tokyo was completely renovated, creating the Moca. With 40,000 square feet of floor space, this extensive modern collection takes art to the present at the cutting edge. For art-loving couples, it's an exploration of the most recent decades of artistic creativity. With no less than 70 restaurants in the general vicinity, couples can dine on a broad range of cuisine as well. At the Moca's café, light refreshments and food are a complement to the museum's theme.

Robert Cuthbert is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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