L.A. History Tour
Take a trip through time with this tour of L.A. History! We’ve got artifacts from the Gold Rush, early cars, and our entire Museum built for preserving the past.
Gold Rush Case
Level 1, Gem and Mineral Hall
The 1840s in California were golden. The first gold discovered in L.A. County was found in 1842. NHM has one of the largest gold collections on display in North America. Marvel at over 300 pounds of gold—including the “Mojave Nugget,” the largest known nugget of California gold.
Altar
Level 1, Becoming Los Angeles
Pay homage to all that L.A. has to offer. Count each of the neighborhoods that make up our altar, an ofrenda to Los Angeles.
Early Car
Level 1, Becoming Los Angeles
Startups have always been a part of Cali culture. The Auto Vehicle Company, founded in 1902, was one of the earliest manufacturers of wooden-body gasoline powered Tourist automobiles. This Tourist is the sole survivor from the car’s first year of production.
Rotunda and Three Graces
Level 1
Walk back in time over 100 years to stand in the beautifully restored Rotunda, the museum’s original Beaux Arts entrance. Take time to bathe in the soft, glowing light of the sweeping stained-glass dome and stand beside the inspiring Three Graces statue by Julia Bracken Wendt, one of Los Angeles’ first prominent sculptors.
1913 building
Level 1, outside Rotunda
From the Nature Gardens, take a look at the exterior of the original 1913 building. From gorgeous red bricks, to stunning columns. Stand on the steps outside, and you can see the original name of the museum in stone—the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art.
