Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: A Field Study

South Coast Botanic Garden | Palos Verde
Now – October 4, 2026

This whimsical outdoor exhibit brings 12 larger-than-life trolls, crafted entirely from reclaimed wood, to life across the Garden’s 87 acres. Created by artist Thomas Dambo, these gentle giants are “studying” humans, inviting guests to explore immersive landscapes and discover each troll tucked throughout the grounds.

For a deeper experience, Troll Trek tours offer a guided walk through the exhibit with storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights. Guided tours are included with general admission, with Troll Trek reservations available for an additional fee.

Tiny Troll Treks offer a shorter, more accessible guided experience perfect for families with young children, grandparents, and anyone looking for an easier-paced adventure. Guests will meet four whimsical Twelvelings, enjoy hands-on activities with a Garden guide, and receive a Field Guide to continue exploring. Tiny Troll Treks are offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holiday weekends.

Spider Pavilion

Natural History Museum, Los Angeles
September 20 – December 6, 2026

Walk among hundreds of orb weavers and their intricate webs in an open-air pavilion, then explore enclosed habitats featuring tarantulas, wolf spiders, Huntsman spiders, and more. Museum educators are on hand to share spider facts and answer questions along the way.

Cars are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash @ the Petersen

Petersen Museum | Los Angeles
Now – 2026

Step into a vibrant pop art world at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s new immersive exhibit, Cars Are Beautiful, created by French-born, LA-based artist Mr Brainwash. Known for his playful, graffiti-inspired style, Mr Brainwash transforms the automobile into a colorful celebration of imagination, joy, and American culture through paintings, sculptures, and interactive art.

The exhibit fills the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery with a whimsical explosion of creativity, inviting visitors of all ages to experience cars like never before.

The New Immersive Van Gogh: The Next Chapter

Moreno Valley Museum & Artspace
Now – January 3, 2027

Step inside the world of Vincent van Gogh as his iconic artwork comes to life through large-scale immersive projections. Journey from the sun-drenched fields of Provence to the streets of Paris, surrounded by glowing sunflowers, swirling starry nights, and other scenes inspired by his work.

Studio Ghibli’s PONYO

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | Los Angeles
February 14 – January 10, 2027

Explore the magical world of Ponyo in this exhibition celebrating Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn animation. Featuring more than 100 rare materials—including original drawings, art boards, and animation tools—this showcase highlights the artistry and storytelling behind the beloved film. Interactive elements, like an animation table, invite guests to create their own sequences while exploring themes of transformation and human connection. Included with museum admission.

The Lives and Legacies of Walt Disney and Hubert Eaton

Forest Lawn Museum | Glendale
September 19 – February 7, 2027

Explore the friendship and creative connection between Walt Disney and Forest Lawn founder Hubert Eaton through Disneyland artifacts, original Disney sheet music, concept art, archival photographs, and more. The free exhibition looks at the parallels between the two California visionaries and the iconic parks they created.

Disney’s The Lion King

Pantages Theatre | Los Angeles
December 12, 2026 – February 13, 2027

See the Serengeti come to life through imaginative puppetry, masks, movement, elaborate costumes, and larger-than-life staging. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical pairs familiar songs with African-inspired music and choreography, following the classic story of family, adventure, and finding your place.

Olivia Rodrigo: the cure unraveled

The Grammy Museum | Los Angeles
September 2, 2026 – February 22, 2027

Step inside the handmade world of Olivia Rodrigo’s “the cure” music video with original sets, props, storyboards, artwork, and interactive photo ops. See her nurse costume, miniature “OR,” animatronic felt heart, album artwork, and more, with additional artifacts from her career.

Superman Experience

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood | Burbank
Now – February 28, 2027

Team up with Superman and Krypto in an hour-long interactive adventure combining immersive 3D gameplay, motion detection, physical props, puzzles, and audio-animatronics. Discover your Kryptonian powers, complete challenges, and help save the day before wrapping up the mission inside the Fortress of Solitude. Ages 5+.

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Unearthed: Raw Beauty

National History Museum | Los Angeles
Now – April 18, 2027

Exhibition showcases some of the largest and rarest mineral specimens ever displayed in their natural, uncut form—many on view for the first time. From massive crystals and vibrant gemstones to California’s own mineral treasures, the collection highlights the beauty and science behind rocks, gems, and fossils. Interactive elements and striking displays create an otherworldly experience that reveals the role minerals play in our everyday world. Included with general admission.

Orcas: Our Shared Future

National History Museum | Los Angeles
April 26, 2026 – April 25, 2027

Explore the deep connections between orcas, humans, and the ocean through life-size replicas and dynamic, underwater-inspired displays. Learn how these intelligent, family-oriented animals communicate and thrive, while also experiencing artwork by Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast that reflect cultural ties to orcas. Blending science and storytelling, this powerful exhibit offers a deeper look at one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Additional ticket required.

Jelly Dreamscapes

Aquarium of the Pacific | Long Beach
Now – April 30, 2027

Drift through an immersive gallery filled with hundreds of sea jellies from around the world, featuring species new to the Aquarium, meditative lighting, dream-like soundscapes, and a behind-the-scenes look at how these delicate animals are cared for.

Glow: A Cinematic Moodscape

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | Los Angeles
Now – May 31, 2027

Step inside a two-story immersive installation exploring how filmmakers use light to create mood and atmosphere. Synchronized projections, dynamic lighting, and an original score surround visitors with movie imagery inspired by six themes, including sunrise and sunset, moonlight, neon, candlelight, fireworks, and campfires.

Zombies!

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | Los Angeles
September 26, 2026 – July 25, 2027

Step into a playful pretend cemetery to uncover how movie zombies are made through eerie sets, behind-the-scenes footage, vintage posters, sensory effects, and an interactive animatronic puppet created especially for the exhibition.

Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | Los Angeles
December 12, 2026 – September 9, 2027

Go behind the scenes of films like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings through original puppets, sets, props, costumes, artwork, video, and production design that reveal how stop-motion worlds are built.

GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play

California Science Center, Los Angeles
May 15 – Summer 2028

GAME ON! is a hands-on exhibition celebrating the connection between science, sports, and play. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a wide range of sports through interactive activities, technology-enhanced challenges, and guidance from mentor athletes.

Guests can practice baseball swings, kick soccer goals, swim virtually with a Para athlete, explore yoga and mindfulness, and learn about nutrition and careers in sports.

Tickets: Included with free general admission and will remain on view through the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.