Skirball Cultural Center
Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Museums [Edit]
2701 N Sepulveda BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 440-4500
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Thu 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: Yes
16 Reviews for Skirball Cultural Center
If you are planning an event, Skirball is the place to have it! The location was designed specifically for events. The flow of the location works really well. The food is grade A, the service is awesome, and the Darrel, the Event Manager is easy to work with.
I've never been to the museum, but I heard the displays are pretty neat!
The restaurant is really good!
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I coordinated my friend's wedding here 12/07 and everything turned out well! The staff is very friendly and accomodating. My site contact was Darrel De Vera and he was great. He was always able to help out with any problems and provide anything we needed. The kitchen staff was also very helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone.
The food for the reception was great and everyone actually liked their dish. I recommend the short ribs because the meat is tender so it's good for a large event like a wedding.
The ceremony was held outside in the Taper Court and it's gorgeous! The bride has the option of coming down a flight of stairs and it's a great grand entrance! They also have backup options if there's a chance of rain.
The reception was held inside the Ahmanson Hall and this is also a gorgeous venue! Tall ceilings, large dance floor in the middle, and there was plenty of space for 250 guests.
Also the group tasting is all you can eat and drink!
Winners: Smoked Gouda and Ahi Tuna.
The Phyllo and Coconut Fried Chicken are tied for 3rd. The chicken is a little dry.
Asparagus and Shiitake Tart was nasty and hard to eat.
We attended a wedding at Skirball (teehee the name always makes me giggle) and I was impressed.
The wedding ceremony was out in the courtyard surrounded by pillars of flowers. The backdrop of the water and stairs was perfect when the bride walked down, but also long when she had to walk all the way around the circle and down the aisle.
The reception was upstairs, with cocktails outside. The open bar lasted only until dinner, so the cousins and I were double fisting our vodka concoctions. Hmmm did that remind myself of any other *cough* events?
The dinner area was perfect to hold 200 people, roomy to fit everyone, kiddie tables, dance floor, and DJ. We even had our own private restrooms upstairs. Immaculate!
The food was one of the best I've had at a wedding. (Minus one wedding at Halekulani where I found out that I'm allergic to oysters.) I had salmon on grains, sounds plain but trust me, it was anything but ordinary. (See pic.) For dessert, we had a small medley of custard, torte, and chocolate dipped strawberries. My A-line dress was becoming a B-line dress. How unfortunate I couldn't eat the abandoned desserts on our table!
Pros:
Located up on the hills with privacy and away from traffic
If it's just one wedding booked you have so much space
Private dressing room/bathrooms for wedding party
Modern architecture
5 star food, drinks, and appetizers
Lots of free parking in structure
Close to LAX for out-of-towners
Immaculate
Cons:
Not much of a view from the ballroom.
Be prepared to have a lofty wedding budget - because the venue itself is simple, envision lots of flowers to make up for it.
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If you have young kids, the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Center is an essential Los Angeles destination no matter what faith you belong to.
The exhibit is an interactive 8,000 square foot gallery with a floor to ceiling ark filled to the brim with animals made from found objects - including an alligator made from a violin case, kiwis made from oil cans and boxing gloves and catchers mask turtles - plush animals and puppets.
Kids can create wind and rain and thunder and lightning. They can help build the ark and fill it up. They can run around and climb on everything and pull ropes that should be pulled and spin things that should be spun and discover all the little hidden nooks and crannies throughout. There are so many little details to find, it's amazing. We spent a good hour, hour and a half in there and I'm sure we missed a whole bunch of stuff.
They really put a lot of effort into making this a fun experience for kids of all ages. We took our four month old and she loved the colors and textures even though she couldn't really understand what was going on. And me, the biggest kid of them all at 6'4" and 31 years old, had a blast playing with our little girl, cranking things and climbing all over. It quickly has become one of my favorite places in all of Los Angeles and something that I will be bummed about not being able to take our girl to when she grows up more when we move very soon.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 2-12. We went Saturday and tickets for Noah's Ark were sold out, but we put our name on the waiting list and ended up getting in for the next entry time without any problem.
While waiting for our entry time, we browsed the rest of the Jewish heritage wings of the museum and the Bob Dylan exhibit that is easily worth the $10 admission fee on it's own. The Experience Music Project put together the exhibit and it shows with a variety of medias used very effectively and it's interactivity. It's very informative and very well done.
Noah's Ark, Bob Dylan and Jewish Heritage makes for a wonderful day in LA.
UPDATE - I didn't know this at the time, but the Dylan exhibit closed on Sunday, June 8th. We saw it just in time.
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I had never heard of the Skirball Cultural Center until a lamppost told me that there would be a Bob Dylan exhibit there. Being a huge fan of the greatest songwriter of all-time, I had to go. The Skirball Cultural Center is a museum that is dedicated to Jewish culture and is located just north of the Getty Center. The architecture may not be as impressive or expansive as the Getty, but it is definitely a beautiful campus. They have a restaurant that looked like it served some good dishes and a box lunch area, where you can get sandwiches and such. I had a turkey sandwich. Nothing to rave about. There is a cool little gift shop and their calendar includes concerts and films. There is also a permanent exhibit called Noah's Ark, which looks like it'd be fun for the kids.
As for the exhibit, Bob Dylan's American Journey 1956-1966, it is a must see for any Dylan fan, and a great exhibit for any music fan. There is not much new information for die-hard fans, but the gems are letters and notes written by the likes of Dylan and Joan Baez, as well as yearbook entries and the like. You'll have a good time reading them. There is also a huge collection of memorabilia from his early days. There are listening booths where you can listen to all the albums he recorded from 1956-1966 (his best ones), as well as an interactive area with guitars, drums, keyboards, and mixers where you can sing, play along to, and remix a few of Dylan's songs. It's a great educational experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the history of music. I will probably head back there again before the exhibit closes in June. Hurry up and go, time is running out!
Good to know: the bus stop back to L.A. is located across the street by the on-ramp of the 405 freeway. I had a bit of trouble with that.
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Great cultural center, HORRIBLE wedding/event venue. The event planner was not flexible at all, and only made my wedding a complete nightmare. I would say please avoid the Skirball center for your wedding/event, unless you have no restrictions on your budget and don't care too much about excessive hidden costs (My wedding came out to about $100k for 300 people).
I can't say much about Skirball on the whole, since we went here for a musical performance (Brett Dennen, check him out, good stuff!) on a Friday night. What I can say is that the small auditorium was phenomenal - intimate, good acoustics, not a bad seat anywhere in the house. Parking was free and easy to find, and the folks manning the information booth that we walked by were super-helpful. I'd see a folky-acoustic type artist here any day of the week. Really a great venue.
Excellent Dylan exhibit (listen to his first concert) and lecture line-up.
FREE Thursdays!!
freeway exit: Skirball Center Drive off the 405
info line: staffed Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Hours
. Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
. Extended hours for all exhibitions except Noah's Ark at the Skirball on Thursdays until 9:00 p.m.
. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
. Closed Mondays
. In 2008, the Skirball will be closed to the public on the following dates:
o Tuesday, January 1
o Sunday, April 20 (in observance of Passover)
o Friday, July 4
o Tuesday, September 30 (in observance of Rosh Hashanah)
o Thursday, October 9 (in observance of Yom Kippur)
o Tuesday, October 14 (in observance of Sukkot)
o November 27
o December 25
. Exit 405 Freeway at Skirball Center Drive - Free parking!
. Metro provides transportation to the Skirball via route #761.
Admission
. Admission to Museum Galleries:
o $10 General, $7 Seniors and Full-Time Students, $5 Children 2-12
o Free to Children under 2 and Skirball Members
o All exhibitions are free to the public on Thursdays
. Admission to visit the Skirball Cultural Center campus, view Ruby Gallery exhibitions, and shop and dine is free.
. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
. Photography is prohibited in all exhibitions except Noah's Ark at the Skirball.
Tickets
. Tickets to most Skirball exhibitions and programs are available:
o On Site--Purchase advance tickets to Noah's Ark at the Skirball and many Skirball programs in person at the Skirball Admissions Desk: Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. No service charges apply. For evening programs, tickets are available at Will Call one hour before the program's start time.
o By Phone--To charge by phone, call the Skirball at (310) 440-4500 and press 2, or call (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849. Service charges may apply.
o Via the Internet--To order tickets online, click on the orange "TICKETS" button or here. Service charges may apply.
. Tickets are nonrefundable.
. Noah's Ark at the Skirball -- Timed entry is required of all visitors, including Skirball Members.
. Bob Dylan's American Journey, 1956-1966 -- Tickets available at the door or by phone.
. Other exhibitions -- Tickets to other exhibitions are available on site on the day of visit.
. L. A. Theatre Works -- Tickets for L. A. Theatre Works performances are not available through the Skirball.
. Learning for Life -- Registration for many Learning for Life classes is not available via Skirball's ticketing system.
Member Ticketing
. Members receive free admission to all exhibitions; however, timed entry is required for Noah's Ark at the Skirball, and should be reserved in advance. Tickets to Noah's Ark are available online or by phone at (310) 440-4500, or (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
. You must present your Membership card at Will Call when picking up tickets. Number of discounted tickets per Member per program depends on level of Membership.
Tours
. Permanent Collection:
Docent-led tours of the Skirball Cultural Center's core exhibition Visions and Values start at the entrance to the museum. Tours are free with museum admission and last approximately one hour. Public tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information on the museum's permanent collection tours, call (310) 440-4500.
. Group Tours:
To schedule a group tour of 10 or more people, email or call (310) 440-4564.
. Plan an Event:
To plan a special event in conjunction with a Skirball tour or special exhibition, call (310) 440-4531.
Dining
Zeidler's Caf
. (310) 440-4515
. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
. Sunday 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
. Beverages and desserts served until 4:30 p.m.
Or, grab and go from Zeidler's food and beverage cart, open daily from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and before all evening programs
Shopping
Audrey's Museum Store and Noah's Ark Store
. (310) 440-4505
. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m.
. Thursday, extended hours, 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.
. Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
. Closed Mondays
Audrey's Museum Store features a wide array of gifts and books, including museum-quality Jewish ceremonial art, some inspired by the Skirball's own collection. Enjoy personalized service and free gift-wrapping! Your purchase at Audrey's Museum Store supports the Skirball and its educational programs. Members receive a 10% discount.
Special Needs
. Wheelchairs available at the front desk.
. Assistive listening devices are available for select public programs. ASL interpreters for the deaf are available upon request with a minimum of one week's advance notice. Call (310) 440-4500.
. Seeing eye dogs permitted.
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The Skirball is the best museum in LA for learning about Jewish history and culture. There are many rare items on display and all of the artifacts are meticulously preserved. The exhibits about the Jewish diaspora and migration to the United States were most interesting, and the exhibit about Jewish holidays was also cool. The facility itself is bright and clean, and very well maintained. Admission is free every Thursday, and parking is free everyday!
We actually came to see the Noah's Ark exhibit (photo here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...), which was a lot of fun. I was impressed with how all the animals were created using recycled everyday objects (e.g., the polar bear made out of a bathtub). Everything is interactive, so the kiddies get to climb around, explore the ark and play with all the animals. (Did I say kiddies? I meant me.)
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I usually go here for the music, but sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too! I am so excited about the new show here: BOB DYLAN'S AMERICAN JOURNEY 1956-1966. I am truly in awe of this man's ability to capture the America I only read about in Steinbeck novels. For me, he is one of the greatest artists of all time so I feel it is fitting for him to have a show at the Skirball. So get on the bus Gus, and head on over! Don't think twice, its all right!
I LOVE the Skirball Center. And I love to say aloud, "Skirball!" Has kind of a friendly, coughing-kitty sound.
So, I visited Skirball (meow) with a business-friend and her little rascal, age 6. Kids of all ages LOVE this place. Why? It has a WELCOMING vibe and a sweet ENERGY from the thoughtful Docents.
LOVE the architecture. Moshe Safdie's design is brilliant. The Skriball has warmth, diginity, and is humane and inviting.
Kids will also enjoy the Noah's Ark exhibit - which was about to be closed and upgraded, but was open when we visited.
There is also a place on the outside roof area for kids to dig for buried artifacts.
While we were there, a kid got stuck in the "Habi-trail for kids" thing in the Ark exhibit. That was exciting as hell. Parents could not fit into the habi-trail and the "bigger" kids had to guide the little tossled-haired 2 year-old dare-devil to the exit hole.
And when the little squirt made it out the habi-trail exit hole it was as if the frightened mother had given birth all over again! Now THAT drama was more than worthy of the price of admission.
The Skirball literature and mission statement suggests: "...we perceive no conflict between the particular and the universal. While retaining historic memories, traditions, and beliefs, the Jewish people has journeyed across continents and centuries...the Jewish thread is no more precious -- and no less --- than any other..."
Sat-Sun 10am to 5pm.
Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm.
Monday - closed.
Admission: $10 general, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 2 to 12.
Zeidler's Cafe: Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 330pm.
310-440-4505
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My very first visit here was last weekend, and I was thoroughly impressed by the expansive and beautiful property. The architecture was absolutely gorgeous and the views were just breathtaking. It kind of reminded me of the Getty; I couldn't believe I had never been before.
I mainly came to see Noah's Ark, a truly fun and interesting interactive exhibit for all kids and kids at heart. Following the theme of the popular flood story, the permanent exhibit is comprised of touchable, beautifully crafted animals made from common everyday items: crocodiles with bodies from vehicle tires, zebra manes from keyboards, deer with shoe horns for ears, etc. It really made me feel like I was in some fascinating pop-up book: pull a random rope and hear the huge elephant trumpet or sit in a little box and watch the ceiling open up to glimpse a glow in the dark galaxy. It was really inspiring to see so much effort and detail go into something so playful and entertaining. More info: http://www.skirball.or...
Apparently, they hold live music during summer evenings (a popular trend with most museums these days), book readings, and random classes to the public. My friends and I perused the other exhibits as well, and all I have to say is that they they were really ummm...Jewish. Either way, I would definitely recommend coming here at least once to take in its aesthetically delightful offerings.
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This is a museum? Are you sure of that?
First impression you get of the Skirball which is a museum, concert hall, theater and a lot more. Beautiful curved shapes and fabulous architecture throughout. Right near the Getty so I guess the 'Skirballs' have to come up with more ways to come here than just artwork. Like their Thursday night concert series, for example. Great building and I'll be back to see more.
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Try this logic:
My buddy - Catholic from liberal Oregon
His fiance - Persian and of Bahai faith from Bay Area
Where they got married - Jewish Cultural Center in Los Angeles
Makes sense to me...how about you?
The Skirball Cultural Center is chic and modern architecture that is nestled into the green hills between Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks. The contrast provides for an amazing setting. While I was not here to explore the cultural center's exhibitions, I did get a good feel for the venue.
The wedding ceremony was located in the Mark Taper Courtyard with the reflection pool as a backdrop. It was a beautiful, serene scene compared the hustle and bustle just outside the walls of the Skirball. The reception was located in the Ballroom just adjacent to the Courtyard. With close to 200 people at the wedding, the space was plenty big to accommodate the crowd but not so big that it felt like a convention center. The staff was exceptional as they were there when you needed them but otherwise absent and out of the way. Not to mention incredibly warm and knowledgeable.
Looking to take the plunge in Los Angeles? Check out the Skirball.
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Zillions of review of the Getty, but only one for the Skirball?
As wonderful as the Getty is, it's almost overwhelming. You'd have to budget at least half a day to make a decent stab at all of its offerings. But the Skirball is just perfect in scale, especially for kids. Children's programming has always been top-rate: the Maurice Sendak exhibition and the Einstein one last year were especially memorable, but surpassing them all is Noah's Ark, a blockbuster that took five years to design, fund and develop. The animals are constructed out of found objects such as oilcans, lost keys, umbrellas ... marvels of engineering and thrift.
As with all of its exhibitions, there's an educational and out outreach component, and though the Skirball celebrates Judaism in the United States, it's never preachy.
The Skirball is also where LA Theaterworks records its productions for radio broadcast.
PLUSES: parking, gift shop, restaurants, member events with great catering, music and kid-oriented programs
MINUS: remote location on the 405 for Eastsiders, but that's about it.
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my sister had her wedding here...it was just gorgeous!!! I was ready to sabatoge her wedding planning just so I could have my (non existant) wedding there instead of her! The way they have the ceremony set up it's seriously set up for a princess. You come down a grand staircase and circle around the reflection pool to your future hubby waiting for you on the other side. The reception site is just at beautiful with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows...just gorgeous.
warning...this is definitely not for those who are on a tight budget...my sis spent a fortune on her wedding and I don't know how she can afford to live at the moment...(it was close to 6 figures and she held back on a lot too!)
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