Los Angeles, CA -

In downtown Los Angeles there is an area where some of the tallest skyscrapers are found called Bunker Hill. The two major attractions that are wheelchair accessible is the LA Philharmonic and a little further up the street is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). If you are only into fine art then this is no museum for you, but for those who enjoy masterpieces of abstract expressionism and pop art then it is a must see. The MOCA’s permanent collection of American and European art created since 1940 consists of approximately 5,000 objects in all visual media. There are also recent works by young and emerging artists.Furthermore, like most art museums, there are special exhibits: see what’s there now and what’s to come.

On the weekend, this business district is almost deserted so street parking at a meter is very realistic. Even during the week you have a good chance; otherwise, there is a parking structure on the same side of the street as MOCA about 500 feet away. There is a handicapped spot directly in front of the museum, but ironically there is no curb cutout for easy sidewalk access; instead, one must travel up the street a ways to a cross walk or be assisted up the curb. Unless, of course, you have the skills to go up yourself.

After purchasing a ticket you can access the museum by taking the lift (shown in a photo below) up a level, then through the glass doors immediately to your right, and finally take the elevator down to the main floor of the museum. Each floor of the museum is completely flat and smooth. In one area there is a long ramp with a mid-point rest area. Along this ramp is the cafe on an outdoor patio. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available.

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Los Angeles, CA –

On a small strip of Wilshire Blvd. there is an area referred to as the Miracle Mile. On the corner of Fairfax is a diner that is frequently used in movies, including Pulp Fiction. Along the street are nightclubs, restaurants, venues, television production offices, and even tar pits. Yes, smack in the middle of the Miracle Mile between La Brea and Fairfax are the La Brea Tar Pits. The oldest mammal that has been found is estimated to be aged 38,000 years  and scientists are still finding organisms from the iceage period . Surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits is a public park with smooth, accessible walkways for a wheelchair user.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) shares land with the La Brea Tar Pits. LACMA is a world-class museum with an impressive permanent collection and an entire building just for special exhibits. There is plenty space, elevators, and accessible restrooms all around. Initially, to get a ticket, which is based on a donation, a wheelchair user needs to use the elevator to the right of the main staircase; there should be signs. Access to the special exhibit does cost an additional fee, so it depends on how much you love art and how much time you have.  The permanent collection consists of some of the most famous artists in the world, like Warhol and Picasso, amoungst many others. There is also sculptures, Asian art, photography, modern and contemporary art. Seeing everything, not even including the special exhibits, can easily talk a couple of hours. There is a cafe if you get hungry or want a coffee break. In the evenings it is very common to have live band playing in the main courtyard, which usually consists of a jazz band of some kind.

LACMA is one of of a couple attractions in this area but its home is the Miracle Mile. A the block above it consists of the historic Farmer’s Market and the Grove. A short drive away is the Beverly Center, Restaurant Row, Melrose Ave. and tons more. Check out more wheelchair friendly spots in the Los Angeles area.

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making adventure accessible