After Hours and Natural History Museums don’t usually go together, unless, of course you live in La La Land, where eccentricity is the norm. At the Natural History Museum of LA County (located in South LA), on the first Friday of the month, you can see bands like Sea Wolf, grab a bite to eat (organic, of course), kick-it in a lounge while DJs spin and participate in a scientist-led discussion and lecture, all against the background of prowling dinosaur skeletons, prehistoric habitats and black lights.
Basically, First Fridays at the NHM of LA County is a whole week of activity packed into on evening. But get there early, because though ticket prices are very reasonable, the event sells out online and at the door quickly.
Adults: $9
Seniors (62 and over), Students and Youths (13-17): $6.50
Children (5-12): $2
Members: Free!
If you purchase tickets online expect handling fees of $3.00 for the first ticket and $1.50 for each additional ticket. The event might be listed as sold out online because the majority of tickets are reserved for day-off door sales. You can still get tickets for the evening, just go to the NHM early.
First come first serve also applies to the musical performance in the North American Mammal Hall, which has a capacity limit of 500. Even if you don’t find a place in the hall, the musical performances are projected onto screens throughout the Grand Foyer.
The next First Friday is February 1st. The theme is Discovery in the Age of Mammals: Building Brains and Making Minds. A tour of the Discovery Center starts at 5:30 pm. At 6:30 pm join Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell, PHD, in an examination of the aspects of elephant society that contribute to their survival.
From 7-10 pm there will be music performances by DJ A-TRAK and Indie Hip-Hop artist Kid Sister. DJs frosty and Take will be spinning in the African Mammal Hall aka the First Friday Lounge all night.
Dinner and drinks are available for sale at 5:00pm. Organic and handmade food is provide by Mission Bistro.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
[where: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007]
213-763-DINO
www.nhm.org/firstfridays
