Exposition Park, Los Angeles

The California Science Center was at one time called the California Museum of Science and Industry. It is situated in Exposition Park and houses a large number of exhibits which you can operate yourself - therefore a special favorite of children. Of particular interest is an earthquake exhibition which explains the causes and effects and the action to be taken. Films worth seeing are shown each day in the IMAX Theater.Also part of the complex is the California Aerospace Museum, in a modern building with a jet airplane on its facade. The building was designed by deconstructivist Frank O. Gehry and completed in 1984.One of the latest exhibits to be opened at the Science Center is "Ecosystems". This huge expansion lays out 11 different ecosystems with live plants and animals portraying different environments from around the worlds. It is creatively designed to encourage environmental awareness.Other exhibits in the center include "World of Life" with single celled specimens, and "Creative World" dealing with technology, along with many others. Also on site is an IMAX with education focused films.

The Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles houses a large collection with displays designed to intrigue adults and children. It is located in a Spanish Renaissance style building list on the National Register of Historic Buildings but the museum has expanded over the years and continues to expand. Recent donations have lead to the intended creation of a huge glass entrance designed to house a fin whale specimen over 60 feet in length.Displays in the Museum of Natural History include everything from aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles, to minerals, semi-precious and precious stones. As with most natural history museums fossils are also a highlight, including dinosaurs. The Ralph M Parsons Discovery Center, which recently expanded, is a favorite area with many hands on displays. This is especially popular with children who can look through micro-scopes or touch stone, fur and fossils. Also be sure to check out the Dinosaur and Ice Age Encounters.

The California African American Museum in Exposition Park, by the Harbor Freeway, offers numerous exhibits of the history, culture and art of the Afro-Americans and Negroes in North and South America.In addition to the permanent collection, the museum features the African American Journey West and traveling shows.

Memorial Coliseum was the site of the 1932 and the 1984 Olympic Games. It has also played to host two Super Bowls, and the 1959 World Series.