NightTales at the Natural History Museum of L.A. County

This holiday season, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opens its doors after sunset for NightTales, a brand-new indoor-outdoor light experience in Exposition Park. Families wander through museum halls and gardens that have been reimagined with luminous installations, big cinematic projections and surprising visual moments around every corner. It is the very first season of NightTales, so your family gets to be among the first to see it.

The artwork comes from Los Angeles artist Maggie West, who is known for time-lapse photography that captures how living things move and change over time. For NightTales, she turned images of real specimens from the museum's own collection into glowing works of art. Kids who already love the dinosaurs and dioramas will get a kick out of seeing familiar treasures transformed with color, light and sound, while grown-ups will appreciate the blend of science, art and technology.

Think of the evening as a magical walk rather than a full museum visit. NightTales uses selected galleries and garden spaces, and other parts of the museum stay closed during the event, so families who want a long look at the permanent exhibits should plan a separate daytime trip. Entry is by timed ticket, which helps keep the route comfortable for little legs.

Because the experience happens after dark, it may be best for children who are happy to stay out in the evening and do not mind low lighting. Bundle up for the outdoor garden portions, pick an earlier time slot for younger kids, and make NightTales part of your family's new holiday tradition.

📅 Dates & Times

Select nights, Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Sunday, January 10, 2027

Timed entry from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

November 2026: 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29

December 2026: 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

January 2027: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

📍 Venue

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

900 Exposition Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90007

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome.

Because this is an after-dark, low-light experience, it may be best for children who are comfortable staying out in the evening.

🎟️ Tickets/Price

This is a paid, timed-entry event. Tickets are on sale now.

General Admission: $30

Children: $25

Museum Members: $20

Advance purchase of a timed ticket is recommended.

BUY NIGHTTALES TICKETS

🍔 Food

Please check the website for more information.

🚙 Parking

Limited prepaid parking in the NHM Car Park can be added during online ticket checkout.

General parking is also available for purchase at Exposition Park on the evening of your visit. Parking payment is cashless.

🌐 Website Link

NightTales at the Natural History Museum

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.