L.A. and O.C. museums: August's best bets for MOCA, Getty, the Broad and beyond

Charming 19th century photographic portraits at LACMA, illuminated prayer books at the Getty and a groundbreaking 1946 graphic memoir at the Japanese American National Museum lead our August list of exhibitions across Southern California.

Check back here for weekly updates. And before you go, call or check online for reservation requirements and other COVID-19 protocols.

The shows that have our attention:

New and upcoming

“Acting Out: Cabinet Cards and the Making of Modern Photography, 1870–1900”

Examples of photographic portraits of celebrities and everyday people from the closing decades of the 19th century are on view Aug. 8 through Nov. 7. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Closed Wednesdays. $10-$25; kids 12 and younger are free; discounts available to L.A. County residents. (323) 857-6010. lacma.org

“Hammer Contemporary Collection: Brian Jungen”

The Canadian and First Nations artist interrogates depictions of the Native American experience in popular culture in an installation on view Aug. 14 through Oct. 31. Also coming: "Hammer Projects: David Hartt," a multimedia installation that examines culture, geography and colonial histories in the Americas during the 19th century (Aug. 21 through Jan. 2); "Houseguest: Shadows Fall Down," L.A.-based Monica Majoli curates a centuries-spanning selection of drawings from the collections of the Hammer and the UCLA Grunwald Center for the Graphic Arts (Aug. 21 through Jan. 2). Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Closed Mondays. Free; reservations required. (310) 443-7000. hammer.ucla.edu

“What Now: Collecting for the Library in the 21st Century, Part 2”

The pandemic-delayed concluding segment of this exhibition tied to the Huntington's centennial features an eclectic mix of photographs, sketches, maps, historical documents and ephemera; on view Aug. 7 through Nov. 1. Also coming up: "A Garden of Words: The Calligraphy of Liu Fang Yuan," exhibition of contemporary Chinese calligraphy (Part 1: Aug. 28 through Dec. 13; Part 2: Jan. 29 through May 26). Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Closed Tuesdays. $13-$29; children younger than 4 are free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (626) 405-2100. huntington.org

“Transcending Time: The Medieval Book of Hours”

Examples of illuminated prayer books and manuscripts from the Getty's collection will be on view Aug. 31 through Feb. 20. Also on view: "Paolo Veneziano: Art and Devotion in 14th-Century Venice," works by the medieval painter regarded as the founder of the Venetian school (through Oct. 3); "In Focus: Protest," photographs by Dorothea Lange, Robert Mapplethorpe and others taken in response to social upheaval in America (through Oct. 10). Getty Center, Sepulveda Boulevard and Getty Center Drive, L.A. Closed Mondays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu

“Miné Okubo’s Masterpiece: The Art of Citizen 13660”

Illustrations from Okubo’s groundbreaking 1946 graphic memoir, depicting the harsh conditions that she and her fellow Japanese American citizens endured in a U.S. government-run incarceration center during World War II, will be on view Aug. 28 through Feb. 20. Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., downtown L.A. Open Tuesdays-Sundays. $7, $16; advance ticket reservations encouraged, walk-ups available. (213) 625-0414. janm.org

“Artistic Legacy: The Ann and Bill Cullen Collection”

Paintings and drawings from the estate of actress, model and artist Ann Macomber Cullen, wife of the late game-show host Bill Cullen, will be on view Aug. 28 through Dec. 19. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Closed Mondays. $10-$15; children younger than 12, free; advance purchase recommended. (714) 567-3600. bowers.org

“Anna Wittenberg: The Ruminant”

The L.A.-based interdisciplinary artist's video-enhanced sculptural installation, referencing cattle, sheep and other similar animals, will be on view Aug. 21 through Feb. 6. Also on view: “Facing Fire: Art, Wildfire, and the End of Nature in the New West” (through Aug. 15). UCR Arts (California Museum of Photography, Culver Center of the Arts), 3824 Main St., Riverside. Open Thursdays-Sundays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. ucrarts.ucr.edu

"Dimensions in Testimony"

Holocaust Museum LA has reopened with this new permanent interactive holographic exhibit from the USC Shoah Foundation that allows visitors to ask questions of 97-year-old Holocaust survivor Renée Firestone. Holocaust Museum LA, 100 The Grove Drive, L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $10, $15; students and California residents with valid ID, free; advance timed-entry tickets required. holocaustmuseumla.org

Ongoing

“Don Reitz: Life Is Not a Dress Rehearsal”

Works by the influential American ceramicist are on display through Feb. 20. American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave., Pomona. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $5, $7; 12 and younger, free. (909) 865-3146. amoca.org

“Alison Saar: Of Aether and Earthe”

This super-sized survey of the acclaimed artist's works is spread over two venues. Through Dec. 19 at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, 120 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont; open Tuesdays-Saturdays; free; reservations required; pomona.edu. The other half of the exhibition is on view through Dec. 12 at the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena; open by appointment only Friday-Sunday; free; armoryarts.org

“When I Remember I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California”

On view through Nov. 14. Also on view: "What’s Her Story: Women in the Archives" (through Aug. 28). Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. Closed Mondays. $6-$14; children younger than 3 are free; reservations available online; walk-ups allowed at box office. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org

“Invisible Sun”

Works by Julie Mehretu, Keith Haring and others from the Broad museum's collection explore social justice; on view through Oct. 3. The Broad, 221 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required; no on-site standby line. (213) 232-6200. thebroad.org

“Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch”

Quilt-based works by the New York artist explore African American history and traditions; on view through Jan. 23. Also on view: “Enunciated Life,” contemporary works exploring Black spirituality (through Aug. 15). California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, L.A. Closed Mondays. Free. (213) 744-7432. caamuseum.org

“Jonathan Michael Castillo: Car Culture”

Candid photographs examine Angelenos' relationships with their automobiles. Also on view: "The Memory Project," installation features the written and recorded personal reflections of visitors to the museum (through August). California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks at the Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive. Open Friday-Sunday. Free. (805) 405-5240. cmato.org

“Life Beginnings”

This immersive and interactive exhibit explores procreation in the human and animal worlds. California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, L.A. Open daily. Permanent exhibits are free; special exhibits (including the current Lego art show and IMAX films vary in price. Reservations required. (323) 724-3623. californiasciencecenter.org

“Titanic: Real Artifacts, Real People, Real Stories”

The maritime disaster is revisited through photographs and personal effects on view through Feb. 13. Catalina Island Museum, 217 Metropole Ave., Avalon. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $15, $17; kids 15 and younger are free with a paying adult; advance purchase recommended. catalinamuseum.org

“Veil Craft”

This architectural installation made from construction textiles will be on view through Sept. 12. Craft Contemporary, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. $7, $9; Sundays are pay what you can; reservations required. craftcontemporary.org

“Free State”

Exploration of human rights, democracy, the environment; on view through Sept. 18. ESMoA (El Segundo Museum of Art), 208 Main St., El Segundo. Open Fridays and Saturdays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (424) 277-1020. esmoa.org



“Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins”

Statuary, pottery, wall paintings and other antiquities from the Louvre; on view through Aug. 16. Also on view: "Assyria: Palace Art of Ancient Iraq" (through Sept. 5). Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Closed Tuesdays. Free; advance tickets required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu | TIMES REVIEW

“Motown: The Sound of Young America”

The storied record label is celebrated through stage costumes, musical instruments and more; on view though January. Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., L.A. Open Friday-Sunday. $13, $15; ages 5 and under are free; advance timed-entry tickets required. (213) 765-6800. grammymuseum.org

“Queer Communion: Ron Athey”

The long career of the influential L.A. performance artist and activist is explored through videos, photographs, props, costumes and ephemera, on view through Sept. 5. Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, 1717 E. 7th St., L.A. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. Free. (213) 928-0833. theicala.org

“Reconnecting: A Vision of Unity by Kengo Kito”

The contemporary Japanese artist explores unity, diversity and interconnectedness in this site-specific installation that uses more than 2,000 brightly colored hula hoops, on view through Sept. 6. Japan House Los Angeles, Hollywood & Highland, Level 2 Gallery, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Open daily. Free. japanhousela.com

“Carlos Almaraz: Evolution of Form”

Times columnist Carolina A. Miranda called the work of this late painter, subject of a 2017 LACMA retrospective, "vital to the ways in which Los Angeles sees itself." This exhibition explores the Chicano artist’s early life to reveal influences on his style and form (through Jan. 9). LA Plaza de Cultural y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A. Thursday-Sundays. Free; reservations suggested. (213) 542-6200. lapca.org

“Matthew Rolston, Art People: The Pageant Portraits”

The photographer presents his 2016 series of large-scale, high-resolution images inspired by the tableaux vivant presentations at Laguna Beach's annual Pageant of the Masters; on view through Sept. 19. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. Closed Wednesdays. $5, $7; 17 and younger are free. (949) 494-8971. lagunaartmuseum.org

“Tristan Eaton: All At Once: 25 Years of Art & Design”

New exhibit surveys the career of the L.A. painter, muralist, illustrator and designer; through Oct. 31. Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Open Thursdays-Sundays. Free; advance timed-entry tickets required. lbma.org

"Evidence: Selections from the Permanent Collection"

A survey of the Museum of Contemporary Art's holdings; through Feb. 21. Also on view: "Jennifer Packer: Every Shut Eye Ain’t Sleep," new and recent paintings by the New York artist (through Feb. 21). MoCA, 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Open Thursdays-Sundays. Free; special exhibitions, $10, $18. (213) 626-6222. moca.org

“50 Faces”

Contemporary mosaic artwork from Italy's Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, on view through Oct. 7. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton. Open Monday-Thursday. $5 per group of up to four people. themuck.org

“Cudra Clover: Hysteria”

Biologically inspired silk paintings; on view through Sept. 5. Museum of Art & History, 665 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Closed Mondays. Free; reservations required. (661) 723-6250. lancastermoah.org

“Judy Baca: Memorias de Nuestra Tierra, a Retrospective”

This survey of works by the acclaimed Chicana muralist, educator and activist will be on view through January. Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. Open Tuesdays-Fridays. $7, $10; younger than 12, free; advance purchase suggested. molaa.org

“The Swineherd”

This 1888 painting by Paul Gauguin on loan from LACMA is exhibited with related post-Impressionist works in the museum’s 19th century art gallery; on view through Nov. 18. Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Closed Tuesday-Wednesday. $12, $15; students, active military and ages 18 and younger are free. (626) 449-6840. nortonsimon.org

“The Anthropocene Epiphany: Art and Climate Change”

Multimedia exhibition examines the climate crisis, on view through Aug. 21. Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana. Open Fridays-Saturdays; open other days by appointment. Free. occca.org

“Pole Position: The Juan Gonzalez Formula 1 Collection”

Installation includes examples of F1 race cars from across three decades, surrounded by a 180-degree immersive video; on view through June 5, 2022. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $11-$16; children younger than 4 are free; advance purchase required. (323) 930-2277. petersen.org

“The Map and the Territory: 100 Years of Collecting at UCLA”

UCLA's Fowler and Hammer museums and the UCLA Library co-organized this survey of paintings, drawings, prints, rare books, ceramics, musical instruments and more, on view through Oct. 24. Fowler Museum, 308 Charles E. Young Drive North, Westwood. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. Free. (310) 825-4361. fowler.ucla.edu

“Divine Immersion: The Experiential Art of Nick Dong”

Modern technology and ancient Buddhist traditions inspired this exhibit of five experiential sculptures, on view through Oct. 3. USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. $7, $10; free for ages 17 and younger, and every second Sunday of the month; advance tickets recommended. (626) 787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

“See Thy Neighbor: Stern Photographers Thomas Hoepker and Harald Schmitt in the GDR”

Two photographers with very different points of view on East German life in the 1970s and ’80s; through Oct. 24. Wende Museum, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Open Friday-Sunday. Free; advance reservations required. (310) 216-1600. wendemuseum.org

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.