Though there are few absolutes in this world, some things are universal: peanut butter and jelly are a match made in heaven, it is guaranteed to rain after you wash your car, moms have eyes in the back of their heads and college students love free things. If you are one of the aforementioned students than College Night at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the place you want to be.
CHANCE FOR REJUVENATION
Three quarters of the way through the semester, your classes begin to hurt almost as much as tuition does. If you are looking for a change of pace, head over to the LACMA on Thursday, April 21 for the annual free after hours College Night. This is a chance for rejuvenation, inspiration and relaxation with friends among some of the world’s most beautiful works of art.
This decade-old tradition allows college students to explore exhibits for free and engage with local artists. Food and drinks – including a mashed potato bar – will be provided at a free reception hosted in the lounge in front of the famous Urban Lights. Students can also participate in a couple of art-making workshops and a gallery discussion.
With a valid college ID, students have free access to the museum and its parking from 7-10 p.m. A normally-ticketed highlight you will not want to miss is Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium, a collection of the controversial artist’s finest sketches, paintings and photographs. Other exhibits to see include bronze sculptures by Los Angeles-based artist Liz Glynn, LACMA’s stunning Art of the Pacific collection and the special opportunity to catch Chris Burden’s Metropolis II in action.
NEW EXHIBITION
The star of the show, however, is LACMA’s newest exhibition, Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715–2015. This exhibit, normally a ticketed show, explores the history and evolution of men’s fashion. After exploring 200 pieces and 300 years of high style, students can experience working in the fashion industry themselves. Join Los Angeles based artists Phranc and Hadley Holliday in making wearable paper art, including wigs and neckwear.
If you still have time to spare after all the fun, make sure to check out the famous Rain Room. Beloved by Instagrammers, romantics and small children alike, this interactive exhibit makes you feel as though you control the rain. It will also be closing temporarily on April 24, three days after college night. If you have not experienced it yet, this might be your last chance before the semester ends.
Grab a couple of friends and join students from all over Southern California to experience a night of beauty. Make sure to get there at seven — admission is on a first come, first serve basis. Not able to make college night? Do not sweat it; LACMA has free admission every second Tuesday of the month, and admission for LA residents is free after 3 p.m. on regular days.
