We know how hard it is to enjoy all of Los Angeles’ wonders on a college-student budget, so Campus Circle is introducing a new column that is dedicated to those who want to explore L.A. but may not necessarily have the funds to do so. Keep a look out for guides that will help you explore L.A.’s many different sides at an affordable price.

L.A. is rich with culture. With so many galleries, museums and murals, it would be a shame for students to miss out on the art this city has to offer.

MURAL CONSERVANCY LOS ANGELES
Drive through any part of Los Angeles – Downtown, the Arts District, Santa Monica, Venice, etc. – and you’ll most likely run into some beautiful murals. If you can afford to spend a little money, check out the Mural Conservancy Los Angeles (MCLA). It offers hour-and-a-half-long walking tours in the Arts District in Downtown L.A., Historic Downtown L.A., Highland Park, Santa Monica and Venice at $20. Visit muralconservancy.org for more up-to-date information on the upcoming tours.

If you don’t want to spend $20 on a guided tour, you don’t have to. MCLA has pinpointed mural locations all around L.A. Here are some conveniently located next to the University of Southern California, for example:

1. 111th Street Jesus by Kent Twitchell
Description: A large, real-life religious portrait of Jesus Christ.
Address: Tiger Liquor Store, Vermont Avenue at 111th Street, Los Angeles.

2. 18th Century California Life
Description: A beautiful painting of Father Junipero, Alfonso De Portola, the Spanish military governor, a ship and more.
Address: Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, 555 W. Temple Street, Downtown Los Angeles.

3. 460 Years of Chicano History
Description: An active, historic mural of the many faces and symbols that represent Chicano history.
Address: 240 S. Broadway, Los Angeles.

4. A Thousand Blossoms by Kazuko Matthews
Description: An Asian-theme mural where inside each flower is a Japanese family crest.
Address: 400 East 2nd Street, Los Angeles.

5. Abstract Warfare I and II by UGLAR
Description: As the name suggests, these are colorful, abstract murals that resemble graffiti and street art at its finest.
Warfare I Address: 376-398 2nd Street, Downtown Los Angeles.
Warfare II Address: 1345 Willow Street, Downtown Los Angeles.

BERGAMOT STATION ART CENTER
Address: 2625 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica

The two best things about the Bergamot Station in Santa Monica: it’s free and there are multiple galleries. You can find contemporary fine art at the JNA Gallery (building D4), beautiful paintings at the Robert Berman Gallery (suite B70) and so much more! Some of the galleries might hold special events (receptions, silent auctions, etc.), but check to see if those events require an admission price before you head over.

LACMA & THE GETTY CENTER
LACMA address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
The Getty Center address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Getty Center are probably the two most well known places of art, culture and history in L.A. With historical artifacts (sculptures, paintings, photographs, etc.), interactive exhibits, beautiful scenery, and even film or music events, it’s no wonder that these two seem to attract art lovers everywhere.

However, sometimes the prices can be a little annoying. A one-day pass to LACMA’s galleries and exhibitions costs $10 for those with a student ID. We recommend going for FREE on the following days:

-If you’re an L.A. county resident, go after 3 p.m. from Monday-Friday.
-Go on the second Tuesday of each month.
-Go on federal holidays: MLK Day, Presidents Day and Memorial Day.

On the flip side, admission into the Getty is FREE. However, parking is a whopping $15! One word: carpool.

ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Address: 2000 Avenue of the Stars, #1000, Los Angeles

With beautiful photographs, free entry and validated parking (it’s only $3.50 with validation!), the Annenberg Space for Photography is a must-see in L.A. Currently, the space is hosting “The Power of Photography: National Geographic 125 years.” This exhibition is breathtaking. It features countless photographs from National Geographic magazine, including animals, indigenous societies and people from all over the world. The photo prints are displayed on beautiful television screens, and there are two documentaries that broadcast throughout the day. After learning the stories behind these powerful, iconic photos, you’ll walk away feeling cultured and wanting to buy a camera and travel the world yourself.