We are open today from 9:30 am to 5 pm. See what is Happening Today

Exterior shot of La Brea Tar Pits

Welcome to La Brea Tar Pits

A gateway back to the Ice Age, right in the heart of L.A.

Witness science in action at La Brea Tar Pits.

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lake pit at la brea tar pits

Lake Pit

observation pit at the tar pits

Observation Pit

dire wolf wall at the tar pits

Dire Wolf Wall

Analisa Rivera, a UCLA senior, examining microfossils in the Fossil Lab.

Fossil Lab

LBTP_pit14

Project 23

Photo of saber tooth cat teeth in the fossil lab

Ice Age Fossils

Art for La Brea Tar Pits Master Planning (Mammoth against blue background)

Reimagine La Brea Tar Pits

We are embarking upon an exciting master planning process in Hancock Park—and we want your ideas!

Imagine what's next

Upcoming Events

More events

Thu

19

Sep

Photo of paleontologist excavating fossils

Excavator Tour

Tours & Shows
  • 1 pm
  • 2 pm

The Excavator Tour explores the Fossil Lab where real paleontologists work; our historic excavation pits; and Project 23, where live excavations can be seen.

Learn more

Thu

19

Sep

gallery interpreter saberooth smilodon skull la brea tar pits guest kid

Discoveries from the Tar Pits

Talks
  • 3:30 pm

Hear some of the little-known stories behind the world’s most famous Ice Age fossil site.

Learn more

Fri

20

Sep

ice age encounters show tar pits

Ice Age Encounters

Live Theater Show
  • 11 am
  • 1 pm
  • 2 pm

This dynamic, live performance features a life-size adult saber-toothed cat puppet that brings the distant past to life.

Learn more

What are you interested in learning about at the Tar Pits?

Icon of a saber-toothed cat to represent cats
Cats
Icon of a globe and thermometer to represent climate change
Climate Change
Icon of binoculars to represent discoveries
Discoveries
Icon of a woolly mammoth head to represent mammoths
Mammoths
Icon of a shovel to represent digs
Excavations
Photo of workers excavating in the 1800's

Tales from the Tar Pits

Before Wilshire Was Wilshire

Want to discover more?

Our Excavations

We literally have Ice Age L.A. in our hands.

Dig deeper
Photo of paleontologist excavating fossils

Discoveries Made Daily

See the Ice Age at eye level

In L.A.

We try to connect nature, people, and science—at our museums and out in L.A.

Stories

Okay, now I'm curious
mammoth exhibit tar pits mammoths and mastodons

A Gigantic Family Reunion

Join the herd