Imagine walking through a natural history museum after sunset, surrounded by glowing dinosaurs, enormous illuminated butterflies, colorful gardens, and spectacular projections that bring the natural world to life.
That’s the experience coming to Los Angeles with NightTales Los Angeles 2026, a brand-new after-dark event at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Running on select nights from November 12, 2026, through January 10, 2027, NightTales transforms parts of the museum and its outdoor gardens into an immersive world of art, science, and light.
With tickets starting at $25 for children and $30 for adults, this unusual holiday-season attraction offers families, couples, and museum lovers a different way to explore one of Los Angeles’ best-known cultural institutions.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
What Is NightTales at the Natural History Museum?
NightTales is a new indoor-outdoor nighttime experience that combines illuminated installations, cinematic projections, photography, and interactive visual elements.
Unlike a traditional Christmas light show, the experience draws inspiration from the Natural History Museum’s scientific collections and the natural world.
The event features artwork by Los Angeles-based artist Maggie West, who uses photography, color, light, and technology to transform images of real museum specimens into large-scale illuminated artworks.
Visitors can explore selected museum halls and garden spaces, discovering familiar natural history subjects in unexpected ways.
From prehistoric creatures and insects to minerals and flowers, NightTales presents science through an artistic nighttime experience.
The 2026–2027 season marks the event’s debut.
Also Read: Yuletide Medieval Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, Knights & Christmas Fun In San Diego
NightTales Los Angeles 2026 Dates, Hours and Location
NightTales opens November 12, 2026, and continues through January 10, 2027, on select evenings.
Official Event Details
| Event Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NightTales: An Illuminated Museum Experience |
| Dates | November 12, 2026–January 10, 2027 |
| Schedule | Select nights |
| Timed entry | Between 6 PM and 9 PM |
| Venue | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County |
| Address | 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007 |
| Adult tickets | $30 |
| Children’s tickets | $25 |
| Museum member tickets | $20 |
| Featured artist | Maggie West |
Complete Official Event Dates
November 2026: November 12–15, 20, 22–25, and 27–29.
December 2026: December 4–6, 11–13, 18–23, and 26–31.
January 2027: January 2–10.
These dates come from the museum’s official announcement. Visitors should check the current ticket calendar before choosing an evening.
NightTales uses timed admission, so your ticket will specify when you should arrive.
6 Magical Things to Experience at NightTales Los Angeles
NightTales offers an unusual combination of art, science, museum collections, and nighttime entertainment.
Here are six highlights visitors can look forward to.
1. See Dinosaurs Reimagined Through Light and Projections
Dinosaurs are among the Natural History Museum’s most recognizable attractions.
For NightTales, the museum’s collections become inspiration for dramatic illuminated artworks.
The official announcement specifically highlights the famous Dueling Dinos as one of the museum features incorporated into the experience.
Visitors can expect prehistoric subjects to appear in new ways through color, light, sound, and projected imagery.
Rather than simply viewing fossils under ordinary museum lighting, guests can discover how artistic technology changes the atmosphere around familiar specimens.
For dinosaur enthusiasts, this may be one of the most memorable parts of NightTales.
2. Discover Giant Glowing Butterflies and Nature-Inspired Art
NightTales isn’t limited to prehistoric creatures.
The experience also draws inspiration from insects, flowers, mammals, minerals, and other natural history specimens.
Artist Maggie West transforms images of real museum specimens into colorful, oversized illuminated artworks.
The resulting displays offer visitors a different perspective on natural subjects that are normally much smaller.
For families with children, these glowing nature-inspired installations can make scientific collections feel especially engaging.
3. Experience Spectacular Cinematic Projections
Large-scale projections are another important part of NightTales.
The museum’s historic architecture becomes a setting for animated imagery, colorful lighting, and immersive visual effects.
These projections help connect the museum’s collections with the building itself.
Instead of viewing each specimen as an isolated object, visitors experience the surrounding space as part of the artwork.
The combination of architecture, moving images, and light creates a nighttime atmosphere unlike a standard daytime museum visit.
4. Explore the Museum’s Illuminated Nature Gardens
NightTales extends beyond the museum’s indoor galleries.
Selected areas of the Nature Gardens are transformed with colorful lighting and artistic installations.
Visitors can walk through outdoor spaces where plants, landscapes, and nature-inspired artwork become part of the nighttime experience.
The garden setting provides a contrast to the museum’s historic interior spaces.
Because some of the event takes place outdoors, visitors should bring a light jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes.
5. Discover Maggie West’s Unique Illuminated Artwork
Los Angeles artist Maggie West plays a central role in NightTales.
Her work combines photography, time-lapse techniques, video, and large-scale installations.
For this event, she collaborated with museum scientists and curators to photograph real specimens from the museum’s collections.
Those images became the foundation for artworks that use color, scale, and light to reveal unexpected details.
The inaugural NightTales season is described by the museum as the largest exhibition of West’s work to date.
This artistic collaboration is one of the features that distinguishes NightTales from conventional holiday light attractions.
6. Capture Unique Nighttime Photos
NightTales offers a visually dramatic setting for visitors who enjoy photography.
Illuminated installations, colorful projections, historic museum architecture, and glowing garden displays create opportunities for memorable pictures.
The combination of dark surroundings and vibrant artwork can produce striking photographs.
Visitors should follow the museum’s photography policies and avoid blocking pathways or disturbing other guests.
A phone with a good nighttime camera mode may be useful for capturing the experience.
NightTales Los Angeles 2026 Ticket Prices
NightTales is a separately ticketed evening experience.
Official Admission Prices
| Ticket Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $30 |
| Children | $25 |
| Museum members | $20 |
Tickets are available through the Natural History Museum’s official NightTales ticket page.
Because admission is timed and the event operates on selected nights, purchasing tickets ahead of time is recommended.
Is NightTales Included With Regular Museum Admission?
NightTales is a special ticketed event rather than an ordinary daytime museum visit.
Visitors should purchase the appropriate NightTales ticket even if they have previously visited the museum.
Only selected museum halls and garden areas are part of the nighttime experience.
Other museum spaces remain closed during NightTales.
How Much Does a Family Visit Cost?
For a family of four purchasing two adult tickets and two children’s tickets, the published admission total would be $110 before parking and any additional fees.
Museum members may qualify for discounted admission.
Visitors should check the official booking page for the final total before purchasing.
Where Is the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles?
NightTales takes place at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, located in Exposition Park.
Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
The museum is close to other major cultural attractions and public transportation connections in the Exposition Park area.
Parking Information for NightTales
The museum offers a limited number of prepaid parking spaces in the NHM Car Park.
Visitors can purchase prepaid parking during online ticket checkout, subject to availability.
Additional guest parking is available through Exposition Park on the evening of the event.
Exposition Park parking uses cashless payment.
Parking prices and availability may vary depending on the event date and other activities in the surrounding area.
Public Transportation
Visitors may also consider public transportation.
The Metro E Line serves the Exposition Park area, with stations near the museum.
Checking current transit schedules can help visitors plan their return trip after the evening event.
Is NightTales Los Angeles Family-Friendly?
NightTales can be an appealing option for families who enjoy dinosaurs, nature, science, and colorful visual experiences.
Children may especially enjoy seeing familiar animals and prehistoric subjects transformed into large illuminated artworks.
However, parents should remember that the event takes place after dark and includes low-light environments, projections, and sound effects.
Some children may find particular visual or audio effects intense.
Because NightTales includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, families should prepare for walking and cooler evening weather.
Best Tips for Visiting NightTales 2026
A little planning can make your visit more comfortable.
- Book tickets early. Select your preferred date and entry time in advance.
- Arrive close to your assigned time. Timed entry helps manage visitor flow.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Expect to walk through indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Bring a light jacket. Los Angeles evenings can become chilly during winter.
- Check parking options. Limited prepaid parking is available during checkout.
- Charge your phone. You’ll probably want to photograph the illuminated artwork.
- Review accessibility information. Check the official museum website for current visitor guidance.
- Remember that some galleries are closed. NightTales does not provide access to the entire museum.
Is NightTales Worth Visiting?
For visitors who enjoy museums, digital art, dinosaurs, immersive exhibitions, and nighttime experiences, NightTales offers an interesting alternative to traditional holiday activities.
The combination of scientific specimens, large-scale projections, illuminated gardens, and Maggie West’s artwork creates a distinctive setting.
Families may appreciate the nature-inspired visuals, while couples and photography enthusiasts may enjoy the atmospheric lighting and artistic displays.
At $30 for adults, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a special evening activity in Los Angeles.
The experience is especially appealing to people who want something different from typical Christmas markets or holiday light trails.
Conclusion
NightTales Los Angeles 2026 transforms the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County into an illuminated world of dinosaurs, nature-inspired artwork, cinematic projections, and glowing gardens.
Running on select nights from November 12, 2026, through January 10, 2027, this new experience combines science, art, and technology in one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable museums.
With adult tickets priced at $30 and children’s tickets at $25, NightTales offers families, couples, and museum enthusiasts a unique after-dark adventure.
Before visiting, check the official Natural History Museum NightTales website for current ticket availability, selected dates, parking arrangements, and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is NightTales Los Angeles 2026?
NightTales takes place on select nights from November 12, 2026, through January 10, 2027, at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
2. How much are NightTales tickets?
Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for children, and $20 for museum members, according to the museum’s published pricing.
3. Where is NightTales held?
NightTales takes place at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
4. Will there be glowing dinosaurs at NightTales?
Yes. The experience uses museum specimens, including dinosaur-related collections, as inspiration for illuminated artworks and projections. The museum specifically highlights its Dueling Dinos.
5. Is NightTales a regular museum visit?
No. NightTales is a separately ticketed nighttime experience featuring selected museum halls and outdoor garden spaces. Other museum galleries remain closed during the event.
