These landmarks and restaurants are closed due to the L.A. wildfires
Jan 08, 2025
Fueled by a remarkably destructive windstorm, more than 20,000 acres of Los Angeles County have so far been burned by at least four fires: most notably the catastrophic Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire (as in Eaton Canyon) in Pasadena and Altadena, plus smaller ones in the Valley, the Hurst and Woodley Fires.
Thousands of Angelenos within the vicinity of those fires have been ordered to evacuate, so it’s no surprise that any and all museums, restaurants and parks within those areas are closed today—and for the near future. But as officials continue to advise Angelenos to avoid the roads near the fires, if possible, we’ve seen plenty of other notable spots opt to close their doors today too. Here’s a running list of major L.A. landmarks that are closed today due to the wind and fires.
Getty Villa + Getty Center
Though the perimeter of the Palisades Fire has surrounded the Getty Villa, the museum says that it “remains safe and intact” as of the morning of January 8; though trees and vegetation on the property have burned, the building and collections have been unaffected (you can read more here about how the museum is keeping them safe). The Getty Villa will be closed at least through early next week, and out of caution and to alleviate traffic, the Getty Center in Brentwood will also be closed at least through Sunday, January 12.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
The latest CAL FIRE maps show the Palisades Fire surrounding the meditation gardens, which will be closed until further notice.
Will Rogers State Park + Topanga State Park
Though both state parks are so far outside of the Palisades Fire’s burn areas, they both fall within evacuation zones and are closed until further notice.
Descanso Gardens
The La Cañada Flintridge botanical garden is “closed until further notice” as it’s currently in an evacuation zone.
Norton Simon Museum
The famed Pasadena art museum is normally closed on Wednesdays, but it will also be closed both Thursday, January 9 and Friday, January 10. The museum says that tickets purchased for both of those days are redeemable for the next 30 days; ticket holders with questions can contact [email protected].
Skirball Cultural Center
The Sepulveda Pass museum is closed today “for the safety and security of [its] visitors and employees.” You call (310) 440-4500 or email [email protected] to reschedule or refund your tickets.
Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk
Though outside of any burn areas or evacuation zones, the theme park and its attached shopping center will be closed due to the wind and fire conditions. The park expects to reopen on Thursday.
Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory will be closed all day Wednesday, as will the L.A. Zoo, Autry Museum and Travel Town. Trails to the Hollywood Sign are closed, as well. The park’s website also notes that the areas near Bronson Caves and the Merry-Go-Round are closed, and the Parkline Shuttle has been suspended—and that technically the entire park is closed until further notice.
Runyon Canyon
Like Griffith, Runyon’s popular hiking trail is closed until further notice.
The Huntington Library
The San Marino museum and botanical garden is closed Wednesday “for the safety of our staff, visitors and volunteers.”
The Broad
The popular DTLA art museum closed on Wednesday out of an abundance of caution; tickets for today will be honored through March 23.
Academy Museum
The Academy Museum will be closed today, and it’s worth noting that its neighbor, LACMA, is always closed on Wednesdays, so it hasn’t made any sort of special closure announcement today.
Natural History Museum + La Brea Tar Pits
Both the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and the La Brea Tar Pits, which the institution also oversees, will be closed today “out of an abundance of caution.”
Hammer Museum
The Westwood museum announced its closure for Wednesday due to its vicinity to the fires.
MOCA Grand Avenue
The DTLA art museum is closing its Grand Avenue building today (its Little Tokyo location is always closed on Wednesdays).
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Highland Park puppet theater paused its productions for today.
Wicked
The touring production of Wicked that’s currently at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre canceled Wednesday’s performance; the musical is expected to resume on Thursday.
Many, many restaurants
It goes without saying that any restaurants within evacuation areas are closed today—and the Reel Inn in Malibu has been destroyed. But we’ve also spotted notable locations across the city that have opted to keep their doors shut, including but not limited to:
Arroz y Fun, Belle’s Bagels, Bub and Grandma’s, Camélia, Capri Club, LA Cha Cha Chá, Cobi’s, Dunsmoor, Élephante, Fat + Flour, Found Oyster, Great White, Howlin’ Rays, Kuya Lord, Layla Bagels, Love Hour, Mala Class, Melody, Melrose Umbrella Co., Mini Kabob, OTOTO, Pasjoli, Pho 87, Pizzeria Bianco, Providence, the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, Seline, Tsubaki, Wanderlust (Pasadena and Venice only) and Wax Paper