10 Things To Do in September (Even Though the Third Floor Galleries are Closed)

This post is part of 10 Things, a blog series inspired by the Hammer’s free membership program HAMMER10. Throughout the series, we’ll share top 10 lists, highlight HAMMER10 members, give you tips and tricks to make the most of your visit, and more.

While we wrap up our beloved, most recent iteration of Made in L.A., the third floor galleries are closing for some much-needed R&R (restoration and renovation). Though the third floor galleries are closed, there’s still plenty to do at the Hammer. We’ve compiled 10 ways to keep you busy as ever on your journey to earning your tenth point.

September means it’s back to school time—even if you aren’t in school anymore. Learn something new by attending one of our Lunchtime Art Talks. Drop in during your lunch hour for a candid, intimate discussion about art with our curators. Lunchtime Art Talks take place every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

September 6 marks National Read A Book Day, and what better way to celebrate than by grabbing your favorite book and enjoying the late summer breeze in our courtyard? Add a cup of tea from AMMO, and make it the perfect afternoon.

Use our weekly drop-in meditation sessions to get centered—they are the perfect midweek, midday escape. Join us in going “Ommmm” every Thursday from 12:30–1 p.m. in the Billy Wilder Theater.

Grab your favorite little one and head on over to our monthly Family Flicks film series where we’ll be screening Matilda, the movie based on the beloved classic by Roald Dahl. You’ll feel like a kid again at this screening on September 11.

Stock up on all the back-to-school essentials, or spice up your office space with any of the goodies from the Hammer Store. Pick up a jar of Sqirl jam to liven up your toast, or a new mug to brighten your morning coffee ritual—anything to make waking up a little easier, right?

Though our third floor galleries are closed, the rest of the museum is all but quiet. September marks the opening of three of our Hammer Projects, featuring work by artists Marwa Arsanios, Simone Leigh, and Nicolas Party in what will be their first solo museum exhibitions in Los Angeles.

The Hammer kicks off its Bureau of Feminism initiative with what is sure to be a dynamic discussion. Join acclaimed author Roxanne Gay, Bitch Media co-founder Andi Zeisler, and Hammer chief curator Connie Butler for a can’t-miss conversation September 13 in the Billy Wilder Theater. 

Enjoy a special screening of four films by our artist-in-residence Yuri Ancarani. Ancarani’s films transform mundane habits and rituals into spectacular narratives. The screenings, followed by a Q&A with the artist, are sure to turn your regular Wednesday into something artful and fantastic. Join us September 14 in the Billy Wilder Theater. 

"The most entertaining reading series ever" (Los Angeles Times), Literary Death Match features four authors—Jon Klassen, Nadja Spiegelman, Antonio Sacre, and Ryka Aoki; four all-star judges—actors Marguerite Moreau, Armen Weitzman, Kumail Nanjiani, and author Amelia Gray; two finalists; and one epic finale. Now in 57 cities worldwide, this wild show has been optioned for television and returns to the Hammer for its annual spectacular on September 15 at 7:30 p.m. 

While everyday should be National Beer Day, celebrate and get in the spirit(s) on September 28 with happy hour at AMMO. Get 10% off your tab when you flash your membership card, and enjoy an additional $1 off any happy hour hops. Go on, have another. 

September 13 marks the beginning of In Real Life: 100 Days of Film and Performance. This ambitious program of daytime performances and film screenings activates the museum's spaces with:

• Four month-long, curated film and video series
• Fifteen weekend performances
• Weekday rehearsals in the courtyard by a select group of performers