Wende Museum of the Cold War: Planning a Visit

The Wende Museum examines art, history and community through the cultural history of the Cold War and its global legacies. Founded in 2002, it responded to the loss and dispersal of cultural materials following the political transformations of the late twentieth century.

The collection brings together more than 200,000 artworks, objects and archival materials. That breadth makes the museum relevant beyond political history alone: its focus is also on the culture created around, and shaped by, the Cold War.

The museum’s collection spans artworks, objects and archival materials connected to Cold War-era cultural history. Public tours offer a guided look at current exhibitions and open storage displays, a useful way to get context across the museum’s different materials.

Exhibitions change, so check the museum’s current listings when planning your visit. For another cultural stop in Culver City, the Kirk Douglas Theatre is also in the area.

Admission is free for all exhibitions and public programs.

Temporarily closed

This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.

Last checked November 2026.

Public tours are normally scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Fridays and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The museum encourages RSVPs, and tours may be moved or cancelled when they conflict with programs. Check the official site before you go for current hours, tour arrangements and exhibition details.

The museum is at 10808 Culver Boulevard, near the intersection of Culver Boulevard and Overland Avenue. Culver City bus lines 3 and 7 serve the area. For transit directions from the Metro E Line or elsewhere in the Los Angeles Metro system, the museum directs visitors to Google Maps.

If you’re driving, free parking is available in city lots adjacent to the museum. Nearby EV charging stations are at the Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue, and the Senior Center, 4095 Overland Avenue.

The museum’s entrance, galleries, outdoor facilities and other public areas are wheelchair-accessible, and accessible parking spaces are available in the adjacent public lot. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating are in the public galleries and gardens.

Strollers are permitted; children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Service dogs are welcome, but bicycles are not allowed on campus. Cyclists can use public bike racks on the sidewalk near the Community Center.

Allow about an hour if you’re joining a school tour: the museum says these tours cover current exhibitions and last around 60 minutes. Public tours provide a guided look at current exhibitions and open storage displays.

For a public visit, plan around the museum’s Friday-to-Sunday opening pattern and the tour times if you’d like a guided introduction. You can pair the museum with other local stops; the Marina del Rey neighborhood guide covers the area’s waterfront and local routes.