A creative hub on LA’s Westside where filmmaking history, contemporary art, design, technology, theater, and maker culture share the same streets
Culver City knows a thing or two about making things happen on screen and off. Nicknamed the “Heart of Screenland,” this small-but-mighty city has spent more than a century at the center of film and television, from the early days of silent movies and MGM to today’s studios and digital media companies. But cameras are only part of the story. Culver City is packed with contemporary galleries, design studios, theaters, public art, indie bookstores, makerspaces, and free cultural programming. Its Arts District alone brings together galleries, artist studios, architecture firms, designers, restaurants, and creative businesses in a walkable pocket of the city. For young LA creatives, Culver City offers something special: a chance to see where art, experimentation, technology, and creative careers actually intersect. Pick a medium. Follow your curiosity. Make something.
Dive into some of the maker spaces, museums, bookstores, theaters, libraries, and creative hubs in Culver City below.
- CRASH Space: a nonprofit community makerspace where artists, programmers, engineers, builders, and curious beginners come together to experiment with electronics, fabrication, textiles, coding, art, and technology. 10526 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 | (424) 241-3379 | events@crashspace.org | Instagram
- The Wende Museum: a free art museum, historical archive, and cultural campus combining exhibitions with artist projects, performances, workshops, education, gardens, and community programming. Its new Community Center includes a theater, classrooms, learning garden, and gathering spaces, with programming free and open to the public. 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230 | (310) 216-1600 | info@wendemuseum.org | Instagram
- The Actors’ Gang: an experimental theater company and nonprofit arts organization co-founded by actor and director Tim Robbins, presenting bold live theater alongside education programs that introduce young people to acting, ensemble work, improvisation, and storytelling. Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 | (310) 838-4264 | Instagram
- Village Well Books & Coffee: an independent bookstore, café, and neighborhood gathering space where books meet community through author talks, readings, book clubs, workshops, performances, and cultural events. 9900 Culver Blvd., #1B, Culver City, CA 90232 | (424) 298-8951 | hello@villagewell.com | Instagram
- Culver City Julian Dixon Library: a free public library with dedicated teen space, computers, Wi-Fi, study areas, digital resources, and community programming for young people looking for a low-cost place to learn, work, read, and create. 4975 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230 | (310) 559-1676 | Instagram
Peruse the Culver City Arts District for exhibitions, gallery openings, neighborhood events, and its annual Art Walk & Roll. The City of Culver City Arts & Culture page is another great resource for public art, performing arts, galleries, cultural programs, and artist opportunities.
Hometown Heroes: Notable creatives with Culver City roots
- Actor, comedian, musician, and Tenacious D frontman Jack Black
- Actor Jaleel White
- Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne
- Everclear founder and frontman Art Alexakis
- Visual artist Dean Byington
- Actress and producer Drew Barrymore
