OUR STORY

Founded by artists Noah and Karon Davis in 2012, The Underground Museum (The UM) is an arts and culture center operating out of four converted storefronts in the Arlington Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. We bring art experiences traditionally reserved for major institutions to diverse audiences for free. We believe that art is an essential part of a vibrant, just, and healthy society and that increasing access to art will inspire, educate, and transform lives.

The UM is a cultural hub that ensures no one has to travel outside the neighborhood to see world-class art, or learn from leading thinkers, educators, chefs, and artists. With the help of countless collaborators, we have brought art, culture, and wellness directly to our neighborhood while also amplifying the importance of local Black leadership on a global scale. Since our founding, we have exhibited or worked with cultural luminaries such as Angela Davis, Arthur Jafa, Barry Jenkins, Catherine Opie, Deana Lawson, EJ Hill, Fred Moten, Hans Haacke, Jason Moran, Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson, Patrisse Cullors, and others. In addition to our artistic program, we offer free yoga and meditation classes to our neighbors, as well as fresh food distribution and events for adults, kids, and families in our space and garden.