Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho event image
Miracle Mile, Koreatown & Mid-Wilshire

Director's Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho

The Parasite director's own influences, drawn from the Academy Museum's collection.

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Art

If Parasite lodged itself in your brain, this is your chance to see the raw materials behind it: the films, images, and objects that shaped Bong Joon Ho's eye, pulled straight from the Academy Museum's collection. It's a rare peek into how a modern master actually thinks, framed by the museum's curatorial firepower rather than a fan's guesswork.

What to expect

Expect an intimate, gallery-style exhibition rather than a blockbuster crowd — a focused deep-dive into the director's personal influences drawn from the museum's holdings. It rewards film nerds and curious first-timers alike, and pairs well with the Academy Museum's broader galleries if you make an afternoon of it. Plan to move at a slow, reading-heavy pace to get the most out of the wall text.

Good to know

  • Getting there: The Academy Museum sits at Wilshire and Fairfax in Miracle Mile — the Metro D (Purple) Line's Wilshire/Fairfax station is steps away, and it beats hunting for parking in the area.
  • Timing: Weekday and early-morning visits are calmer; weekend afternoons in this stretch of Wilshire (right by LACMA and the tar pits) get busy, so book a timed slot in advance if offered.
  • Budget note: This is a long-running show (on view through October 2027), so no need to rush — check the official site for current admission pricing and any free-admission days before you go.

Common questions

How long should I set aside for this exhibition?

A focused single-exhibition visit typically runs 30–60 minutes, but budget a couple of hours if you want to explore the rest of the Academy Museum's galleries too.

Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time?

The Academy Museum generally uses timed-entry admission, so reserving online in advance is the safest bet on a busy weekend — confirm current pricing and any free days on the official site.