The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live

The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live is at 800 W. Olympic Blvd.; the entrance is on Figueroa St. Whether you're a hardcore music aficionado or someone who likes a tune because it has a beat you can dance to, these exhibits will entertain if for no other reason than the gee-whiz video and audio gadgetry used. Taking it from the top, so to speak, you ride an elevator from the lobby to the fourth floor where your GRAMMY experience begins in a foyer lined with huge flat-screen panels that immerse you in the sights and sounds of past GRAMMY performances.

Beyond this entryway lies the main exhibit area including Crossroads, a long multi-touch table that lets you explore musical genres with the poke and flick of your fingertips. Booths nearby are dedicated to various music traditions with videos and displays of treasured objects associated with each.

Take the escalator down to the third floor for an up-close look at the unsung heroes, so to speak, of the industry: the engineers, producers, studio musicians and the like. Revolutions of Recorded Sound introduces you to technology advancements in recording production and In the Studio explains the role of sound engineers. You can even add your own technical styling to a music sample via a touch screen. You'll also learn everything you've ever wanted to know about that oh-so-coveted little gilded gramophone trophy, including its history and the nomination process.

The second floor's Clive Davis Theater transports you behind the scenes at a GRAMMY Awards Show, and you'll also find impressive temporary exhibits on this level.

Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.