Los Angeles, CA (February 3, 2026) — The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is using the fifth season of its NHM Online series to celebrate and empower some of the city’s most important drink-serving experts through L.A. Culture in a Cup.
As the next installment of the continuing Being L.A. initiative, this year-long project celebrates the diverse cultures and people of Los Angeles by raising a glass to the city’s rich beverage traditions. Starring dynamic cafés, juice bars, and essential community gathering spots, this project highlights the artistry of cultural drinks and the unique vessels that hold them.
By platforming and sharing the stories behind everything from ancestral drinks such as pulque to global favorites like hot sand coffee and vibrant aguas frescas, this project invites Angelenos to savor flavors, craftsmanship, and histories from around the world. It celebrates the diverse beverage traditions of the city, from traditional tea bowls to innovative serving glasses, recognizing the creativity and community that make Los Angeles thrive.
The bi-monthly features will include beverage staples such as Simply Wholesome, Cruzita’s Deli and Cafe, Sip & Sonder, Kavat Cafe, Yala Coffee, Sana’a Cafe, BOPOMOFO Cafe, Endorffeine, Canter’s Deli, Kavat Coffee, the Ruby Fruit, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., Chado Tea, Ülëw Coffee & Juice, Obet & Del’s Coffee, Cafe 86, Pyet’s Plate, Mirate, and more.
L.A. Culture in a Cup showcases how all of these individuals, creators, and businesses go beyond the norm to build community, celebrate resilience, and embrace L.A. in unique ways.
February 2026 begins with a feature on South L.A. Cafe, run by Joe and Celia Ward-Wallace. South L.A. Cafe operates several cafes in Los Angeles, including the Exposition Park location at the Natural History Museum.
About the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park (NHM) and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects. Using these collections for groundbreaking scientific and historic research, the museums also incorporate them into nature and culture exploration in L.A. neighborhoods, and a slate of community science programs—creating a natural history museum experience that explores the past, but increasingly addresses the present and the future. Learn more here
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Josh Chesler
213-763-3580
jchesler@nhm.org
Amy Hood
213-763-3532
ahood@nhm.org