The mission of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is to foster a deeper understanding of Southern California’s diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, exhibitions and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles and the United States.

The IAMLA is a charity that depends on donations to accomplish its specific mission. As such, the IAMLA does not entertain requests for financial support to fund other organizations, charitable or otherwise, nor does it provide financial resources to artists, scholars, filmmakers, etc. The IAMLA does not fund exhibitions, theatrical or cinematic productions, nor is the museum rented out for such projects.