If you’re looking for a day of culture and art, the Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA) is the perfect destination. With exhibitions that change every few months, there’s always something new to see. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the most out of your visit!
Where is the Long Beach Museum of Art located?
The Long Beach Museum of Art is located in the East Village Arts District of Downtown Long Beach on Ocean Boulevard, in the Bluff Park neighborhood. The museum first opened its doors in 1950 and has been a staple of the community ever since. The museum is small but mighty, with a collection that includes works by Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
The museum became part of LBMA, a dynamic arts campus, when it merged with the Art Exchange (ARTX) in 2019. Together the campus brings art education to underserved communities as well as supporting emerging artists.
The campus also includes the Arts Council for Long Beach, which offers programs and events that support the local arts scene. The Long Beach Museum of Art is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museums program.
What will I see in the Museum of Art?
The museum has a wide variety of exhibitions over two floors of space, so there’s something for everyone. Recent exhibitions have included photography, abstract expressionism, early 20th century European art, California Modernism, local contemporary art, and even ancient Greek art.
The permanent collection of the museum boasts over 4,000 pieces which include paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more.
Current and past exhibitions include:
- Loveline, a virtual reality exhibition by multiple artists showcasing the climate crisis;
- Jawlensky and Kandinsky: The Milton Wichner Collection, which includes works by European modernists;
- Out of Step/Out of Line, a tattoo artist exhibition.
There’s also a sculpture garden on the property, which is the perfect place to take a break from exploring the exhibitions. The garden features 12 works by artists like Henry Moore, George Rickey and Jean Dubuffet.
There’s also a restaurant at the museum called Claire’s at the Museum, which is named after the artist Claire Falkenstein. Here you can enjoy brunch and a cocktail with a view of the beautiful gardens and ocean, as well as a water sculpture piece which inspired the museum, entitled Structure and Flow, which is a fountain sculpture featuring latticework. The restaurant is located on top of a bluff which overlooks Catalina Island, the Queen Mary and other Long Beach sites.
The museum also includes:
- A gift shop;
- The historic house and carriage house that houses the museum was built in 1912, and belonged to Elizabeth Milbank Anderson, an art collector, businesswoman and philanthropist;
- Gardens overlooking the ocean.
Events at the museum
In addition to exhibitions, the museum also hosts a variety of educational programs and events for children as well as adults throughout the year. These events include artist talks, family-friendly days, and film screenings.
There is a special events team available for help planning events booked at the museum, like weddings, photoshoots, fundraisers and more.
When is the Long Beach Museum of Art open?
The museum is open Thursday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, and is closed Monday – Wednesday each week.
How much does it cost to enter the Long Beach Museum of Art?
Admission to the Long Beach Museum of Art is free for members and children 12 and under. For non-members, tickets cost $12. Students, seniors, and military personnel receive a discounted rate of $10.
Tips for Visiting the Long Beach Museum of Art
Now that you know all the basics, here are a few tips to make the most out of your visit:
-Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be doing a lot of walking, both inside the museum and in the sculpture garden.
-Plan ahead and take a look at the exhibitions before you go so you know what you want to see.
-If you’re visiting with children, be sure to check out the family-friendly events and programs that are offered.
-Make sure to visit Claire’s at the Museum to relax and refuel after exploring the museum. Make sure to try one of their signature cocktails!
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you enjoy your visit to the Long Beach Museum of Art!
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