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Insider’s Guide to the Long Beach Museum of Art
Discover one of the most revered Long Beach museums, the Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA). Featuring an expansive gallery of Long Beach art, changing exhibitions, an ocean view restaurant, and educational programs.
Tours & Exhibits
Being a cornerstone of the Long Beach art scene, the LBMA has played a vital role in exhibiting and collecting art across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, contemporary craft, and design. With its diverse range of artworks, the Museum attracts a growing number of visitors who are drawn to its compelling exhibitions and engaging programs.
Over the years, the Museum has organized numerous exhibitions showcasing the work of individual artists and specific art movements. These exhibitions have covered a wide range of themes, from The Artful Teapot: 20th Century Expressions from the Kamm Collection to the innovative Architecture for Dogs and the mesmerizing Frank E. Cummings III: Jeweled Harmony in Wood. Notable exhibitions like Masterworks: Defining a New Narrative and Vitality And Verve: Transforming The Urban Landscape have left a lasting impact on visitors, contributing to increased attendance and appreciation of the Museum's offerings.
Additionally, the Museum's commitment to supporting women artists is evident through its acquisitions and exhibitions, which have included notable names such as June Wayne, Claire Falkenstein, and Viola Frey. With its stunning location atop Bluff Park, the Long Beach Museum of Art provides a unique setting for exploring diverse art forms and engaging with the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
Bars & Restaurants
Claire’s at the Museum
Claire's Restaurant, situated on the campus of the LBMA, pays homage to the unique vision and pioneering spirit of artist Claire Falkenstein. The restaurant offers a revamped menu that artfully blends the finest seasonal ingredients with inventive variations on beloved brunch favorites. Nestled amidst the museum's picturesque grounds, Claire's boasts an oceanfront dining area adorned by Falkenstein's remarkable water sculpture, Structure and Flow. From this inviting patio, guests can also enjoy breathtaking vistas of the majestic Queen Mary and Catalina Island nearby.
Weddings, Meetings & Private Events
The Long Beach Museum of Art offers an extraordinary venue for special events, including proposals, weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions (cocktail and seated), meetings, luncheons, photoshoots and more. Its location provides mesmerizing views of Long Beach Harbor and the expansive Pacific Ocean and the meticulously maintained grounds provide an unexpectedly spacious setting for open-air celebrations.
The historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House, beautifully restored to its 1912 Craftsman-style elegance, along with the adjacent carriage house and contemporary exhibition galleries, offer a versatile range of spaces for various occasions. From ceremonies to cocktail parties and receptions, guests can bask in the stunning ocean views from the lawn or the patio surrounding the enchanting Claire Falkenstein fountain. Moreover, the option to tent the garden lawn ensures a seamless outdoor event regardless of the weather.
For more intimate gatherings, the inviting atmosphere of Claire’s Restaurant, located in the Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House, features mahogany-paneled walls, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and bay windows with glimpses of the fountain and distant ocean. The Long Beach Museum of Art, with its picturesque location, exceptional event spaces, and dedicated staff, guarantees unforgettable and stylish special events, offering guests the opportunity to indulge in the beauty of the California coast and create lasting memories.
5 Fun Facts About the Long Beach Museum of Art
- Established in 1950 as a municipal art center, the Long Beach Museum of Art has been located in the historic 1911 Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House since its inception. The Anderson House was designated as the museum in 1957, marking the beginning of its permanent collection.
- Perched atop a breathtaking bluff, the Long Beach Museum of Art offers sweeping views of the Long Beach Harbor, Catalina Island, the majestic Queen Mary, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
- The museum's permanent collection boasts over 3,200 works spanning 300 years of American and European art. Notable pieces include furniture by Charles and Ray Eames, ceramics by Beatrice Wood, and sculptures by renowned artists like Claire Falkenstein, George Rickney, and Peter Voulokos.
- The LBMA’s outdoor sculpture garden showcases 12 captivating works spanning 70 years of the collection. The collection has withstood structural, environmental, and cultural changes, including natural disasters, historical landmarks, celebrations, construction, new patrons, and even a global pandemic in 2020, making it a unique destination to experience and reconnect with art
- Free and reduced-cost educational programs for children and adults are offered at the museum, including the KidsVisions Arts Education Program, which serves every fifth-grade student in the Long Beach Unified School District annually. These programs aim to foster artistic appreciation and provide enriching educational opportunities for the community.
Plan Your Visit
Location:
2300 E Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803
Hours:
Thursday – Sunday 11am – 5pm
Closed Monday – Wednesday
Admission*:
LBMA Members - FREE
General - $12
Student/Senior - $10
Children (12 and under) - FREE
*Fees subject to change
LMBA Downtown Location:
356 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802
For updates on museum happenings, events, and community initiatives visit the official Long Beach Museum of Art Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
