Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus sits above Pacific Coast Highway, with views across the Pacific from its hillside grounds. The 830-acre campus is known for its ocean-facing setting, gardens and courtyards, as well as its Christian education and calendar of faith-based events. Visitors can see California-focused modern and contemporary art at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, and the campus library has a Surf Museum with historic boards. It’s a scenic stop for campus architecture and views, though the university is primarily a place to admire rather than explore freely.
A campus above the Pacific
Pepperdine’s Malibu campus occupies a hillside above Pacific Coast Highway, with grassy slopes running toward the ocean. The university covers 830 acres and is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Its academic life combines career-focused programs with a Christian education.
The campus began elsewhere. George Pepperdine College opened in 1937 as a liberal arts school a few miles south of downtown Los Angeles. As the college grew, finding room to expand became difficult. In 1968, the three children of Rhoda and Merritt Adamson donated 138 acres of their undeveloped Malibu ranch for a new campus.
The grounds include courtyards, gardens and buildings set against the coastal landscape. Guided tours are available for people interested in the university’s history and programs. The campus is primarily a place to admire, so check tour arrangements before planning to explore beyond public attractions.
Art, surfboards and the chapel
The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art is on campus and focuses on modern and contemporary art, with particular attention to work made in California. It gives visitors a way to see art as part of a campus visit. Payson Library has a Surf Museum, where 30 historic surfboards are displayed; some date to the 1910s.
Stauffer Chapel, built in 1973, seats 180 people. Its simple, quiet interior is lit by large stained-glass walls at either end of the building. The window facing the Pacific depicts the Tree of Life with a Bible at its centre and uses 105 distinct hues.
The September flag display
Each September, the university places a flag for every person killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the campus lawn facing Pacific Coast Highway. The display began as a student initiative in 2008 and remains in place for about three weeks. Its roadside location makes the memorial visible from the highway as well as from campus.
The university also holds faith-based events, some of which are open to the public. The annual Harbor Lectures are Bible lectures; the series has been held since 1943. For a visit centred on a specific event, check its public access arrangements before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Pepperdine University?
Its Malibu campus is at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California.
Can the public visit Pepperdine University?
Guided tours are available, and some faith-based events are open to the public. The campus is primarily a place to admire, so check access arrangements for the areas or event you plan to visit.
What can visitors see on campus?
The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art focuses on modern and contemporary art, especially work from California. Payson Library has a Surf Museum, and Stauffer Chapel has large stained-glass windows.
When can I see the Waves of Flags?
The display is installed each September and remains for about three weeks.
