The Long Beach Museum of Art sits on a bluff at 2300 E Ocean Blvd, overlooking the Pacific near Junipero Beach. Its galleries pair contemporary exhibitions with a collection that includes paintings, sculpture, works on paper and decorative arts, with strengths in California Modernism and American decorative arts. The museum occupies a historic Craftsman-style house and has a contemporary pavilion, gardens and ocean-facing outdoor spaces. Visit for the art, then take in the coastal view or stop at Claire’s for a meal on the patio.
A museum on the bluff
The Long Beach Museum of Art is at 2300 E Ocean Blvd, on a bluff overlooking the Pacific near Junipero Beach. The museum was founded in 1950 as Long Beach’s municipal art center. Its home is the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House, a Craftsman-style residence built in the early 20th century. The property also includes a contemporary pavilion with two floors of gallery space, bringing the historic house and newer exhibition spaces together on one campus.
The setting shapes a visit as much as the buildings do. Gardens and outdoor spaces look toward the coast, and the grounds give you a place to pause between galleries. If you want a longer stop, Claire’s is on the property, with outdoor dining overlooking the ocean.
Art in the collection and galleries
The museum’s collection spans paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and decorative arts. Its areas of focus include American decorative arts, California Modernism and contemporary art, alongside early 20th-century European works. Changing exhibitions add another reason to check what is on view before you visit; past displays have included local artists and contemporary work in a range of media.
The galleries are spread between the historic house and the pavilion. The mix of buildings gives the visit a different feel from a single, purpose-built gallery block. Exhibition details change, so look up the current program if you have a particular artist or kind of art in mind. The museum also has educational activities and community events, including art lectures, markets and family workshops.
Planning your visit
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday. Check its website for current exhibition and event information before setting out, especially if you are planning around a particular program. The address is 2300 E Ocean Blvd in Long Beach.
Give yourself time for both the indoor galleries and the outdoor spaces. Claire’s, the on-site restaurant, is a convenient option for brunch, a meal or a drink with a view from the patio. If you are visiting with children, look for family art workshops on the museum’s event calendar; these are held on select Sundays. The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom and parking.
FAQ
Where is the Long Beach Museum of Art?
It is at 2300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, on a bluff overlooking the Pacific near Junipero Beach.
What can you see at the museum?
The collection includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and decorative arts, with a focus on California Modernism, contemporary art and American decorative arts. Changing exhibitions are also on view.
How long should you spend at the Long Beach Museum of Art?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for the galleries and outdoor areas.
Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Yes. Claire’s is on the museum grounds and has an oceanfront patio.
