The Long Beach Museum of Art is a historical showcase of Long Beach’s development in turn-of-the-century California. The property belonged to philanthropist Elizabeth Milbank Anderson who built the house in 1912 with help from architects Meyer and Holler, responsible for such projects as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. After Anderson willed the estate to Long Beach, the city reserved the house and property for public events and clubs until 1950, at which time it underwent renovation to accommodate art galleries. It was eventually designated the Long Beach Museum of Art.
The main house, carriage house, exhibit pavilion and expansive gardens perch atop an ocean-vista promontory -- part of Bluff Park, which gets its name from the 25-acre stretch of cliffs jutting from pristine beaches. A visit to the museum is complemented either by relishing the ocean view from museum grounds, by hiking down to the beach, or by strolling through its adjacent residential neighborhood among fine homes and preserved craftsman architecture.
The museum’s pavilion is its most recent addition. Artfully designed to reconcile robust, confident bulkiness typical of craftsman architecture with angular, refined elements common to modern coastal architecture, the pavilion houses a sprawling, two-story gallery space that provides pleasing vistas of museum grounds, sky and sea. Exhibitions rotate regularly between traveling and permanent collections. Next door, the carriage house hosts monthly lectures, adult workshops and free family art-making classes. Although administrative offices occupy most of the original house, now referred to as the Anderson house, the manicured gardens and lawns surrounding the historic relic are worth exploring. Additionally, the beach side of the house contains Claire’s at the Museum, a restaurant and artistic dining experience named after the artist who created its sculptural centerpiece. The restaurant location is ideal for a beachfront meal or for meditating on the museum’s showcase over a frothy latte.
Twice a year, the Long Beach Museum of Art holds a special After Dark event featuring exclusive art exhibitions and live entertainment. Your attendance and purchases support the creative efforts of the museum. In addition to viewing new exhibits and event exclusives, enjoy musical entertainment, attend a lecture or live artist demonstrations, or treat yourself to a full menu of drinks and appetizers provided by Claire’s.