The museum building was originally a 1920s-era silent movie studio complex.
MOLAA was founded in 1996 by physician and real estate developer Dr. Robert Gumbiner.
The institution is one of the few museums in the world to be a Smithsonian Affiliate.
The permanent collection includes rare works by Wifredo Lam, Rufino Tamayo, and Roberto Matta.
The museum grounds include a 'Viva! Latin American Art' mural project.
MOLAA frequently collaborates with local Long Beach artists to produce community-focused street art installations.
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American art. It occupies a 24,000-square-foot facility that was once a silent film studio owned by Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle. The museum's permanent collection features over 1,600 works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and photography. It emphasizes regional diversity by showcasing artists from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The building underwent a significant expansion in 2007 designed by architect Linda Dishman, which added a grand entrance and a new sculpture garden. The sculpture garden serves as an outdoor gallery space spanning 15,000 square feet. MOLAA curates rotating temporary exhibitions that address social, political, and cultural themes within the Latin American experience. It is located in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach.
The central sculpture garden, particularly the area featuring the vibrant, large-scale modern installations.
Walk through the outdoor sculpture garden to see large-scale works that are often missed by visitors who stay only in the interior galleries.
Check the museum's calendar for 'Free Sundays' or community festival days, which offer guided tours of the permanent collection.
Bring a portable charger, as the large, open galleries often lead to heavy phone use for photos and research.
Do not overlook the smaller, rotating gallery spaces, which often house the most cutting-edge temporary contemporary exhibits.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash and tripods are prohibited; maintain a quiet demeanor in the galleries.
