The main historic building was commissioned by philanthropist Elizabeth Milbank Anderson as a summer residence.
The property transitioned from a private estate to a municipal art center in the 1950s.
The museum underwent a major expansion in 2000, adding the 15,000-square-foot pavilion to display large-scale contemporary works.
The grounds feature an original garden layout that includes elements of Mediterranean-style landscaping common to early 20th-century coastal estates.
The institution frequently highlights the 'California Light and Space' movement in its exhibition cycles.
The Long Beach Museum of Art is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Port of Long Beach. It occupies the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson house, a 1912 Craftsman-style mansion, and an adjacent modern pavilion. The museum focuses on 20th and 21st-century American art with a particular emphasis on Southern California artists. Its permanent collection features over 4,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The site hosts rotating temporary exhibitions ranging from contemporary installations to historical retrospectives. The on-site cafe, Claire's at the Museum, provides outdoor seating directly facing the ocean. A sculpture garden surrounds the property, integrating art with the coastal landscape. The museum is a non-profit institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The outdoor dining terrace at Claire’s, which provides a panoramic view of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Walk through the sculpture garden behind the main building for ocean views.
Make a reservation for the terrace at Claire's if you plan to eat during peak lunch hours.
Do not overlook the smaller galleries in the historic mansion, which are often quieter than the main pavilion.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Casual beach-city attire is acceptable, though shoes and shirts are required inside the galleries.
