The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is a fascinating cultural stop in Long Beach, California. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Robert Gumbiner, MOLAA is the only art museum in the US that exclusively celebrates modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art.
From paintings and sculptures to photography and film, MOLAA features an array of works from some of the most talented artists in the world, plus the museum hosts events throughout the year. If you’re looking for a unique and enriching experience, be sure to visit MOLAA!
Where is MOLAA located?
MOLAA is located on the edge of the historic East Village Arts District of Long Beach. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rosen.
What can I find inside the Museum of Latin American Art?
MOLAA features four galleries, a contemporary space for projects, a 15,000 square foot outdoor sculpture garden, and a cafe.
MOLAA’s museum features art by artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, Dario Escobar, Guillermo Kuitca, and more.
The outdoor sculpture garden has a mix of work by established and emerging artists. The focal point of the garden is a raised platform on the North end, which doubles as an entertainment venue for the many public and private events that take place at the museum.
The garden includes two water fountains, which are a typical Latin design feature, as well as other staples of contemporary Latin American design like a strong accent color profile and wall niches.
The museum is home to a permanent collection with over 1,300 pieces, and also has many changing exhibitions so no matter when you go, you’re likely to find new artists to discover. You can also find borrowed works from the Smithsonian, as the museum is an Affiliate Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
MOLAA works to provide cross-cultural dialogue, offering a variety of educational programs for all ages.
What are some of the museum’s exhibitions?
Some of MOLAA’s most popular exhibitions include “Latinos in LA: centennial celebration,” “Tales of Two Cities: LA/Lima,” “Painted in Mexico, 1700–1790,” and “Fridah Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection.”
Other exhibitions currently include “OaxaCAlifornia: Through the Experience of the Duo Tlacolulokos”, which displays work from artists of the Zapotec community in Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Mexico. The work displayed is figurative street art that employs video, audio, prints, photography, easel and mural painting, screen printing and more.
Another current exhibition is entitled “Dreamland: A Frank Romero Retrospective” and features work by the Chicano artist and pioneer of the Lowrider movement, who is widely considered to be one of the most important artists working in Los Angeles today.
What are some of the events hosted by MOLAA?
In addition to exhibitions, MOLAA also hosts a variety of educational and cultural events throughout the year. Some of these include film screenings, musical performances, readings, and discussions.
Some recent and upcoming events include the Afro-Latinx Festival, a scavenger hunt at MacArthur Park, the MOLAA Gala and more.
The museum also offers docent-led tours in English and Spanish.
What are the museum hours?
MOLAA is open each week on Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ticket information
General Admission tickets are $15. Seniors and students can get in with ID for $10. Children under 12 get in for free, as well as MOLAA members and active military personnel and their families. There is also a discount for Long Beach residents with ID.
Anyone can get into the museum free of charge during MOLAA Free Sundays , which take place on the first Sunday of every month.
Is MOLAA accessible?
MOLAA is wheelchair accessible and also offers a variety of services for visitors with disabilities, including Braille and large print materials.
Service animals are welcome at MOLAA.
Visiting the Latin American Art Museum in Long Beach
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, MOLAA is definitely worth a visit as it is the pioneering museum of Latin American and Latino art in the US, and is still the only museum exclusively dedicated to contemporary Latin and Latin American art in the country.
So, if you find yourself in Long Beach, be sure to check out the MOLAA. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
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