Long Beach, California, has long been a cultural hub, from the early days of silent films with Charlie Chaplin to the legendary music of Snoop Dogg, and Sublime. Whether it’s the rock and roll of Cold War Kids, the powerful voice of Mexican musician Jenni Rivera, or the Grammy Award-winning art of painter Dave Van Patten, the city has been a birthplace and home to some of the most influential artists across genres. Long Beach continues to be a vibrant center for the arts, with a rich history that carries into the present day.
For art lovers, Long Beach offers an impressive array of theatres, galleries, and museums where creativity thrives. Here’s your guide to some of the must-see spots in the city:
Theatres in Long Beach
- Carpenter Performing Arts Center Located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, is a premier venue for a wide variety of performing arts. This state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat theater hosts everything from Broadway-quality productions to concerts, dance performances, and comedy shows. Named after Richard and Karen Carpenter, the center is known for its commitment to both high-caliber entertainment and community outreach, serving as a cultural hub for the Long Beach area.
- Long Beach Playhouse A community-based theatre, Long Beach Playhouse offers performances year-round, ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern comedies and musicals. It’s been an anchor for local theatre enthusiasts since 1929, making it one of the city’s longest-standing cultural institutions.
- International City Theatre (ICT) Located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, ICT is an award-winning professional theatre company known for its innovative productions. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, they present classic and contemporary plays that push boundaries and spark conversation.
- Musical Theatre West Known for its top-notch musicals, Musical Theatre West brings Broadway-quality performances to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. With shows that range from timeless classics to modern hits, it’s a go-to spot for musical theatre lovers.
- The Art Theatre Is a historic independent movie theater located on 4th Street in Long Beach, renowned for its screenings of independent, foreign, and classic films. Originally opened in 1925, the theater is a beloved cultural institution that has been carefully restored to maintain its vintage charm. It also frequently hosts special events, film festivals, and community discussions, making it a popular venue for cinephiles and art lovers alike.
- Garage Theatre is a cutting-edge, independent theater company in Long Beach, California, known for its bold and experimental productions. Located on 7th Street, this intimate venue is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional theater, offering audiences a chance to experience innovative, often avant-garde performances. The Garage Theatre’s eclectic programming ranges from original works to reimagined classics, fostering a space where creativity and community engagement thrive.
Art Galleries in Long Beach
- Flux Art Space
Located in Belmont Heights, Flux Art Space is a welcoming gallery that supports emerging and mid-career artists. Through exhibitions, workshops, and events, this space creates an environment for artists to connect with the community and exhibit thought-provoking works(Wanderlog). - The Dark Art Emporium
Situated in the East Village Arts District, The Dark Art Emporium stands out for its bold collection of dark, surreal, and macabre artworks. This gallery regularly hosts unique exhibitions, showcasing everything from paintings to taxidermy, and it’s a must-see for fans of unusual and thought-provoking art(Vamp Jenn’s Corner). - Munzón Gallery
One of the newer additions to the Long Beach art scene, Munzón Gallery provides a platform for emerging and established artists, focusing on contemporary art. Located in the heart of Long Beach, it has become a popular spot for exhibitions that challenge conventional perspectives and highlight diverse voices in the art world. (‘Hecho Con Ganas’ exhibit at Munzón Gallery closes Saturday – Signal Tribune (sigtrib.com)) - Loiter Galleries is a unique, non-profit art space in Downtown Long Beach that focuses on providing free gallery space to artists while fostering engagement between artists and the public. Loiter Galleries is dedicated to making art more accessible by creating opportunities for local creatives to showcase their work in pop-up exhibitions, giving visitors a chance to view fresh, dynamic artwork in a casual and welcoming environment. Their exhibitions often feature contemporary and experimental pieces, aiming to ignite conversation and inspire the community. (Oasis in the Woods: Earth Art Exhibition Opening Ceremony and Gathering | Downtown Long Beach Alliance)
- Greenly Art Space is a community-driven gallery in Long Beach that focuses on using art as a means of healing and transformation. It provides a nurturing environment for both artists and the public to explore meaningful, reflective themes through curated exhibitions. Greenly Art Space often collaborates with local artists and nonprofits, hosting events and workshops that aim to uplift and connect the community through creativity and compassion. (Greenly Art Space has been rooted in the Signal Hill community for 11 years – Signal Tribune (sigtrib.com))
- Expo Arts Center is a vibrant cultural hub located in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach. This multi-use space regularly hosts art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events. As a cornerstone for the local arts scene, Expo Arts Center supports both emerging and established artists while serving as a gathering place for creative expression and collaboration within the community. It also plays a key role in Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays Art Walk, showcasing a variety of artistic mediums to the public.(Things to do in Long Beach this weekend including… a ‘county fair,’ artist markets and Easter festivities • the Hi-lo (lbpost.com))
- Hellada Gallery
Established in 1996, Hellada Gallery has been a mainstay of the Long Beach arts community. It features an eclectic mix of contemporary art and photography, and its central location in the East Village Arts District makes it easily accessible to both locals and visitors(The Paint Sesh).
Museums in Long Beach
- Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA) Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, LBMA offers a stunning location for contemporary art. With rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, it’s a must-visit for art aficionados.
- Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) The only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art, MOLAA hosts vibrant exhibitions and community programs that celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Latin America and beyond.
- Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) PIEAM showcases the art, culture, and history of Pacific Island nations. Through immersive exhibits and educational programs, visitors can explore the vibrant heritage of the Pacific Islands in this unique Long Beach museum.
- The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum Situated on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, this museum showcases contemporary art from emerging and established artists. Its unique exhibitions often challenge and inspire, making it a highlight of the local art scene.
- The Queen Mary More than just a historic ship, The Queen Mary also serves as a museum featuring rotating exhibits and tours. It’s a great way to experience maritime history while also enjoying unique art installations.
- Rancho Los Cerritos This historic adobe home serves as both a museum and a cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into 19th-century California. Along with its beautiful gardens, Rancho Los Cerritos hosts cultural events and exhibitions that explore California’s rich history.
- Rancho Los Alamitos A historic site and cultural resource located in Long Beach, featuring a beautifully restored adobe ranch house, lush gardens, and barns. This site dates back to the Tongva people and later became a significant part of California’s ranching history. Through exhibits, tours, and educational programs, the museum explores the rich cultural layers of the area, including its Native American, Spanish, and Mexican past, offering a comprehensive view of California’s history and heritage.
Explore Long Beach’s Creative Talent: The Arts Council for Long Beach’s Artist Registry
The Arts Council for Long Beach is dedicated to supporting local artists and promoting the arts across the city. One of the most valuable resources they offer is the Artist Registry, a public database of artists who live or work in Long Beach and are available for hire or commissions.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to commission a mural, a local business seeking original artwork, or an organization in need of a performer or designer, the Artist Registry is the place to find talented individuals who contribute to Long Beach’s creative landscape. The registry covers a wide array of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts, making it easier than ever to connect with local talent.