Founded in 1996, MOLAA features a permanent art collection as well as temporary exhibits, cultural events, and educational programs. Past exhibits have included “Relational Undercurrents: Contemporary Art of the Caribbean Archipelago,” “Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray,” and “Mexico: Fantastic Identity.” Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden, with more than 30 pieces of abstract and figurative works crafted from a variety of materials such as bronze, stainless steel, and wood.
MOLAA is ideal for art and culture lovers.
Seniors and students receive discounted admission, and children under age 12 are free.
Admission is free on Sundays, and on the fourth Thursday of the month after 5pm.
The museum store sells jewelry, Latin American handicrafts, and other gifts.
The entire museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; guests can borrow wheelchairs for no fee.
MOLAA is located on Alamitos Avenue between 6th and 7th streets, about a mile from the Long Beach waterfront. Buses 71 and 72 stop in front of the museum, or you can take the Metro Blue Line to the 5th Street station and walk a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) to the museum. If you’re driving, there is on-site parking.
The museum is open from 11am to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday, and to 9pm on Thursday. It can get busy with school groups, and on weekends and free Thursday evenings, but it rarely feels overly crowded. Concerts, workshops, and festivals take place during the year, usually on a weekend; check the event schedule on the museum website.
If you haven’t had your fill of museums, head across the street to the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, a small space dedicated to cultures of the Pacific Islands. You’ll see art from Micronesia, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, and more.