The continental United States’ only museum dedicated to the Pacific Islands, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum showcases the diverse cultures that have left their marks on Long Beach and Southern California. Covering communities across Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia, the museum (PIEAM) has an impressively eclectic collection—and an impressive following—since its opening in 2010.
Covering the wide array of cultures that span the Pacific Islands, the museum highlights ancient artifacts and the work of modern artists, mostly in the form of art, textiles, and artifacts. But you’ll also notice a feel for daily life here, including things like little-known currencies and maps—and staff members who bring first-hand knowledge to visitors. The museum is a popular spot among Long Beach art lovers, so book a skip-the-line ticket to save time waiting on the day.
The museum has fairly limited hours—check the website before visiting.
Tickets are required, and discounts are available for students, teachers, veterans, and seniors.
Don’t miss the adjacent garden that’s included with admission.
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum is right in the heart of the city, not far from Alamitos Beach. If you have your own wheels, look for free parking across the street from the museum on Alamitos Avenue—look for a mural of a woman with an alligator. Biking, rideshares, and taxis are good options, too.
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum is typically only open Wednesday through Sunday (barring holidays), with limited hours those days—check and make sure there are no closures, like for private events, before visiting. As long as you’re within open hours, there’s no bad time to go; the museum rarely feels overcrowded.
In addition to rotating exhibits that always highlight the work of Pacific Islanders, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum has a set of permanent exhibitions that cover the 20,000 islands of this surprisingly complex region. Look for wood carvings from Samoa, bark cloths from Fiji, masks from the Mortlock Islands, banana and hibiscus weavings from Fais, and more.