LATIN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM 

628 Alamitos Ave.
Long Beach
(562)435-4048


Dedicated to the celebration of contemporary Latin American fine art, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is focused on giving its visitors a close up look of Latino life and culture. MoLAA opened in November of 1996 in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach, and is part of a complex that includes a small park, a restaurant, an artist’s registry, a research library, and a recently acquired lot that will be the site for future developments.

MoLAA has an extensive collection of contemporary Latin American art, by artists from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands in its permanent collection. In addition, the Museum also hosts temporary solo exhibits from contemporary artists several times a year. As if that weren’t enough, MoLAA also hosts many culturally educational programs, such as art workshops, lectures, films and even Latin dance classes.

The Museum currently houses about four galleries, filled with paintings, sculptures, and other works from its permanent collection as well as visiting exhibits and special displays. Artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Gerardo Chavez and Joaquin Torres have been featured at MoLAA, as well as art from Rufino Tamayo, Maximino Javier, and Alfredo Castaneda, from the Museum’s permanent holdings.

Don’t forget to take a little bit of Latin America home with you from the Museum Gift Store. You can buy books, posters, toys, even mango salsa. Many of the items for sale, such as the pottery and glass, are unique and handmade.

Complete the experience by eating at Viva!, the indoor/outdoor restaurant located adjacent to the Museum. Viva! has a complete lunch menu, with a mouthwatering array of dishes from all over Latin America. It is open for lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm. From 2:30pm to 5pm they serve appetizers and dessert. On Sundays, Viva! hosts a brunch and live entertainment from 10am to 2pm, reservations are suggested. For information or to make a reservation, contact Viva! at (562)435-4048.

 It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11:30am to 7:30 pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. Parking is free, and admission is $7.00 for nonmembers, $5.00 for students and senior citizens and free for members and children under 12 accompanied by an adult.. Docent-guided group tours are available in English and Spanish. For more information, call the Museum at (562)437-1689.

Inside tip: 
To be better aware of all the events happening a MoLAA, it would be a good idea to call ahead, especially if there is a special event you might want to attend, as it might have a different price from admission.