Museums & Galleries in Maywood

The Laguna Art Museum began in 1918 as a small gallery in a converted cottage, where local artists would display and sell their pieces to the public. As the exhibits and collections grew larger over the next several decades, the founders moved the gallery into a larger, custom space, and eventually transformed it into a museum celebrating the development of Californian art from the 19th century to the present. The museum currently boasts a permanent collection of more than 3,500 works, as well as rotating exhibits that track the evolution of artistic expression.

To further its mission of spreading public appreciation for local art, the museum hosts informative lectures and open-house receptions. The museum’s Carole Reynolds Art Research Library also intrigues readers with more than 5,000 books, many of which chronicle the history of Californian art.

The Gamble House was constructed between 1908 and 1909, an astonishing achievement designed by the brother-architects Greene & Greene for Mr. and Mrs. David and Mary Gamble of the Midwest. Built as a retirement sanctuary, the estate exemplifies architecture's Arts and Crafts movement through its incorporation of natural materials, handcrafted detail, bold aesthetics, and ample googly eyes. One-hour guided group tours lead keen-eyed spectators through the inspired views of the exquisite abode. Knowledgeable guides illuminate the natural beauty of the spacious yards and gardens and describe the cultural and architectural context of the stunning interior.

Pacific Asia Museum, which first opened its doors in 1971, is one of four U.S. institutions dedicated to the multilayered arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Immerse yourself in the multihued surroundings during the Fusion Fridays premiere, taking in more than 15,000 pieces of historical art dating back more than 4,000 years while sipping on a cocktail, nibbling gourmet nosh, and celebrating the museum's 40th birthday with complimentary cupcakes. Boogie-worthy tunes and lessons in Bollywood and belly dance abound as partygoers and ancient statues try their hips at shimmying moves. Don snazzy cocktail attire or your best museum hat while mingling among permanent collections, which include more than 800 Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Island graphic-art prints inspired by culture, politics, religion, and scenes from Ghostbusters.

Currently concentrating on Golden State art from the 1960s and 1970s to the present day, the Orange County Museum of Art routinely draws from its extensive collection, ranging from photography to drawings to sculptures. The museum's recently opened exhibition, State Of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970, explores art that emerged in Northern and Southern California during the 1970s, such as conceptual performance art and psychedelic fluorescent environments. More than 150 works inhabit the gallery's space, including photography, film, installations, and works on paper. The Two Schools of Cool exhibition pairs artists who were pioneers of conceptual art during the 1960s and 1970s with a new generation of Los Angeles artists. Guests can follow public tours through the museum's current exhibits or peruse the art at their own pace. The museum also hosts events such as film screenings and panel discussions.

The Skirball Cultural Center is a renowned museum, vibrant performing arts center, and prestigious educational institution that is dedicated to sustaining Jewish heritage while welcoming visitors of all ethnic and cultural identities. Members get unlimited year-round access to museum exhibits, including Noah's Ark. The popular interactive gallery inside a massive wooden ark is filled with animal puppets (made from recycled materials) and hours worth of creative, challenging activities for kids of every shoe size, all aimed at teaching the value of community and sustainability without having to live among Himalayan monks for seven years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and members should call ahead to schedule a timed entry or book online.

Since its inception in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art has devoted itself to post-1940 artwork, a focus that sets it apart from all other Los Angeles museums. Its permanent collection harbors more than 5,000 art objects, encompassing media from video installations and documentary photography to pop art. Works from renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Diane Arbus share gallery space with pieces from up-and-coming artists across the museum’s three facilities.

To complement its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating temporary exhibits, such as the current Amanda Ross-Ho exhibit, Teeny Tiny Woman, which incorporates architectural elements and large-scale paintings. The museum staff also augments these displays with events, such as their summer concert series in Geffen Plaza, which explores the intersection of music and art like a guitar decoupaged with pages from DaVinci’s journal.