What it does
To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Santa Catalina Island and to bring unique exhibitions to Catalina.
The Museum maintains a vibrant rotating special exhibition schedule that includes at least four art and/or history exhibitions per year. The William Wrigley Jr. Gallery also houses an exhibition that showcases the Museum's permanent collection, interpreting the history of Santa Catalina Island. The Museum's collection of over 160,000 historical items and artworks are collected, preserved, exhibited, and made accessible to researchers. Museum board and staff are working with community partners to implement new initiatives related to education, art, and serving underrepresented audiences. In alignment with this effort, the Museum is expanding its exhibition program to include more contemporary art, and to showcase Tongva culture and modern Tongva art.
The museum provides educational programming and events that convene local residents and Island visitors in an exploration of the people and cultures that make Catalina unique. The Museum offers music and dance performances, lectures, films, and engaging art education programs for all ages. The Museum's education programs encourage K - 12 students to enjoy the creative process as they think critically, problem-solve, and engage with the Museum's unique collection. The Museum is expanding educational offerings to include new programming for K -12 students, family programs, and initiatives that increase engagement with the community and LA County residents. The new programs will focus on the Island's history, native Tongva culture, and the arts. In September 2022, the Museum started construction on a new 1,000 square-foot Education Center. These capital expansions will support plans to expand all programmatic components. Construction was completed in Spring of 2024.
The store at the Catalina Island Museum is stocked with a carefully curated selection of jewelry and accessories, books, toys, tile and pottery, and gift items that reflect the island's unique history. Each unique store item is inspired by the landmarks and history of Santa Catalina Island, many of which have been created using images from our archive. Select store items also reflect the themes or content of the Museum's temporary exhibitions. Our Visitors Services Associates assist with sales of items, educating visitors about the Museum's offerings and orientating visitors within the Museum.