Malibu Local Arts
In 2014, the Malibu City Council added the Arts in Public Places ordinance to its Municipal Code, starting with the line “Cultural and artistic resources enhance the quality of life for individuals living in, working in, and visiting the city of Malibu.” What art means to the town and its residents is right there, important enough to be enshrined in law.
Thankfully, there is plenty of Malibu art to be seen across the town, and plenty of Malibu art galleries, museums, and even parks at which to get that quality of life “enhancement.” Here are a few of our favorites.
Art is vital to understanding the history of Malibu, and the Adamson House is the greatest example of why. The home is decked out in tile art, created by Malibu Potteries in the late 1920s and meant to help Rhoda May Knight Rindge, the owner of the land that would become Malibu decades later, afloat financially. Though Malibu Potteries only lasted six years, the tile art produced would be used at City Hall, Union Station, and even the Mayan Theater, along with becoming sought after in private collections. At the Adamson House, docent-led tours show off tile art in its original state (while the gift shop lets shoppers take home replicas).
Perhaps owing to that history, the city of Malibu makes a substantial commitment to art on public grounds. There are 18 outdoor public art pieces listed on the Malibu Arts Commission’s website, including works at the beach, in shopping centers, and even along the Pacific Coast Highway. The town even operates its gallery at Malibu City Hall which hosts four to six exhibitions each year, curated by the Malibu Arts Commission.
Individual Artist Spaces
The rental prices in Malibu can make it difficult for an individual artist to maintain a gallery of their own, but there are a few that have survived a difficult few years for in-person exhibits. At Malibu Village, for instance, Red Letter Gallery is the home of paintings by artist Eamon Harrington, while the Tracy Park Gallery, just a block or two down the PCH, hosts its namesake’s work.
Pop-Up Galleries
A popular way for artists to exhibit in Malibu is with pop-up galleries, which skip the ongoing strain of rent for a short showcase. Organizations like the Malibu Art Association (which turns an impressive 61 years old this year) put up displays either on their own or in conjunction with local stores, while some artists occasionally set up at Malibu Farmers Market on Sundays, as well. And while the Surfrider Gallery at Malibu Pier is a permanent space, it often features showcases for one artist at a time, like a rotating pop-up.
We’re cheating here, technically: this favorite of both locals and visitors lies a few miles east in Pacific Palisades. But to leave it off feels wrong, as not only is the Villa one of the great museums on the coast but also in the wider Southland. From its exhibits to its rotating collection (including pieces by Rembrandt and van Gogh), the most famous works you can see in (or near) Malibu reside at the Villa. Bonus: The grounds at the Villa are stunning and worth a visit by themselves for a slice of serenity.
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn is not just a luxurious getaway, but also a space where art is carefully woven into the guest experience. The hotel’s rooms and public areas feature a curated collection of artworks selected by the owners and their personal art curators. Guests can enjoy a diverse array of pieces, including screenprints by Mr. Brainwash, lithographs by Jasper Johns, photography by Nicholas Le Beuan Bénic and Gray Malin, as well as reproductions of iconic works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
In 2023, Malibu Beach Inn further embraced its commitment to the arts by launching an Artist in Residence series. This program invites artists to stay at the property and create new works inspired by the stunning oceanfront setting. The first artist in residence, Los Angeles-based contemporary artist Ash Roberts, produced a captivating landscape painting that reflects the hotel’s breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. This unique piece was displayed at the hotel for a limited time, adding an extra layer of artistic charm to the guest experience.
