CURRENT EXHIBITS

Our exhibits make our history come alive! Learn about the steamships that serviced the island for 100 years.  See our colorful collection of Catalina pottery and tile.  Touch buffalo fur.  Learn how Hollywood used Catalina Island as a “backlot” for hundreds of movies. Enjoy beautiful oil paintings of Avalon Bay and the interior.  Learn about the birth of sportfishing right here on Catalina.  Give us 30 minutes of your time and we'll give you 7,000 years of history!

PERMANENT EXHIBITS
   ~ Catalina’s First Inhabitants: The Gabrielinos
     ~ The Evolution of a Resort Community
     ~ Reeling in a New Sport: Sportfishing on Catalina Island
     ~ Island Ranching
     ~ Catalina’s Steamers: In All the World No Trip Like This!
     ~ The Ning Po: A Chinese Junk in Catalina Waters
     ~ The Casino
     ~ Hollywood on Catalina

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SPECIAL EXHIBITS
 

Now Open!

Catalina Island Plein Air Painting Exhibition

This annual exhibit is sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting (SAPAP) and features over 20 contemporary paintings. All of the paintings showcase the beauty of Catalina Island captured by a variety of very talented artists. Also included is a special display highlighting the 100th Anniversary of the Pleasure Pier and a video station with segments covering the history of plein air painting in California. Visit this exhibit to experience the unique views of Catalina Island like you have never seen them before.

New Permanent Exhibit!

Thanks to special donors Larry & Carole Harris and the Cox Trust, we just installed a brand new permanent display case!  This floor-to-ceiling case allows us to showcase much more of our spectacular collection of Catalina pottery--including some rare pieces on loan! Be sure to check it out soon!

Not on Catalina?  Check out our
ONLINE EXHIBITS
Visit the virtual museum exhibits hosted at www.ecatalina.com.
     ~ The Evolution of a Resort Community: How did Avalon come to be?
     ~ Catalina Pottery and Tile, 1927 - 1947: Examine the history of this
colorful ware.
     ~ The Casino: Learn the story behind Avalon's beloved landmark building.
     ~ The Chicago Cubs Spring Training: The story of Catalina & the Cubs
     ~ Filming Catalina: Hollywood's Exotic Back Lot
     ~ Seaplanes of Catalina: Discover these amazing aircraft!
     ~ World War II on Catalina Island: From resort community to military station.