The Catalina Casino, located in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, is the largest building on the island and a prominent landmark. This large gathering facility is easily visible when approaching the island from the mainland, making it a significant point of interest for visitors.
The Catalina Casino houses a movie theater and a ballroom. It was formerly home to an island art and history museum. These facilities offer a variety of entertainment options for visitors, from watching movies to attending events in the ballroom.
In 1953, Philip K. Wrigley established the Catalina Island Museum on the first level of the Catalina Casino to preserve the island's history. The museum showcased a comprehensive collection of original Catalina Pottery ceramics, produced between 1927 and 1937. This museum offers visitors a glimpse into the island's past, from the pre-Columbian indigenous Tongva peoples to the pre-war 20th-century development.
On June 18, 2016, the Catalina Island Museum relocated to a new building, the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building, located approximately half a mile from its original location in the Catalina Casino. The new location is at 217 Metropole Avenue, providing a new venue for visitors to explore the island's history.
Art & Design History & Anthropology Archaeology Historic house Person & Artist
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
1 Casino Way, Avalon
No exhibitions in Catalina Island Museum have been found.
Catalina Island Museum has 1 rating.
The Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, United States, offers visitors an insightful look into the rich history and culture of Santa Catalina Island. Located in a modern building, the museum features well-curated exhibits that cover various aspects of the island's past, from its indigenous inhabitants to its development as a tourist destination.
Visitors appreciate the museum's comprehensive coverage of Catalina's history, including its connection to the Wrigley family and its role in Hollywood productions. The exhibits are generally well-organized and informative, providing a good balance of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
Many reviewers highlight the museum's temporary exhibitions, which often showcase interesting themes related to the island or broader cultural topics. These rotating exhibits add variety and give repeat visitors a reason to return.
The museum's architecture and layout receive positive comments, with its open spaces and large windows creating a pleasant atmosphere. The rooftop terrace is frequently mentioned as a highlight, offering beautiful views of Avalon and the surrounding area.
While most visitors find the admission price reasonable, some feel it's a bit high for the size of the museum. A few reviewers mention that they would have liked more depth in certain exhibits or a wider range of interactive elements.
Despite these minor criticisms, the Catalina Island Museum is generally regarded as a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning about the island's history and culture. It provides a good introduction to Catalina for first-time visitors and offers enough depth to satisfy those with a keen interest in local history.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.