Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada - a building that has a sign on the front of it
1 / 10

Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada

4.4
·41 reviews·Monterey, United States

A historic estate venue showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibitions and intimate performances, primarily open for special events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Fridays

Free access and community vibe

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada - a building that has a sign on the front of it

Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada

Best Time

First Fridays

Free access and community vibe

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic estate venue showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibitions and intimate performances, primarily open for special events.

4.4
(41 reviews)

"This place is a GEM! We have really enjoyed every visit and now we are members."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedule

La Mirada is event-driven. Always confirm opening dates/times online before visiting.

🚶‍♀️ Allow 1-1.5 Hours

Perfect for a focused art experience; don't rush through the curated exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rotating Contemporary Exhibits

Rotating Contemporary Exhibits

Galleries

Discover fresh, fascinating, and inspirational art that changes every few months.

Reddit
Sculptures in the Park

Sculptures in the Park

Side Park

Enjoy pleasing outdoor sculptures that add an artistic touch to the grounds.

Reddit
Intimate Drawing Room Performances

Intimate Drawing Room Performances

Drawing Room

Experience music in a cozy, personal setting, enhancing the emotional connection to the performance.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Check Event Schedule First

This unique art space is primarily open for special events and exhibitions. Always check their official website or social media for current happenings before planning your visit to avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram

Embrace the Intimate Experience

La Mirada is a smaller, intimate venue, perfect for focused art appreciation. Plan for a 1-1.5 hour visit to fully absorb the curated exhibits. Reddit

Best Times

When
First Fridays
Why
Free access and community vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Event Evenings
Why
Unique performances and openings
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mornings at La Mirada 47 x 54.5in Oil on Linen On view now in Flora Fauna at Monterey Museum of Art through April 16. @montereyart #artistsoninstagram #art #floralart #florals #flowers
elizabethbarlowartist
269 likes • 2.7K views

🎯 Check Event Schedule

La Mirada is event-driven. Always confirm opening dates/times online before visiting. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Allow 1-1.5 Hours

Perfect for a focused art experience; don't rush through the curated exhibits. Reddit

Iluminado opening night! #monterey #montereyartist #montereymuseumofart #montereymuseumofartlamirada #softsculpture #softsculptures #cyanotype #artist #fiberarts #quilted #freemotionstitching #interactive #interactiveart #colaboration #natureprints
nada_abdelshahid
60 likes • 853 views
Music that reaches your heart like this duo by Rebecca Clarke is just best enjoyed up close and in an intimate space like this drawing room at the Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada. And that’s what we want to achieve always as our core experience with Sunkiss’d Mozart. June 12-16, Sunkiss’d Mozart Summerfest will take you to different intimate and beautiful spaces on the Monterey Peninsula includ...
skmozart
23 likes • 1K views

🅿️ Easy Street Parking

Street parking is generally available and convenient for visitors. Reddit

📝 Free Clipboards Available

Grab a clipboard to take notes or sketch as you explore the exhibits. Reddit

Excited to play the Juneteenth Coalition’s Sneakerball fundraiser tomorrow evening 4-6pm at the Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada. I assembled a dream team of musicians I’ve been waiting to work with. Join us for night of Afrobeats, G-Funk, and RnB. #sneakerball #juneteethcoalition #glennbelljazz
glennbelljazz
43 likes • 583 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedule

La Mirada is event-driven. Always confirm opening dates/times online before visiting. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Allow 1-1.5 Hours

Perfect for a focused art experience; don't rush through the curated exhibits. Reddit

🅿️ Easy Street Parking

Street parking is generally available and convenient for visitors. Reddit

📝 Free Clipboards Available

Grab a clipboard to take notes or sketch as you explore the exhibits. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Intimate Performances

Experience music in a special, close-up setting for a deeper connection. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada as a 'GEM' for its phenomenal, well-curated contemporary exhibits and pleasant, intimate ambiance. The easy street parking and friendly staff enhance the experience, making it a beloved local art destination. While not a large museum, its rotating shows offer fresh art every few months, and special events like music performances are highly appreciated.

"Great local art museum. It is not big, you can probably spend 1-1.5 hours here. They show 3-4 exhibitions at any given time. The permanent collection is big, but only some of it is on display usually as a part of some exhibit. The exhibits change every 3-4 months, so you can visit it every 3 months and see new art."

Anna A

"We had a great time at the museum. There was easy parking on the street. The sculptures in the park on the side were very pleasing. We were greeted and oriented to the museum by Kaliya who was wonderful even during our visit by making sure we were enjoying our time. I loved the free clipboard at the front to take while we wandered. The exhibits were phenomenal and well curated."

E Lee

"'25 Block party was small and nicely setup for children 🧒🏻.

Courtyard is small but nice. Added a video."

Rob Haworth

What People Like

Phenomenal, well-curated exhibits
Intimate and inspiring ambiance
Friendly and welcoming staff

What People Dislike

Limited hours/event-dependent access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Mirada is located in Monterey. While specific public transport details are scarce, street parking is generally available and convenient for visitors. Reddit

Yes, visitors often find easy street parking available near the museum, making access straightforward. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, La Mirada is primarily open for special events and exhibitions. It's crucial to check their schedule online before visiting. TikTokInstagram

Yes, they often host 'First Friday' events offering free after-hours access to the museum. Check their website for dates. Reddit

Admission is typically free during special events like 'First Fridays'. For other events, check the specific event details for ticketing information. Reddit

Hours vary significantly as it's event-dependent. Always consult their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The museum features contemporary art exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and fiber arts, with exhibits changing every 3-4 months. TikTokInstagramReddit

Most visitors find 1 to 1.5 hours sufficient to explore the exhibits and enjoy the intimate setting. Reddit

Yes, there are pleasing sculptures located in the park on the side of the museum. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to take non-flash photos for personal use in art museums. Always check for posted signage. Instagram

Yes, they have hosted family-friendly events like block parties with activities for children. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Music & Events

Yes, the intimate space is ideal for musical performances, offering a close-up experience with artists. Instagram+1

Events range from art exhibitions and openings to live music performances, fundraisers, and family days. InstagramReddit+2

The best way is to follow their official social media accounts (Instagram, TikTok) and check their website for event announcements. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada can be a delightful experience for families, especially during their special events. They have hosted 'Family Fun Days' and 'Block Parties' that are specifically set up with children in mind, offering engaging activities. Reddit The smaller scale of the museum makes it less overwhelming for younger visitors, and the presence of outdoor sculptures can add an extra element of interest. Reddit

When planning a visit with children, it's essential to check the event schedule for family-oriented programming. While general exhibits might be appreciated by older children, dedicated family events ensure a more tailored and enjoyable experience for everyone. The availability of free clipboards can also be a fun way for kids to engage with the art. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget

For art lovers seeking enriching experiences without a high cost, Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada is a fantastic option. The museum frequently offers 'First Friday' events, providing free after-hours access to its exhibitions. Reddit This is a prime opportunity to enjoy contemporary art in a beautiful setting without any admission fee. Reddit

Beyond free events, the intimate nature of La Mirada means that even paid events often offer great value. The curated exhibits are consistently praised for their quality and inspirational nature, making any visit a worthwhile artistic endeavor. Reddit Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements about these budget-friendly opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding La Mirada's Unique Model

The Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada operates differently from a traditional museum. It's primarily a venue for special events, exhibitions, and performances, rather than a permanent collection open daily. This means its accessibility is tied to its programming schedule. Visitors are encouraged to actively seek out information on upcoming events through the museum's website and social media channels to plan their visit effectively. TikTokInstagram

This model allows for a dynamic and ever-changing visitor experience. Exhibitions typically rotate every 3-4 months, ensuring that repeat visits offer new artistic discoveries. Reddit The intimate setting of the historic estate, once a private residence, lends itself to unique experiences, from close-up art viewing to personal musical performances in spaces like the drawing room. Instagram

Community engagement is also a key aspect, with events like 'First Fridays' offering free access and family days fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit This approach makes La Mirada a gem for those seeking curated artistic encounters in a distinctive historical environment.

Experiencing Art and Music at La Mirada

At Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada, the art is as diverse as the events hosted. You can expect to see contemporary paintings, innovative soft sculptures, and intricate fiber arts, reflecting a commitment to showcasing modern artistic expressions. TikTokInstagram The curation is often praised for being phenomenal and well-organized, making each exhibit a fascinating journey. Reddit

The venue's intimate scale is particularly suited for musical performances. Imagine experiencing music that 'reaches your heart' in a drawing room setting, creating a profound connection between the audience and the performers. Instagram From jazz ensembles to other genres, these events transform the space into a vibrant cultural hub. Instagram

Beyond the galleries and performance spaces, the grounds themselves offer artistic enjoyment. The sculptures in the park provide a pleasant outdoor element, complementing the indoor experiences. Reddit Whether you're drawn by a specific exhibition, a musical performance, or simply the charm of the historic estate, La Mirada offers a rich and engaging cultural outing.

You may also like

1 of 2