Catalina Island Museum

The Catalina Island Museum is devoted to sharing the extraordinary history of Catalina Island and celebrating the arts through unique exhibitions and special experiential programs.
When Philip K. Wrigley joined the effort to establish a museum on the island in 1953, he was concerned that much of Santa Catalina’s heritage was being lost and little was being done to satisfy the many visitors who were curious to learn more of the island’s history. The establishment of a museum that could bring art and culture to the island also fulfilled the desire of his father, William Wrigley Jr., who wished to provide a “playground” where people from every walk of life could seek new experiences and enjoy one of America’s most beautiful islands. Thus, the original charter of the museum emphasized that the museum be “well rounded” and have a variety of exhibitions. Supported by Philip Wrigley’s vision, the museum opened its doors on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino building on November 29, 1953. 63 years later, the Catalina Island Museum opened its permanent home, the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building, to the public on June 18, 2016. Now, a new era has begun for the Catalina Island Museum.

Location: 217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704