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

SPECIAL EXHIBITS
    

Just Opened!  January 26 - June 8, 2008

   ~Annual Catalina Plein Air Art Exhibition

Over 20 contemporary paintings showcase the beauty of Catalina Island.  Plein Air art on Catalina enjoys a tradition spanning nearly 100 years.  This exhibition is sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting which had a seminal role in re-invigorating this impressionistic style of painting in the 1980s after it had fallen out of favor in many art circles following World War II when the nation favored more abstract movements.  Today no one can argue the beauty and artistry of this spontaneous, open-air art form and the Museum is pleased to be able to hold this annual show in celebration of Catalina and plein air art.

This year's show features renowned artists Kevin MacPherson, Joseph Paquet, Denise Burns (Island resident) and many more.  Another special feature are two paintings showing some of the aftermath of the terrible fires of May 2007.  Along with the paintings is small case of artifacts recovered from the fire.

Several of the paintings in this year's show are now part of the permanent collection of the Catalina Island Museum.  Last year the Society for the Advancement of Plein Air Painting generously donated several paintings so the Museum could start a permanent plein air art collection for generations to enjoy!

Just Opened!

     ~ Signs of the Times

Thanks to donor Marsha Paull the Museum now has a large collection of business signs. Visitors can now enjoy a sampling of them in the galleries. Avalon Hospital, Catalina Express, Santa Catalina Island Company are just a few of the businesses represented.  Enjoy a trip down memory lane!

Open Now - May 2008

~ Catalina's Civil War Story  
Every year, the Museum works with a group of 6th grade students from Avalon Middle School to create an exhibit for the Museum.  Presented by the Island Scholars Enrichment Program, this new exhibit explores how one of the most dramatic times in our nation's history reached as far west as Catalina and left behind the oldest structure still standing on the island.
 

            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.