Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

I came for a special event so I didn't get to explore the museum much inside. The outdoor space is so tranquil and takes you on a journey spiritually. There is an energy shift when you enter here. It's an experience as long as you are open and allow it to happen. I look forward to coming back to explore more of the artifacts inside the museum.

This is easily one of my best experiences at any art museum. Community and togetherness is very clear here and I felt very welcomed. Whether you live in LB or are just passing through I would recomend a visit or two.

Great museum with wonderful exhibits that last a full year. Great information about the islands. Current exhibit features traditional tribal tattoos and a tattoo artist, Tricia Allen was working there during the day, very awesome.

As a Chamorro (Micronesian) woman, combat veteran, and person in the world, this was a moving experience that I'll never forget. The curator, Fran Lujan, is amazing and everyone should visit at least once to realize how much NHPI peoples have sacrificed for and contributed to the country and the world.

I have no idea how the museum is. I've tried going twice, once on a weekday and once on a long holiday weekend, and both times they were closed for private events with no way to check online or on their social media. I don't live in Long Beach so it's frustrating to make the drive only to find a piece of paper (or the first time, a very apologetic employee) telling me they're closed. Seems small and intimate so there's probably not a lot of staff. Hopefully I'll find out in person one day.

Felt a bit of home and folks so friendly and welcoming.

A necessary place to visit for all people especially islanders. This is one of the only museums in existence run by people who are part of the culture. It is so refreshing and powerful to have the stewardship of Aunty Fran and all the countless heart, hands, and heads that have come together over time to honor the ancestors that are housed in this sacred home for our Pacific Islander cultures. From divine carvings with a deep and rich history to shifting exhibits that reflect past and current experiences of our communities, this space is a sanctuary in the Long Beach community.

Small space, big ambiance!

This museum is small but mighty! After our visit to MOLAA across the street was cut short since half the museum was closed, our group ventured here. We're so glad we did! The young woman who greeted us at the door was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly. She gave us a great introduction to the mission of and exhibits at the museum when we entered, and as we looked around she'd pop in just the right amount to encourage us to touch things or to give us more information. She showed us around the outdoor garden, and helped us to understand so much more than we would have on our own. I learned a lot, and recommend that you visit!!

One review said they had almost no pieces in the museum. I'm not surprised. The staff member I talked to didn't care that si had authentic pieces from a century ago to DONATE. She kept arguing with me not to bring them because she kept complaining that she was understaffed with only two people. I think this is a very selfish political move to force more staff to be hired. I would be happy to donate my time to help put more pieces in the museum. But also? They were racist against other countries in the pacific regions. Very selfish political move-focused and self-centered...it's sad. Like I said, I would not save these pieces, It was just sad and I wonder whoever hired this pathetic person to work there? She seems so lazy and insisting that they hire more staff. If they weren't so lazy and made the museum better with more pieces, generating more authentic interest and making it a worthwhile place to visit THEN perhaps there would be an incentive to spend the money to hire more staff. Some people just don't get it. Someone needs to overhaul the staff there. They are not serving the mission of the museum there. It's called Asian Pacific Museum, yet they don't accept my donations from Philippines and Japan there? Last time I checked, these countries are in Asia on the Pacific. And they said the museum solely focused on three very small unknown countries that nobody knows about, Micronesia? lol. Change the name of the museum to Micronesian Museum of Art.

Went June 28th on a friday. Parking across the street. They're updating installations and renovating, so it's donation supported, no fee. They tell me they'll be done in August, so I'll probably revisit then. Straight up, if what you are looking for is a big expansive museum with a guided audio tour and lots of things to gawp at you will be disappointed, especially now. I got the strong impression this place primarily serves as a resource to a community I'm not a part of, so I don't want to judge it by those merits. Go now if you want to actually learn something and are prepared to make conversation with a person. You will have to knock to get inside. The people are very friendly and open. it's like being invited to someone's house. You can sit in their garden and admire the sculptures. There isn't a lot of "stuff" but I find that to be a kind of strange angle to see a museum, tbh. And if you're still wanting more culture, you can go to the Latin American art museum next door.

Lived in LBC area for a while and finally had the chance to check this place out. Parking: Street parking for the most part. It really depends on the time of day or events that determine availability. Art: Lovely! I appreciate the varieties of art they have on display. From paintings to art installations you can take pictures with. Their outside exhibit is pretty nice to. Their theme on COVID-19 awareness was creative and informative. Overall: 5 stars. Friendly staff and very informative! I wish this space was bigger so more of their art and stories can be shared. It is a small space indeed (can breeze through it in 15 minutes) but for their great efforts they get five stars in my book and my heart. Thank you to the curators for the knowledge and art. Tips: * Check their website for events

A really sad museum with almost no pieces. Little to see, nothing to learn. Was heavy on "ask the art for permission to be seen" vibes. $5, and 5 minutes you'll want to leave.

One star because they at least are trying to promote and educate people about the culture. Another star because the staff was friendly. No parking available. Very very small. They had a small screen showing a movie about Hawaiians in Seattle, like a documentary about a single family. I mean I was just expecting more because the building looks tall. I was not expecting this to be a 1 floor (small area) exhibit. The outside is nice but it is right next to a park which is packed with homeless. So one cannot even seat out there to enjoy the pieces they have there. Overall, for 5dlls um not worth it. They need to step up the game, get security to remove the homeless from the area (at least have them go away while smoking) etc.

My husband and I was actually passing through to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific, but detoured here first. As part Pacific Islander, I was really eager to come here and check it out. Fran gave me the scoop about this museum, and the types of info she had here. She said things changes every few months. When my husband and I were there, there were pictures of all the different tattoos, and the history behind them within all the islands. Also, very nice to see the display of the Fijian wedding dress display. (My people.) There was also the big hut in the middle of the room. (Different islands call it different names in their language. (For an example, in Fijian it is called, "Bure.") Inside, was various tools used by Islanders. Didn't get to see much, as I just glanced inside. There were also displays of various jewelry. There was also a room with a documentary video of learning history of the islands too. When you come here, especially look at the map. There are a lot of Pacific Islands, and not just being, "Polynesia." There is also "Melanesia", and "Micronesia." Very important to know. Again, as I am part Pacific Islander, I already know this. But good for other people to learn, because not everybody knows these things. I think the garden was perfectly fine. Some history, and it was a decent size. This is what they have to offer, because this place is a nonprofit organization, and needs more support. With that, then they'll be able to add more interesting stuff to view. Please come and support this museum, especially if you are an islander living in the Southern California area. Honestly, I would even work there, if I even lived in SoCal, but I'm from the Bay Area. So that's the sad part. Support this museum!! I look forward to coming to visit the next time I'm in SoCal.

I stopped by this museum to check out an art walk that was taking place by the artist Jason "JP" Pereira. This is a very small museum but the cultural representation is rich. There's an indoor and outdoor area where art is displayed but you can probably get through everything within 45 mins. I want to shed light on this gem so that folks know that it (1) exists, (2) does a fabulous job educating the public about Pacific Islander art and culture, and (3) offers ways to get involved with the NHPI community in Long Beach.

THE PIEAM left such a wonderful and memorable impression on my heart that won't be forgotten. Every sculpture, every design, every work of art ties beautifully into the Pasifika culture and incorporates different aspects from the Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian Islands. I, myself, identify as part of Pasifika for I am Tongan and Samoan. And the great thing about this museum is that they are always introducing new pieces to the museum so you rarely ever see the same piece twice. That means, you experience something new with every visit! I've gone 3 times in the past couple months and I look forward to returning again. If you ever get a chance to go, make sure to be respectful and enjoy your time.

We stop by this afternoon and learned so much information. We had the privilege of meeting the director. She had a wealth of info. She was passionate about teaching us. We appreciate that. We also had the opportunity to meet J.P the amazing artist. Cool dude very interesting. He shared his work and knowledge with us. Great people and great Vibes. Take the kids out for some educational fun.

Once you've walked in, you will have seen almost everything. This place is teeny tiny! However, it is clean, well put together, and has a few good pieces. Parking in the area is sketchy and you'll likely have to park at least a couple of blocks away as the museum is in a small island of land between a park and a busy street.

We came here over the weekend and we're greatly disappointed that they didn't have a decent collection of authentic Polynesian art, jewelry, clothing or instruments. I left multiple resources for them to beef up their collection so I really hope they follow through with my suggestions. The sculpture garden could use a lot of TLC as well. A very lovely young lady with glasses helped us. Stay away from the bathroom though, the toilet doesn't work.

Learning about ancestry of Polynesia & what makes their life revolve during ancient times is fun.

Very informative! Very moving! You are all in for a treat :) As an intern and also a consistent visitor, I find this museum as a gem in mainland US. It's the only one of its kind and the staff there are so kind!!!

Very interesting. The whole museum would take you 1/2 hour. Outdoor area you can see from the street. Free parking at mola

Cool place to represent the culture of Pacific Islanders. They have real artifacts that indigenous tribes from the Pacific Islands. From shark spears, ritual masks, and even stone carvings. It is $5 admission; I suggest going here with a student ID to be discounted. Their garden is pretty chill. This museum is fairly smaller than any other museums in Long Beach, but then again what lacks in quantity of items, they make it up on how good is the quality of their presentation to their audiences. I will definitely recommend this to people new in the city.

I'm posting this momentous occasion for all Pacific Islanders in support of the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum in Long Beach. Their mission is to incorporate the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands, with a focus on Micronesia, into a permanent collection, educational programs, rotating exhibits, and living arts. Please visit www.pieam.org for more information.

How fun! Loved it! There was even face painting and can even play dress up. I recommend this place for everybody...young and young at heart.