Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum
Free contemporary art museum on CSULB campus, showcasing diverse rotating exhibitions and emerging artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative viewing
Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Free contemporary art museum on CSULB campus, showcasing diverse rotating exhibitions and emerging artists.
"An otherwise excellent museum that has debased itself by permitting a major donor to fund the permanent exhibition of their incredibly mediocre art."
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Campus parking requires payment. Look for visitor parking areas and pay stations.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Exhibitions rotate frequently. Visit their website to see what's on before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Discover cutting-edge art from emerging and established artists, showcasing diverse perspectives and mediums.
Lee Krasner: A Through Line
Main Gallery
Experience the powerful work of influential abstract expressionist Lee Krasner, a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Phung Huynh: Pink Donut Boxes
Gallery
Explore Southeast Asian culture and identity through vibrant and thought-provoking pieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Paid Parking
Check Current Exhibitions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Campus parking requires payment. Look for visitor parking areas and pay stations.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Exhibitions rotate frequently. Visit their website to see what's on before you go.
🤝 Docent-Led Tours
Enhance your visit with insightful tours. Inquire about availability upon arrival.
🎨 Community Art Kits
Participate in interactive projects like 'Notes to Future Selves' by picking up an art kit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Campus parking requires payment. Look for visitor parking areas and pay stations.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Exhibitions rotate frequently. Visit their website to see what's on before you go.
🤝 Docent-Led Tours
Enhance your visit with insightful tours. Inquire about availability upon arrival.
🎨 Community Art Kits
Participate in interactive projects like 'Notes to Future Selves' by picking up an art kit.
📍 Located on CSULB Campus
Find the museum within the Horn Center on the lower end of campus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum for its free admission, modern space, and engaging rotating exhibitions, particularly highlighting shows like Lee Krasner's. Some reviews mention the museum's reliance on donor funding and the inclusion of the donor's artwork, which has received mixed artistic critiques. Despite this, the museum is generally seen as a valuable cultural asset in Long Beach.
"the gallery is under new curator/directorship 🛳️ and it shows!!! excellent space and absolutely amazing exhibit just went up // Inner Vision : Abstraction & Cognition // dreams, the mind, the nature of thought and reality;; do not sleep on this, unless it is ALL A DREAM"
Inda Nile
"Small museum at CSULB. I was surprised that the artwork was mostly (or maybe all) by non-college artists. A group of us (not students) had an interesting and interactive tour with a museum docent. THEN, we had another really interesting tour of artwork, architecture, and sculptures throughout the campus. Highlly recommended!"
Linda S.
"We stopped in for the Lee Krasner and it was great to see her pieces in person. The art from the gallery namesake was as bad as the LA Times said, that said it did have some interesting qualities. I'm sure we will be back for the next exhibit."
Michael Winchester
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) campus, specifically within the Horn Center. You can reach the campus via various public transportation options or by car. Parking on campus is available for a fee.
Visitor parking is available on the CSULB campus, but it is not free. You'll need to pay for parking, so be sure to factor that into your visit. Check the CSULB parking website for current rates and locations.
Yes, CSULB is served by several Long Beach Transit bus lines, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the Long Beach Transit website for routes and schedules that serve the campus.
While not always a formal part of campus tours, the museum is a key attraction on the CSULB campus. Some tours may include a mention or brief stop, and docent-led tours of the museum itself are highly recommended.
The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum is situated in the Horn Center on the lower end of campus. Using a campus map or a GPS app can help you find your way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible cultural experience in Long Beach.
Museum hours can vary depending on the academic calendar and special events. It's best to check the official Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's always a good idea to contact the museum directly.
The museum is typically open on weekends, but hours may differ from weekdays. Always confirm the weekend schedule on their official website.
There are no age restrictions for entry to the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum. It's a family-friendly space for all ages to enjoy contemporary art.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibitions of work by students, emerging artists, and established international artists. You can expect a diverse range of mediums and styles. 
Yes, the museum often offers docent-led tours that provide deeper insights into the exhibitions. It's recommended to inquire about tour schedules upon arrival.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff.
The museum sometimes offers interactive elements, such as art kits for community projects like 'Notes to Future Selves,' encouraging visitor participation.
The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum is described as a small museum, but it houses significant contemporary art exhibitions in a beautiful new space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, the CSULB campus offers various dining facilities, and there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding Long Beach area.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside art galleries to protect the artwork. It's best to consume any food or beverages outside the exhibition spaces.
Yes, Long Beach has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets, located a short drive from the CSULB campus.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the artwork itself, the museum's modern architecture and the CSULB campus offer visually interesting backdrops. The campus pyramid is also a notable landmark.
Photography policies can differ per exhibition. While non-flash photography for personal use is often allowed, it's crucial to look for signage or ask staff to confirm.
Exhibitions featuring vibrant colors, unique textures, or striking compositions are often popular for photography. Keep an eye out for pieces that capture your attention visually.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that campus parking has a fee, so factor that into your family's budget. Exploring the CSULB campus itself can also be an adventure for kids. 🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
📅 Day-Trippers to Long Beach
Combine your visit with exploring other Long Beach attractions or dining at one of the city's many restaurants. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Collection
+1 While the museum hosts a wide array of rotating contemporary exhibitions, a portion of its collection includes artwork by Kleefeld herself. This aspect has drawn some commentary, with one LA Times article noting the donation's role in securing larger artists and exhibitions in exchange for displaying her work. Visitors can experience both the curated exhibitions and the works from the Kleefeld collection. The museum's commitment to contemporary art means that even within the context of donor influence, the focus remains on showcasing current artistic dialogues and diverse creative expressions.
Navigating CSULB Campus
Visitors should be aware that parking on campus requires payment, and it's advisable to locate designated visitor parking areas upon arrival. The museum is housed within the Horn Center, located on the lower end of the campus. Utilizing a campus map or a navigation app can be helpful to orient yourself and find the museum efficiently, especially if you are unfamiliar with the grounds. Beyond the museum, the CSULB campus itself offers points of interest, including its iconic pyramid structure.
The university also provides various resources, such as computer labs and technology help desks, which are also located in the Horn Center. Planning your route to the museum and understanding the campus layout will contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable visit. Exploring Diverse Exhibitions
Exhibitions such as Phung Huynh's 'Pink Donut Boxes' offer unique insights into Southeast Asian culture, while 'It moves forward, always' showcases photography. The museum also highlights local and emerging artists, providing a platform for new voices in the art world. Visitors often praise the quality and thought-provoking nature of the exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit