Huntington Beach Art Center is located five blocks from the Pacific Ocean on a  piece of property deeded to the City of Huntington Beach from the former telecommunications company, GTE. Surrounded by housing, restaurants, a public library and a mortuary, it was established over a decade ago as a partnership between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, a private non-profit foundation. The 11,000 square foot center features three galleries, a multipurpose room, commercial kitchen and studio. 

 

When the Huntington Beach Art Center opened, it received a warm reception from the art community.  Welcomed for its controversial and cutting edge exhibits, a portion of the community supporting the facility did not approve of the choice of exhibits.  The "Center" oversight committee and city officials responsible for the grant supplying a portion of the an annual operating budget for the complex restructured the operations. Focus shifted to community outreach programs, beach camps and use of the facility as a learning center. Today the museum provides a mix of community space and regularly-scheduled exhibitions.

 

Rotating exhibits by California and international artists, an open non-juried art show, summer camps, classes and concerts are all featured at this community art center. Event and meeting space is available for special functions and events. The art gallery is open to the public, free of charge. Location: 538 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California  92648.   Call: 714-374-1650