Construction Update Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building Catalina Island Museum

2015-03-09
Catalina Island Museum

Over the past four years the Catalina Island Museum has captured national and international attention for its exhibitions featuring Marilyn Monroe, Ralph Glidden and photographs by Pattie Boyd, former wife of the Beatles' George Harrison and Eric Clapton. With the construction of its new home, the museum looks to build upon the strength of its collection and success of its past programming to become the island's premiere destination for art, history, music and film.

When the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building opens later this year, it will exhibit a far more comprehensive view of Catalina Island’s remarkable history. The Special Exhibitions Gallery will change frequently, hosting traveling art exhibitions from around the world. The building will also include a state-of-the-art theater for lectures and videos; a gallery for its permanent collection of plein air painting; a retail shop that will add to the town’s busy street life; and – on the museum’s vast second floor – a 100-seat amphitheater that has been specially designed for films and concerts. Adjacent to the amphitheater are open-air plazas suitable not only for catered events but for performances of dance, theater and music.

In recent months, the museum’s construction team has poured the foundation for the first floor and has nearly completed the foundation for its second floor. Crews are installing the steel framing, plumbing and electrical. When looking at the front façade, you will notice molds for the architectural elements that were inspired by Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

As the construction of the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building progresses, the museum staff is busy planning numerous events for the grand opening celebration. Announcements regarding the grand opening will be made in the coming months.

A members’ only preview of the museum’s new home is planned prior to the official grand opening celebration. Join or renew today to celebrate with us!

The Catalina Island Museum is Avalon’s sole institution devoted to art, culture and history.  The museum, its digital theater and store are currently located on the ground floor of Avalon’s historic Casino and are open 7 days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website.