ESMoA is an experimental museum that embrace visitors, partners, and featured artists to contribute to the interpretation and creation of art. This place hosts periodically just draw sessions, complimentary to public with general free admission to the museum. read more

ArtLab21 Foundation - Museums Near Me - Lawndale, California

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Came here for a date with my wife after we left the kids with the grandparents. It is a nice intimate art gallery. We liked how they structured the gallery to focus on enjoying and feeling the art as opposed to reading a bunch of texts. They had some really cool pieces in there and some great programing that interested us to come back and try. Would recommend this for anyone who enjoys the arts: read more

I visited ESMoA for the first time for their special preview of MATRIARCHS. While the gallery wasn't huge, it was thoughtfully curated. It was a wonderful experience getting to hear the backstory of the exhibit from one of the co-curators herself and also meeting the artists that created the works. Another plus was the open bar and cute kids with trays of light bites. Admission is always free so if you're in the local area when ESMoA is open, it's definitely worth stopping by this neighborhood gem. read more

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Small museum with a fairly interesting and diverse selection of pieces. When I came by, the theme was "blue," in an exploration of the color and its emotional connections. They switch out the exhibitions regularly. FEE/PARKING: Free entry. No parking lot but I was able to find a free spot on the street. LABELS: This museum stood out in their decision not to post labels next to the art. The information (labels that coincide with numbers) is accessible via an iPad in the center of the room or on their website. The staff member told me that this is done so that you can focus on the art, without immediately being distracted or influenced by the label. I can appreciate this although I can envision certain artists (particularly political ones) being upset due to the decontextualization that this can provoke. I wonder how many visitors choose to engage with the information after looking since it's a little more effort than reading a traditional label. Either way, I admire them for doing something different and potentially controversial. NUDITY: Speaking of labels, they could have probably used one to warn people of the nudity in the exhibition. Saw a family with children leaving as I entered the gallery and immediately was confronted with three life-size photographs of a nude man. I have no issue with nudity but I'm sure some parents would like to know in advance. Yes, museums are full of Greek statues and classical paintings with their twigs and berries in full display. Sure but I think photography is different. It's also a tiny space. That dude's dongle took up like 1% of the space so maybe it'd be a good idea to warn people. It's not that controversial of a suggestion as I had just come from the Torrance Art Museum, which had a nudity sign for a visual exhibit. Once again, I don't think there's anything wrong with nudity nor should kids necessarily be precluded from seeing art with nudity. Just let parents make that choice. POSTCARDS: Free art postcards in the back. Thought this was a really cool (and practical) way to disseminate art. read more

Small enough to stay cozy; large enough to not be bored. I originally heard of this place from a pamphlet at the El Segundo Public Library. I found out they were holding a free exhibit on the 'Wizard of Oz,' and as an all-time favorite movie of mine; I had to check this out. This museum is run entirely on donations; meaning no admittance fee. They also are very generous with the amount of free materials such as brochures & postcards you can take; so please spread the word! The exhibit I went to was extremely organized; with two kiosks conveniently placed to explain in detail what each item on display was. You could also get so close to each exhibit that you could practically touch it; (Please don't!) & experience the magic of a lost era for yourself. Staff was also extremely friendly & informative, answering a myriad of questions without the slightest hesitation. This is another one of El Segundo's hidden gems & I will be back here in the near future, for sure! read more

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Nice free find that is of small, manageable scope. More easily appreciated by the creative contemporary art world than the average joe, I am guessing. Lots of free artsy postcards. read more

Went to the gallery to see the workshop on "Awkward Photos". Well some of the funniest & most odd photos, you've ever seen. Well to be honest I had seem maybe 10 or 12 prior to this showing, yet fun just the same. Great showcase. The ESMofA, is a terrific local venue, one I'd highly recommend to anyone. A solid 5 Stars. read more

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I love the fact that ESMoA is only a 5 minute drive for me! A fantastic museum in the South Bay and I fell in love with the space and the art. They also have art activities and workshops for children and youth throughout the week. I am happy that ESMoA exists and is a community staple in El Segundo. read more

A gem of a museum right in the middle of town. Lots of great free events with curators and the artists themselves. They have really fun free classes where you learn all sorts of techniques, new ways of looking at and interpreting art and what you create is based off of whatever is currently showing. It's very small and doable in a small amount of time and within walking distance of all of downtown. read more

ESMoA is extremely fun to go to enjoy the people exhibit and just draw thank you for being there for our community ESMoA is extremely fun to go to enjoy the people exhibit and just draw thank you for being there for our community read more

Yesterday's opening of this new art museum/art lab was well-publicized on TV news & in local papers. So their grand opening was grand, indeed.....the place was packed. There were balloons and giveaways and speakers and activities for kids. The birth of this museum was the result of an interesting chain of events. The story goes like this: A local couple, the Sweeney's of Manhattan Beach, were looking for a place to store the overflow of their extensive art collection.....which led them to El Segundo, where there are warehouses. Evidently the city suggested that the chosen space (right in the heart of town) could be a museum gallery instead, where the public could see the art. After a few years of hard work, so it is. And a beautiful space it is - modern architecture with high ceilings. A local art teacher, one of yesterday's guides, told me that the space includes an apartment where visiting artists can reside while they create installations to be displayed in the surrounding area. Additionally, the art shown in the gallery will rotate every few months. I was told that El Segundo school students will serve as guides (a great idea). Possibilites seem limitless for this somewhat experimental undertaking. One thing for sure: if the large crowd at the opening was any indication, the town certainly is hungry for an upscale art experience. Even grade-school-age kids were eagerly engaged in their activities. I loved it. The first exhibition was all about nature. New paintings, old paintings, everything mixed together, sculptures on the floor, artists whose names were instantly recognized (like Christo & Pissarro), excited viewers. I could have taken more photos except that it was hard to line up a shot due to all the people blocking my views. I loved this, too. I left the exhibition with a smile on my face & hope for the future of.....everything. Art tends to do this to people. To everyone involved in this adventure called ESMoA: well done. You're off to a rousing start, can't wait to see how it evolves. Current museum hours: Friday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Monday thru Thursday: special events & by appointment. Admission: FREEEEE! read more

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Yesterday my husband I and I traveled from San Diego to Los Angeles to take our daughter and son in law to LAX. Due to the gridlock freeway southbound home, we decided to venture into unfamiliar territory and find a good place for some respite before heading home. On a walk after having delicious food and drink in this charming town, we came upon this amazing art gallery. For starters the exterior walls of ESMoA are eye catching and unique. A reflective silver line travels across the white textured walls. In a neighborhood full of weathered red brick walls and charm, this abstract simplicity caught my attention, curious to see more. As we came to the glass front entrance there was a gathering of people inside. There was food, drink and many smiling faces. Between the crowd and window there was a sign that had numerous words but mostly, my eyes focused on the word "Free" and that was enough for me to open the door and proceed into the gallery. Leaving my husband happily outside to wait, I walked past the crowd and entered into a huge room of bright lights, high ceiling and engaging art works...and I was all alone. Paradise! I was mesmerized by the quality of work and the well designed clean beauty of the space. The art works didn't have written information about them on the walls but only stenciled numbers on the ground below them. Intriguing. Not having information about what I was looking at, and instead focusing on each piece's unique quality was delightfully mysterious. As I was in my own little world a very nice man appeared. His name was Brian and after introducing himself to me, shared with me how the group of people, (that I walked past) were an invited group of kindergarten parents. Oh no, how embarrassing I thought to myself, and replied, "Oh gosh...I apologize...should I go?" Not only did he assure me that I was welcomed to stay but he showed me on my smartphone how to bring up the artwork information on the ESMoA website. I don't know how/if Brian was associated with the gallery but what a nice guy. Since being home I've gotten onto the website, reading more about the art and the gallery. Now I know I was in the midst of works by very notable artists past and present. Wow...what a very cool place, I wish I lived closer! This gallery has many more interesting art and events on the calendar as well. From now on, I will be the first to volunteer driving friends and family to LAX so I can return to this gem of a place to wallow in it's awesomeness. read more

ArtLab21 Foundation - Charming chair groupings in gallery create charm and a whimseyness in an overall modern setting. Love! - Museums Near Me - Lawndale, California

I attended the pre-opening day event on Friday evening and was really impressed by the quality and diversity of the art shown. It's a small museum, in a very cool space. El Segundo has jumped upped it's culture factor! I've heard that the art will be rotated frequently, so that it remains fresh. One is able to view the art details via a mobile experience which works so well in the modern art space and really allows visitors to have an interactive (you can leave comments about the pieces) experience. I'm very excited about this new opportunity for art in my life and on my lunch hour. read more

I came here for a field trip with my son's school. They are really great with the kids. It's a small museum but the way their curate their exhibits is awesome. It's always changing too. I was impressed at the staff's ability to keep the kids from running around, touching everything. I would definitely get on their mailing list so you can stay in touch on what they are doing. This is a great space / museum to have in our little town! read more

ArtLab21 Foundation - From an artist in Berlin and brought to El Segundo... - Museums Near Me - Lawndale, California

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Huge space with high ceilings showing an exhibit for Nobel Prize winners. Cool concept, very kind & educated guides who work there. Wish there was more to do in this beautiful space! Free entrance, non profit. Plenty of street parking. Very hip place amongst a street full of donut shops, taco stops and chiropractors. read more

ArtLab21 Foundation - Museums Near Me - Lawndale, California

I was amazed by this space, the exhibit , the effort spent in the presentation. It is a must see! Must go! And all for free!

A wonderful experience called "Time ". Many great experiences like Friday Let's Draw at 10:00am . Then any experience with Rick Carter is magic . Check ESMOA on line for other wonderful activities .ESMOA is a treasure in El segundo . read more

Awesome museum located in the heart of downtown El Segundo. It's always free and they frequently change their exhibits. The museum is very spacious, clean, and have great knowledgable staff who are more than willing to pass along their knowledge of the curations. While you're in downtown El Segundo, I recommend that you try some of the awesome food in the area. read more

Disappointed They squeezed a building next to the old Post Office, two stories tall, nicely done. However, they only put one floor inside, so there is more white space then there is artwork of any kind. I took my 8 year old daughter and her friends to family day on Sunday. They were done within seconds - then we were told about a scavenger hunt, so they did that, then made some flowers. All in all, one and done. It was a nice idea though. read more

I was very impressed with this little museum off of Main St in El Segundo. Every few months their exhibit changes but they do a really great job of telling you all about the current artwork. I really appreciated that they also had a scavenger hunt for the kids to complete. I love that this place mixed traditional wall art with sculpture, furniture, literature, and technology all in a single place. It doesn't look like a huge place on the outside, but it's filled with all kids of treasures on the inside. Highly recommended! read more

I attended a Street Art exhibit here. The work was amazing. The space is pretty small, but the quality of the work is great. I would highly recommend anyone to visit any of their exhibits. The staff is great and do a good job of making the exhibits interactive and fun for both kids and kids at heart. Bonus: it's free and there is ample street parking. read more

came with my daughter's field trip. cozy little museum with contemporary art. i don't really know what that means since i'm not an art guy. nice and clean nonetheless. friendly folks dealing with the kids. read more

ArtLab21 Foundation - Deep thoughts. - Museums Near Me - Lawndale, California

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The most intriguing, innovative, inspired museum I've encountered in some time. They present fresh exhibits based on interesting themes with easy-to-follow guides accessed cell phones. Their welcoming, unpretentious vibe makes me want to return again and again. Although I may not dig all the art, I appreciate their efforts to enlighten and inform visitors. They offer cool lectures, kid events, movie screenings and free posters, too. read more

Brilliantly designed home for an incredible collection of diverse fine art. Do you think you have seen all the important work of all time? Come for a visit, I think you missed some. As a visitor to some of the worlds finest museums, in my opinion, this is a smaller version of those and worth the trip. read more

Tour guide was ruthless to some of our 9 yr-olds, and to the parents. Belittled them in the group,and kept saying out loud to them," if you don't want to be here,you can leave" zero discretion..tour guide from hell.. but, the the art was great, kids would have embraced the art and exp much more, if they weren't ridiculed the entire 90 minutes. What a trip that was..the main thing the children learned from her, is how not act..., so, thanks for that. Please,take a happy pill before you tour children. read more

I absolutely love that Barbara and Eva had made this place part of the community. Being a non-profit organization can be tough, however those two really make this place feel like home. Not only do they give to the community but they also have joined together and grown with it as well. Kudos to the team at EsMoa. For helping our community get together the way you have! read more

Went here when they had the Cuban Art - it was very intimate and small. My boyfriend and I were the only people in there. We spent about an hour there. The area is nice, but not a whole lot to do- maybe check out the museum & get lunch afterwards read more

A free gallery with lots of intriguing artwork. I'm sure every exhibit is different but I liked the wall where everyone can draw on. It was fun and liberating. Such a nice local place where you can really enjoy art. read more

Esmoa is a hidden gem in El Segundo that is currently always working with the community trough out their activities. Esmoa is not a museum nor an "exhibition" if not rather more for those you appreciate different forms of art and are open to new ideas.The place is pretty open and staff is very nice! their restrooms are very clean as well and near. Stop by next time even to check out their free postcards :)! read more

This is quite the gem in this small, quaint town. With 4 different shows yearly, it is a great spot for a weekend stroll and very kid friendly. Scavenger hunts for the kids are available as well as Ipads for various information on the art pieces. This was a welcome spot in the bustling south end of the Main street with plenty of restaurants nearby to round out your visit. read more

Best community and international art world diamond in the rough . Joyous conversations , performances, drawing club even date nights

I love the whole environment they are so warm and have programs for everybody. I recommend stopping by for anyone who has an interest in art or want to learn more about it :) read more

Went here last sunday. Had no idea there was a museum in El Segundo. Very Small...much smaller than MOCA or any of the Museums downtown but very nice. It's free to go here. They even gave away posters on the street. When I went there was a really interesting presentation on the relationship between physics and art and some really interesting paintings by a German artist. Everyone was friendly. Highly recommend this place. It is worth checking out. read more

I attended the grand opening and my favorite quote from a local visitor was "We didn't know how much we needed this!" ESMoA exceeds expectations. read more

Small, well lighted space in downtown El Segundo. I went for ESMoA's show called, TRUTH, which examines the Nude Human Body in Western Art. Who knew that El Segundo is now home to a couple Picasso's, Diego Rivera as well as some current, living artists. I also found that the corresponding mobile website that guides you through the exhibit ( no wall plaques for explanation, artist credits, dates etc., so don't forget your smart phone when going though there are a couple iPads placed thru out the gallery for those with no smart phones.) complimented and encouraged a very interesting user discussion on the evolution and perception of the nude in art over time. I also found using this mobile guide a more personal way to walk thru a gallery, could take my own time, not have to jockey for position around others reading a wall plaque though I do have some UI suggestions for it ( swipe from L to R, not go back and forth, having to re-load every page every time). I learned they also do events at ESMoA. So I plan to keep my eye out for interesting events to attend as well as new exhibits. Great addition to the southbay!! read more