Affordable Family Fun at Catalina Island Museum | #CatalinaIsland

If you're looking for something inexpensive yet fun and informative to do on Santa Catalina Island, you'll want to visit the Catalina Island Museum currently located in the Catalina Casino building. (Note: New location is under construction and due to complete this year). Right now Adults can get in for $5, and children under 15 get in Free! It's one of the cheapest thing you can do in Avalon, and one of the first things you'll want to do on the island to learn fun facts (plus it's not super big so you have plenty of time to play).

Mostly everything on Avalon is within walking distance. Take a scenic walk over to the Casino Building (it's also where they show movies at night). Due to limited space, their current location only features 1% of their collection. To only mention a few, current exhibits include Marilyn Monroe, History of Catalina Island, History of Tuna Club of Avalon, Catalina Clay Products, Artist John Gariel Beckman, Wrigley's baseball influence on the island, Old Ben, Famous Stars of Catalina, and more!

History of Catalina Island
In 1887, George Shatto purchased Santa Catalina Island and was the first person to attempt and develop it into a travel destination. In 1915, there was a fire and he later sold it to the infamous William Wrigley, Jr. in 1919 who has never been to the island. Wrigley bought it after his wife wanted to live there. At the time, Wrigley owned the Chicago Cubs, and in 1921, he brought them to the island for spring training which started a tradition that continued for 30 years. The Cubs trained at the "Field of Dreams" which was an exact replica of Wrigley Field in Chicago where they played.

Did you know that Marilyn Monroe's maiden name was Norma Jeane Baker?  Norma Jeane Baker married at age 16 to James Dougherty at a very young age arranged by her guardian to get her out of a bad living situation. During WWII in 1943, the married couple stayed on Catalina Island for about six months while her husband was stationed there.

Tuna Club of Avalon
Established in 1898, the world famous Tuna Club of Avalon is dedicated to the sport of Big Game Fishing. It took its founder, Dr. Charles Frederick Holder, two years to find a way to catch tuna on a rod and reel. His first catch was 183 pounds in which he battled it for 3 hours and 45 minutes! The clubhouse is located at 100 St. Catherine Way in Avalon, California. Although it is strictly private and restricted to members, tours of the Tuna Club clubhouse featuring trophies, artifacts, and photos are available once a year in the late summer with proceeds benefiting the Catalina Island Museum. (Tickets usually sell out.)

Catalina Pottery
Catalina Island had a local clay that was highly sought out and is now collectible. There were thousands of pieces of pottery and tiles produced by Catalina Clay Products between 1927 and 1937 including brick, vases, candleholders, bookends, lamps and tiles and dishware. In 1937 all equipment and molds were sold to Gladding, McBean & Co.

Escape to Catalina: Hollywood's Biggest Stars on Catalina Island
Before commercial airlines existed, Hollywood Stars frequented Santa Catalina Island to get away from the big city. "Catalina Island was known as Hollywood's backlot during the 1930s and 40s. It was also a playground for its biggest stars." You'll find photos of Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Johnny Weismuller, John Wayne, Mickey Rooney, and several others!

Other exhibits include Artist John Gabriel Beckman's original artwork for the Casino Theatre, The Strange and Mysterious Case of Dr. Glidden as well as his archives, Old Ben, Natalie Wood's unsolved mystery, Eroll Flynn, The Avalon Casino, and more. Note: Their special exhibition gallery changes every 2 to 3 times a year.

Catalina Island Museum Treasure Map
New at the museum is a fun scavenger hunt map. Children can turn in their answers for a prize at the museum store.

Even though their existing location is super small, I like how the exhibits are nicely done. It's really informative and fun to learn interesting facts about the island. I can't wait until their new location opens up to see more of their collection!

Catalina Island Museum
Casino Building

#1 Casino Way
Avalon, CA
(310)  510-2414

www.catalinamuseum.org

New Location Coming Soon! 
Catalina Island Museum's new home is currently under construction due to complete late summer and early fall. Currently due to limited space, they are displaying only 1% of their collection. Their new location will include a new amphitheater and will be climate controlled in hopes to broaden culture on the island.