d Join noted Art Deco Expert, Author and Art Deco Historic Preservation Consultant John Thomas on a bus tour of Downtown Long Beach. The city is rich with many buildings of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne style from the 1920s and early 1930s, just as there are in many cities across the country. What makes Long Beach unique is the city suffered a devastating earthquake in 1933, a tragedy in which many buildings were lost. Through extensive federal funding, some of which came through the Works Project Administration, the city undertook one of the most expansive building campaigns in its history and Art Deco and Streamline Moderne became the primary styles of architecture to rebuild the city. The styles are reflected in both private and public buildings, including the main post office, schools and hospitals. This very special Art Deco Bus Tour will examine of the finest examples of the styles in the city. Downtown Long Beach will never look the same to you again! On bus refreshments will be provided. Space is limited! Tour Location and parking information will be provided through email to ticket purchasers. Accessibility: While participants in the tour are seated during the tour, access is limited for this tour. The vintage buses have tight and steep access to open top seating. Wheelchair access is not available on this tour. Photo Credit: image courtesy of Christopher Launi.

After learning Lincoln Park’s history since it was designated in 1880 and the design features of the modern park dedicated in 2022, participants will take a half mile walk by buildings that survived our 1933 earthquake (and didn’t), the corner of “Bitter and Sweet”, a 466,000 piece tile mural, and end with a tour of...

Join us for a unique hybrid event that includes a tour of the Award Winning newly restored First Church of Christ Science building designed by celebrated Southern California Architect Elmer Grey and a fun exploration of historic color from noted color expert, Sara McLean. Wine and lite hors d’oeuvres will be served. Be one of...

Participants will enjoy a brief historic slide review of Long Beach’s continuously evolving City Center since its incorporation in 1897 followed by a walking tour through the library to see a range of sustainable design strategies that contributed to LEED platinum certification. Participants will then walk through newly designed Lincoln Park and over to tour...