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Adamson House Museum: Malibu's Tile Treasure

4.7 (346)

Discover Malibu's hidden gem: a historic Spanish Colonial Revival home adorned with vibrant Malibu tiles, offering a glimpse into California's past.

The Adamson House Museum, a National Historic Site and California Historical Landmark, is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture built in 1929. Located on Malibu's coast, the house is famous for its extensive use of decorative Malibu Potteries tiles and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Adamson family and Malibu's rich history.

A brief summary to Adamson House Museum

  • Wednesday 11 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-2 pm
  • Friday 11 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Tours are cash only, so bring enough with you.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited.
  • Check the Adamson House website for tour schedules and potential closures due to weather or special events.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along Surfrider Beach or a visit to the Malibu Lagoon for a full day of Malibu exploration.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Malibu, head east or west on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/Highway 1). The Adamson House is located at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, between the Malibu Pier and the Malibu Lagoon. Look for the large tile sign marking the entrance. Note that there is no on-site parking. Paid parking is available at the adjacent Surfrider Beach parking lot or the Malibu Lagoon State Beach lot across the Malibu Creek Bridge. Parking fees at these lots typically range from $3 per hour to $12 for the entire day.

  • Public Transport

    From Santa Monica, take the Metro Bus Line 134 towards Malibu. Get off at the bus stop near the Malibu Lagoon, close to 23017 Pacific Coast Highway. From the bus stop, walk a short distance west along the PCH to reach the Adamson House entrance. A single fare on the Metro Bus is $1.75.

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in Malibu, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) can provide direct transport to the Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway. Be aware that there is no designated drop-off area, so you may need to get dropped off near the entrance on PCH. A short taxi/ride-share trip within Malibu typically costs between $10 and $20, depending on the distance and demand.

Discover more about Adamson House Museum

The Adamson House Museum, situated on one of Southern California's most beautiful beachfront locations, offers a captivating journey into Malibu's past. Built in 1929 for Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband Merritt Huntley Adamson, the house showcases a blend of Spanish and Moorish architectural influences. Designed by Stiles O. Clements, the home is renowned for its dazzling displays of decorative Malibu Potteries tiles, hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, and intricate ironwork. The Adamson family played a significant role in shaping Malibu's coastline, and the house stands as a symbol of their legacy. Rhoda's mother, May K. Rindge, owned a vast estate and started Malibu Potteries, which produced the unique tiles featured throughout the house. These tiles, influenced by Mayan, Moroccan, Persian, and Saracen designs, add to the home's unique charm and artistry. Visitors can explore the house on docent-led tours, which provide insights into the Adamson family's history, the home's architecture, and the surrounding gardens. The tours also highlight the original furnishings and the family's lifestyle. Adjacent to the house is the Malibu Lagoon Museum, housed in the former garage, which features artifacts, photographs, and documents depicting Malibu's history from the Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture. The grounds are open daily, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenic surroundings, including views of the Malibu Lagoon, Surfrider Beach, and the Malibu Pier.

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