Adamson House Tour and Malibu Lagoon Museum

The Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is a National Historic Site and a registered California landmark. The house and grounds share one of the most beautiful beach locations in Southern California where one can view the Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Beach and the Malibu Pier. In addition to its world-famous Malibu Tile, the house contains hand-carved teakwood doors, hand-painted murals, molded ceilings, hand-wrought filagree ironwork and lead- framed bottle glass windows.

The Adamson House Tour is a guided tour through the house which contains its original furnishings and is decorated with the renowned Malibu Potteries tile. Trained volunteer docents relate the history of the house, details of its architecture and furnishings, and the history of the family that lived in and created this distinctive home. Admission (as of July 2011) is $7 for ages 17 and up, $2 ages 6 to 16 and under 6 is free. Cash only.

The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the Adamson House and contains a collection of artifacts, rare photographs and documents depicting the colorful history of Malibu. The museum tour takes the visitor from the early Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture. Here is an excellent opportunity to relive the genteel and romantic ranching days of the famed Rindge and Adamson families. Learn about dramatic episodes in Malibu's rich history: the Malibu Railroad; the 50-room Castle on the Hill; the 17-year legal battle over a Malibu highway; the Malibu movie colony; the Malibu Dam, and much, much more. Admission to the Museum is free.

The Adamson House Garden Tour is a docent-led walking tour of the landmark gardens, beautifully preserved in their 1930s appearance. It is offered every Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m. The fee of $5.00 per person includes a house tour; no reservation is required. Reservations are necessary only for groups of 10 or more; please call 310-456-8432. Group tours are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

A Delightful Gift Shop is also on the premises. In it, you will find a veritable treasure trove of hard-to-find books, memorabilia and unique gifts. Included in the shop's wares are: colored reprints of Malibu tiles; hand-painted pastels of the Adamson House, and other "keepable" items with a Museum motif.

More information at www.adamsonhouse.org or call 310.456.8432.