Our Story
The Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC), a community arts and cultural center serving Huntington Beach and the broader Southern California region, opened its doors to the public in March 1995. Since its opening, the Art Center has continuously presented the works of artists across all media. Through exhibitions, performances, film and video screenings, lectures, and educational programming, HBAC advances public awareness and understanding of cultural, historic, and contemporary perspectives.
History & Origins
The concept for HBAC began in 1988, when Huntington Beach civic leaders embraced the idea after being approached by a group of enthusiastic local citizens. The Allied Arts Board, a nine-member advisory panel established by the city in 1979 to promote local art and cultural activities, identified the former Southern California Edison (SCE) office building at 538 Main Street as the ideal site for the project.
Before significant progress could be made, Mother Nature intervened. In January 1988, devastating waves swept the final 100 feet of the Huntington Beach Pier into the Pacific Ocean. Faced with an estimated $12 million bill to repair the pier, the City was forced to delay funding for the SCE building renovation until alternative sources could be found.
Despite the setback and delay, community support for the center never wavered. Ultimately, the community gem we enjoy today was born from a strong partnership between the City of Huntington Beach and the newly formed Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation. Established in 1989 as a non-profit private organization, the Foundation was tasked with raising private funds to renovate the historic SCE building.
While initial renovation estimates stood at $750,000, the final scope of the project reached $1.3 million. Thanks to generous contributions from prominent Orange County corporations and dedicated local donors, the funding gap was bridged. In March 1995, after seven years of perseverance, the Huntington Beach Art Center officially opened its doors to the public.
A Lasting Community Partnership
The vibrant Art Center standing today is the result of a strong public-private partnership between the City of Huntington Beach—under the leadership of the Community and Library Services Department—and the Huntington Beach Art Center Foundation, a non-profit organization.
We Continue to Make a Difference!
Originally formed to raise funds for the building's initial renovation, over 37 years later the Foundation financial support continues to allow world class art exhibitions to be held at the Center.