WELCOME
MALIBU'S STORY
When you visit the Malibu Lagoon Museum, you’ll discover the oldest known story of a very different people who settled into this beautiful lagoon we now call Malibu. The Chumash tribes lived and thrived along the coast, free from the hectic commerce of our world today. They populated the coastal regions from Malibu all the way to San Luis Obispo and onto Catalina Island. At the base of Malibu canyon stood a well-organized village with circular mud homes built along the fresh river that flowed into the sea. Each house had a central fire where they cooked their food and kept warm. The roofs peaked with an opening to let light in and smoke out. Their beds were built on frames and they covered themselves with blankets made from animal skins. They were fisherman and artisans and there is sufficient evidence to show that these people had an artistic flair. Their designs were simple yet beautiful. They engraved patterns of sea life into daily utensils, crafted beautiful bowls inlaid with iridescent abalone mosaics and sculpted figurines from Pearl Black soapstone.
Some five hundred plus years later, the twenty- seven mile strip of Coastal beauty still has its’ mesmerizing allure to artists from all over the world. Civilization has transformed the canyons and hilltops into perches for magnificent villas and castle-like estates. One thing hasn’t changed. Nature’s beauty bequeaths beauty. Artists congregate in places where they are most inspired. Our art is a part of how we perceive God’s creation. We intuitively recreate the patterns of nature; we sing the melody of the birds and are constantly inspired by the immense beauty of the world we live in.
This place where the canyon rolls down to the sea which the villagers knew as Humaliwo, still entices the art world. We know it as Malibu but the story is still the same. It is a place where the mountains meet the sea and the surf calls us to stay a little longer.
Today, Malibu is a place filled with artists of every genre. Writers are inspired in this place; stories are told and performed both on screen and on stage. Malibu is home to businessmen and women, producers, craftsman and solid citizens that have lived, cared for their community and raised their families to do the same. Although the sea gives Malibu a relaxed atmosphere, the community is filled with productive people who give back to their world, the inspiration they have discovered on the canvas of God.