The African American Museum of Beginnings has art, artifacts and cultural events that feature and highlight the African arts, culture and civilization from the bygone era. The Pomona gallery displays art and sculpture from various African cultures as well as those from the United States and beyond. Their assemblage features creative exhibits made by the town's preschoolers, apart from some breathtaking art works depicting the heritage, milestones and contemporary issues of the African community spread in different parts of the world.
The Fox Theater Pomona is an all-purpose venue that has a multitude of entertainment options. The venue first started as a proud movie cinema in 1931 during an era that produced legends on the silver screen. Today it serves as a concert hall, theater, cinema, and event venue, where the theater hosts everything from private parties to romantic dinners. The beautiful Art Deco structure is one of the most sought-after event venues in the city.
This anachronistic drive-in theater opened in 1956 and since then it has entertained legions of Inland Empire denizens over the decades. In your car, you can revisit another era while enjoying the modern comfort of upgraded technology. At the concession stand, they serve burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, french fries and other treats. Moreover, on weekends the entire drive-in area becomes a huge swap meet; it has since become one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Southern California.
Located in the city of Claremont, the Pomona College Museum of Art is a teaching museum which features student artwork from the private liberal-arts college as well as pieces from more established artists. The exhibitions are definitely eclectic, some of the past ones have included exhibits on Chinese snuff bottles, stencil drawings, sculpture and paintings from writer-composer and Pomona alumnus John Cage. Needless to say the varied media is impressive. Moreover, the James Turrell Skyspace is an architectural wonder which focuses on the nature of light and how it is emitted. The lighting programs within the room are timed for sunrise and sunset in order to amplify the color in the space.
The Planes of Fame Air Museum started in 1957 as a project by Edward Maloney, who was an avid collector of WWII aircraft. Ever since his idea, the museum has been collecting historic flying machines, some of which are the only remaining ones of their kind. The museum also features the largest collection of Japanese aircraft in the world and since it's a living history museum, some of these can still fly, so make sure to catch the air shows to see history in action.
Located on Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario, the town square serves as a gathering spot for picnics, concerts and other outdoor events. As a backdrop, the grand outdoor amphitheater/stage presents concerts, plays, workshops, festivals and many other happenings throughout the year. Additionally, there is a slew of food trucks that convene on certain nights which makes it a one-stop shop in terms of combining fun, food and festivity,
Considered by the Greene brothers as their best architectural achievement, the Robert R. Blacker House is a grand bungalow which was built in 1907 for 100,000 USD. In adjusted figures, that sum is even more impressive, especially since the owner of the house provided the lumber from his own company. In the 1980s, a Texan purchased the house and sold off a number of the furniture and other interior accoutrements designed by the Greene brothers, causing a scandal among Pasadena's preservationists. Although the home is a private residence, no tour of historic L.A. structures would be complete without catching at least a glimpse of it.
Downey History Center is an educational center that provides a wealth of historical information, preservation, education and research. Whether you are just curious about Downey's history or are a serious scholar, you will find everything you need. Resources include Downey newspapers dating from 1888, photographs dating from 1870, books and periodicals about Downey, Los Angeles County, California and more. There is also a lot of information on Downey's namesake, Governor John Gately Downey. Call ahead for varying days.
Gardiner Whittier Spring Auditorium, located on the Chaffey High School campus, has a rich and fascinating history. Originally built during the Depression by the Works Projects Administration and the Public Works Administration, this gorgeous Spanish Colonial-style venue includes a 1919 concert organ that (thanks to a restoration in the late 1980s) is still in excellent condition. A plethora of legendary figures have graced its stage since its 1939 dedication, including Paul Robeson, the Trapp Family Singers, Jimmy Durante, and Tony Bennett.
Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is named so because it belonged to Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, who was one of the first female physicians in the entire county till she died in 1924. Built by Stoughton and George in 1889, the Late Victorian Queen Anne style house now operates as Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum by the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society in honor of the original owner. It open for tours on the first Saturday of every other month, starting from February.