A PRESERVED MASTERPIECE: THE STORY OF LONG BEACH’S ICONIC MOSAIC

By Monique Garcia

Photo by Monique Kuhlman

Tucked beside the parking structure near Harvey Milk Promenade Park and displayed inconspicuously behind a crosswalk is one of Long Beach’s most impressive mosaics. Impressive not only in its sheer size and detail but also in its rich history.

Over 466,000 tiles—each meticulously placed—form the intricate textures of sand, water, fabric, and people in “Long Beach Recreation.” When artist Henry Allen Nord was commissioned by the Works Progress Administration to design the piece, he chose no better scene to immortalize than a perfect beach day in Long Beach. Though this stunning artwork offers a glimpse of life nearly 90 years ago, it could have been created yesterday.

Standing 38 feet high and 33 feet wide, the mosaic was originally located at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium. It was so large that it had to be carefully transported in pieces and assembled in segments. The labor of love was crafted by over 40 artists in a warehouse in Los Angeles, under the guidance of the talented Stanton MacDonald Wright and Albert Henry King. Officially titled, “Typical Activities of a Beach and Harbor City,” the piece perfectly embodied the WPA’s mission to bring hope, art, and jobs to the American people.

In 1975, when the Municipal Auditorium was slated for demolition to make way for the Long Beach Convention Center, the community knew they had to act fast to preserve the mosaic. They succeeded not only in relocating the massive artwork but also in securing its designation as a Long Beach Historical Landmark in 1982. This mosaic is more than just a piece of art, it’s a reflection of the city’s culture, dedication, and commitment to preserving local history, that will hopefully continue to stand the test of time.

Check out the iconic mosaic for yourself at 185 E. 3rd St, 90802.