Honolulu Museum of Art - Spalding House

Honolulu Museum of Art

The Honolulu Museum of Art – Spalding House offers a serene and inspiring environment to explore contemporary art, sculpture, and nature in harmony. Nestled in the Makiki Heights neighborhood of Honolulu, the museum features six indoor galleries and a 3.5-acre award-winning garden known as Nu'umealani, where visitors can reflect and recharge. A café, rotating exhibits, and educational programs make this a favorite destination for art lovers and families alike.

Spalding House, Oahu

Located on a hill overlooking the city and the ocean in the Honolulu neighborhood of Makiki, the Spalding House (formerly known as The Contemporary Museum) is part of the Honolulu Museum of Art. The museum features six galleries of art and a permanent installation of David Hockney's L'Enfant et les sortilèges. In the museum café, visitors can sit indoors in a gallery-like atmosphere amid changing displays of art or outdoors in a garden-like setting.

Besides the exhibitions, the museum also maintains a sculpture garden, which encompasses 3.5 acres. The garden, called Nu'umealani (heavenly terrace), is so beautiful that the museum won the American Society of Landscape Architects Millennium Award for preserving and maintaining it.

The garden was completed between 1928 and 1941 by Reverend K.H. Inagaki, a local minister with a passion for landscape architecture. Designed to provide a place to retreat, meditate and experience the harmony of nature, the garden includes a sprawling lawn, a tropical terraced garden, walking paths and places to sit. It is open to the public during museum hours.


Key Features of Honolulu Museum of Art - Spalding House

  • Dedicated to contemporary art: Features six indoor galleries showcasing modern works from local and international artists.
  • Award-winning sculpture garden: The 3.5-acre Nu'umealani garden offers walking paths, meditation spots, and curated outdoor art.
  • Café with a view: Enjoy meals indoors surrounded by rotating art displays or outdoors in the peaceful garden setting.
  • Educational programs: Offers art activities, storytelling, and workshops for both children and adults.
  • Scenic location: Perched above Honolulu in Makiki Heights with views of the city and ocean.


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Frequently Asked Questions

🎨What type of art does the Honolulu Museum of Art - Spalding House focus on?

The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and features a range of exhibitions from both local and international artists.

🌺Does the museum have any outdoor exhibitions?

Yes, the museum has a beautiful sculpture garden, which includes a wide variety of outdoor exhibits.

🍽️Is there a place to eat at the museum?

Yes, the museum has a café where you can enjoy meals while surrounded by art and beautiful gardens.

👨‍🏫Are there any educational programs at the museum?

The museum offers various programs, including workshops, storytelling sessions, and art activities for children and adults.

📍Where is the Honolulu Museum of Art - Spalding House located?

The museum is located at 2411 Makiki Heights Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822, in the beautiful Makiki neighborhood of Honolulu.