Long Beach ticket booths transformed into public art along boardwalk
The project, known as “Tickets to Paradise,” features 16 ticket booths painted as murals, each with its own theme.
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What were once ordinary ticket booths along the Long Beach boardwalk have been transformed into vibrant public art installations, turning beach entrances into colorful attractions for visitors this summer.
The project, known as “Tickets to Paradise,” features 16 ticket booths painted as murals, each with its own theme. The artwork was created by local artists who volunteered their time to beautify the beachfront.
Long Beach artist Michele Dodd helped inspire the idea after noticing one of the booths and suggesting it be painted.
“We were just talking back and forth as we were walking back up the beach and there was a ticket booth right there, and I was like, 'Hey, we should paint these ticket booths,'” Dodd said.
Dodd painted three of the murals herself, including a patriotic design celebrating America’s 250th birthday and honoring veterans served by Waterfront Warriors.
“The America 250 one is definitely very personal to me,” Dodd said. “I love my country. My husband is a veteran.”
The effort began in May with six booths initially painted in a day-long community event. Since then, the project has expanded to all beach entrances along the boardwalk.
“People have loved it,” Dodd said. “The reaction to the ticket booths has been amazing.”
The murals showcase a wide range of subjects, including marine life, surfing scenes, a memorial to beloved lifeguard Austin Gibbons, and tributes to local organizations.
For participating artists, the project has provided an opportunity to connect with the community and share their work with thousands of visitors.
“To have people, thousands of people per day, see not just my artwork, but to see all the artwork that's along the ticket booths on the boardwalk is amazing,” artist Robert Rothman said.
City leaders say the murals have given new life to structures that once blended into the background.
“They're all beautiful and vibrant and I think just makes you happy to see it,” said Long Beach City Council President Brendan Finn.
Officials said the project came at no cost to taxpayers because it was sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Organizers hope the artwork will continue to bring residents and visitors together.
“That’s what art is really all about,” Rothman said. “It’s about bringing smiles to people’s faces, bringing enthusiasm to a community.”
Organizers said additional ticket booths in Long Beach’s West End could be painted next year as the effort to expand public art throughout the city continues.
