Federal, state and local officials joined Mayor Ulises Cabrera and members of the Moreno Valley City Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the October 12 grand opening despite rainy conditions that did not deter more than 150 attendees. The City of Moreno Valley reported that the Canyon Springs High School Marching Band performed as part of the festivities at the Moreno Valley Mall location while guests received sunflowers in a nod to the featured exhibition. A subsequent city video update noted that the event welcomed the community to its first dedicated museum focused on history, art and immersive experiences.
The two-story venue occupies the former Sears building and includes interactive displays on local heritage alongside its primary exhibition space, according to a Press Enterprise assessment of the project. Its debut presentation immerses visitors in the world of Vincent van Gogh through floor-to-ceiling projections, animation, surround sound and more than 140 of the artist’s works. The facility also contains a flexible event area suitable for private gatherings, a curated retail section and an on-site café that together create a comprehensive cultural hub.
Lighthouse Immersive operates the site under a decade-long contract with the city, a partnership the City of Moreno Valley highlighted in its announcement as central to delivering high-quality programming. The Press Enterprise reported that development of the nearly 40,000-square-foot space required an investment of approximately $10 million while annual operations are funded at an estimated $1.5 million through the Moreno Valley Community Foundation, municipal reserves and art impact fees. City officials framed the museum as a long-term commitment to cultural infrastructure that had been in development for years prior to its debut.
The Artist-in-Residence program forms a key component by providing local creators with gallery space, studios and direct community engagement opportunities, the City of Moreno Valley stated. A city social media post following the September opening described performances by resident artist Garip Ay that showcased Ebru, a traditional form of painting on water, as part of early visitor activities. The Press Enterprise added that authorities intend to broaden participation to include groups such as the Moreno Valley Historical Society as the institution matures.
Public access commenced with a soft opening on September 25, 2026, that drew strong initial attendance before the formal celebration the following month. The museum maintains hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, according to details shared in city materials. Exhibits within the history section pay tribute to landmarks including the Riverside International Raceway, which operated until its closure in 1989, thereby anchoring the programming in regional narratives.
Mayor Ulises Cabrera described the opening as a game changer and an exciting step toward the future the community is building together. The mayor told reporters that the museum should function as a regional cultural destination drawing visitors from surrounding cities because there is nothing comparable in the Inland Empire. U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes and Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson also participated in the ribbon cutting and expressed support for the project’s role in enriching local quality of life.
