Located on the corner of Wall Street and Girard Avenue, the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library serves as an enduring sanctuary for culture in The Village of La Jolla. Established in 1899, this historic institution is one of only a handful of dedicated membership libraries in the country focused exclusively on music and the visual arts.

The library houses an extraordinary collection of more than 2,000 artists’ books, sheet music, vinyl records and historic art monographs. While member privileges include book circulation, the reading rooms and art galleries remain completely free and open to the public. Stepping inside offers a quiet, refined respite from the bustling streets outside.

Autumn signals the start of the Athenaeum’s premier concert and exhibition season. Throughout the fall months, the library hosts acclaimed acoustic chamber music recitals, international jazz concerts, art history lectures and rotating contemporary art exhibits in its intimate rotunda and gallery spaces.

The highlights:

• The artists’ book collection: The impressive collection is one of the most prominent of handmade artists’ books and historic prints in the western United States.
• Acoustic concert series: Fall brings intimate classical recitals and jazz performances with world-class acoustics in the library gallery. Check dates on our La Jolla events calendar.
• Art exhibitions: Free, rotating contemporary art shows, Athenaeum’s exhibits highlight regional printmakers, painters and sculptors.

Who it’s for:
Classical music fans, art collectors, book lovers and anyone seeking peaceful indoor activities in La Jolla.

Local’s tip:
Stop by the library courtyard during the autumn book sales to browse rare art monographs, vintage vinyl records and out-of-print exhibition catalogs at bargain prices.

Good to know:

• Admission: Visiting the gallery exhibitions and browsing the reference library is free to the public. Concert tickets require advance purchase.
• Parking: Wall Street and Girard Avenue parking fills quickly. Avoid parking tickets by checking our La Jolla parking playbook for nearby parking structures.
• Cultural trail: The library is part of an easy cultural walking loop. Pair your visit with the nearby Museum of History and Culture La Jolla and a performance at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center.
• Pre-concert dining: Book dinner before an evening lecture or recital at Lucien, located just down Girard Avenue.