Moreno Valley opens new museum and immersive art space with Van Gogh exhibition

Moreno Valley officials, state and federal leaders, and Lighthouse Immersive opened the Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace on Oct. 17, 2026, in the former Sears store at Moreno Valley Mall. The project aims to bring a major cultural draw to the Inland Empire, with immersive galleries, local artist space and a first exhibition centered on Van Gogh.

Why it matters: - The Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace gives the Inland Empire a major new cultural venue closer to home. - City leaders say the project can keep families from traveling to Los Angeles or Orange County for a similar experience. - The museum is also expected to draw visitors to nearby shops and restaurants in Moreno Valley.

What happened: - Moreno Valley officials opened the Moreno Valley Museum & ArtSpace on Oct. 17, 2026. - U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes and Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson joined Mayor Ulises Cabrera, city council members and Lighthouse Immersive CEO Corey Ross at the ribbon cutting. - The museum is at 22550 Town Circle in the former 38,000-square-foot Sears store at Moreno Valley Mall. - More than 150 guests began arriving at 4:30 p.m. despite the rain. - Canyon Springs High School Marching Band opened the ceremony. - Leaders from multiple levels of government cut the ribbon on the two-story complex at 5 p.m. - Guests entered at 6 p.m. for the first exhibition, The New Immersive Van Gogh: The Next Chapter.

The details: - The museum includes immersive galleries, hands-on exhibits, a café and free parking. - The opening marks the first phase of the project. - The first exhibition uses animation, surround sound and floor-to-ceiling projection to bring more than 140 works by Vincent van Gogh to life. - The venue is designed as both a cultural space and an entertainment hub. - The museum will be open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Tickets start at $29.99, with peak, off-peak and VIP options, at MorenoValleyMuseum.com. - Lighthouse Immersive says the company has built its reputation on immersive experiences including Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Disney Animation, Immersive Frida Kahlo, Robert Lepage’s The Library at Night, Touch and Immersive Monet & The Impressionists. - The Van Gogh exhibition was curated by Marco Generoso Realino, CEO of Visioni S.r.l.

Between the lines: - The project reflects a 2020 city partnership with Lighthouse Immersive aimed at using immersive technology to change how residents experience art and history. - City officials are positioning the museum as part cultural anchor, part local economic driver. - Ross said the Inland Empire residency gives local artists a gallery, a studio and a direct connection to the community, while letting residents help choose work for the ArtSpace walls. - Realino said the exhibition emphasizes van Gogh’s resilience, emotional depth and pursuit of beauty in struggle. - Mayor Ulises Cabrera called the museum a "game changer" for Moreno Valley.

What's next: - The museum will continue with public hours Wednesday through Monday. - Moreno Valley’s ArtSpace residency will add local artists and community-selected work over time. - The opening exhibition sets the template for future programming at the new venue.

The bottom line: - Moreno Valley now has a high-profile immersive museum meant to serve the Inland Empire, boost local business and give the city a new cultural destination.