OXNARD — Private groups may now claim the Channel Island Maritime Museum as theirs exclusively for events and tours, the Museum recently announced. Perched on some of the most scenic waterfront property in Ventura County, the Museum gives visitors a captivating display of world-class maritime artwork that spans five centuries, over 60 handmade ship models stunningly detailed, and a breathtaking view of the Channel Islands Harbor, complete with its resident band of barking sea lions sunning themselves on the docks.
Recently, CIMM designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays as “Groups Only” days to allow tour groups, clubs, meet-up groups, home school groups, or any group of 10 persons or more, to have exclusive access to the museum. Groups can arrange for customized tours, based upon a group’s unique interests. Daytime and evening packages are available, which can provide food and refreshments at the museum, as well as specialized lectures, docent-led gallery tours, group activities, living history interludes in the galleries and tours of the Channel Islands Harbor by boat.
“The response has been great. Groups love to take advantage of our unique offerings. We’ve had the US Navel Alumni, the New West Symphony and the Oxnard Family Circle Disabled Vets already take advantage of this,” said Michele Bara, CIMM tourism director. “The feedback has been wonderful; these groups are excited to have exclusive access to our rare maritime collections, and being able to enjoy a lunch and a lecture along with a docent tour has made their visits exceptional.”
Bara noted that CIMM membership benefits also allow members to have special access to the Museum. “Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or hold a work meeting here, surrounded by great art in an inspiring location,” she said. Close by are other Ventura County destinations for shopping, local wineries and micro-breweries, as well as outdoor adventures such as kayaking, providing a variety of complementary activities to create a well-rounded and fun day for groups.
For information on group or educational tours, please contact Michele Bara on Thursdays and Fridays at (805) 984-6260 or anytime at mbara@cimmvc.org. For information on member events at CIMM, please contact Carri Reid Monday through Wednesday at (805) 984-6260 or via email creid@cimmvc.org.
About the Channel Islands Maritime Museum: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sundays from noon – 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are open for reserved group tours and private member events. Located in Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle, the museum offers galleries of rare and beautiful maritime paintings dating back to the 1600’s, more than 60 world-class models of historic ships, rotating thematic fine arts exhibitions and interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to expand their horizons about everything maritime. Museum entry is $7 adults, $5 seniors/students/active military, $3 children (ages 6-17), and free for members and children under 6. Info: cimmvc.org or (805) 984.6260.