Celebrating its Centennial, irreplaceable Venice Beach, California was conceived in the mind of Abbot Kinney. Poor health brought this entrepreneur to Southern California’s ideal climate. Infatuated with the Italian capital, Kinney turned barren sand dunes and marshland into a Venetian resort - complete with canals - and crowds have never stopped coming.

Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford gave star-power to Venice as money came pouring in. It became a hot spot for tourists, sporting events, entertainment, and businesses alike. However, it never quite achieved the high-culture atmosphere of which Kinney dreamed and by the 1940’s, Venice Beach had declined into a state of neglect and despair.

New life was breathed into the faded dream, when Venice became a festering ground for a local jazz scene. The Beat Generation of the 1950’s once again brought fame and notoriety to the unique neighborhood. These roots allowed for the growth of other subcultures and local scenes. The Doors called Venice home in the 1960’s, along with countless hippies, and a national skating phenomenon was birthed here in the 70’s.

Today, remnants of all Venice’s foundations are evident and continue to be built upon. Its ever-changing atmosphere is filled with people of all backgrounds and interests, and plans for future developments are always in debate… Only one thing remains certain in this kaleidoscopic past, present, and future: Venice Beach has a life of its own.