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Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its starry skies and desert landscapes, but just outside the park, you’ll find one of the quirkiest attractions in California — the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery in Twentynine Palms.
I stumbled on this funky outdoor gallery by accident while driving from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree. And it quickly became one of my favorite stops in the desert.
From skeleton gyms to metal guard dogs, this gallery is filled with oddball installations you won’t find anywhere else.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting this free and unforgettable spot.
Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery is unlike any gallery I’ve ever visited.
Instead of hanging paintings in a room, this outdoor desert museum is packed with sculptures, recycled art, and even full-size themed displays.
Some pieces sit along the dusty desert trail, while others appear completely out of nowhere — like the skeletons that seem to have taken over the desert.
The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery Experience
We were driving to Joshua Tree National Park from Las Vegas when, all of a sudden, I saw a bizarre art installation on the side of the road.
It was a Sunday in December, and no one was there besides us.
We pulled over and began our journey through the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, one of my favorite places in California.
The area of Joshua Tree has become an Inspiration for Artists.
The beauty of the Joshua Tree landscape, with its iconic Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and vast desert expanses, has long served as a muse for artists.
The unique quality of light in the desert and the isolated surroundings often inspire painters, photographers, and other visual artists.
This gallery, however, was downright funky! Which is exactly why I loved it so much. Here are a few of my favorite installations.
Admiring the Quirky Desert Art
One of my favorite finds was the “Ghouls Gym,” where skeletons lift weights and break all the rules of nude sunbathing.
It’s playful, strange, and totally photo-worthy.
Just follow the glass jars as you admire all of the funny skeleton art pieces. Such as the one who attempted to break the Nude Sunbathing rule!
Don’t miss the skeleton bluegrass musicians putting on a concert in the middle of the desert.
It feels like you’ve stumbled into a Halloween jam session.
This one was overly happy to be going to the bathroom in the middle of the gallery.
Don’t forget to take a picture of my favorite skeleton bluegrass musicians!
The Tiny Chapel
At the far end of the gallery, you’ll find a small chapel. The Glass Outhouse has even hosted weddings here — nine so far!
You can step inside, admire the quirky space, and leave a small donation to support the artists.
If you have some extra cash, feel free to leave a donation for the artists inside the chapel’s drop box.
Every dollar counts when it comes to supporting our artists.
Make sure to read 5 Amazing Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park!
Is the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery Free?
It is free to visit the gallery! Which makes it even more special.
You can leave a donation in the Chapel drop box, which I recommend doing. It is so kind of the artists to allow visitors to enjoy their property and artwork at no cost.
Where Is The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery Located?
📍 Address: 77575 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA
The gallery is only a 10-minute drive from the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, making it an easy detour before or after exploring the park.
Explore More of Joshua Tree
If you’re looking for unique things to do near Joshua Tree, this quirky desert art spot is worth a stop.
It’s free, fun, and a completely different experience from hiking or stargazing in the park.
Here are my 5 Amazing Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park!
If you are coming from Las Vegas, make sure to read Seven Magic Mountains: Visiting Nevada’s Colorful Rock Art!
You can also visit The Valley of Fire State Park: A 200 Million-Year-Old Adventure.
Read all of my National Park Travel Guides!
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