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Friends of our said we would love this place and we did. We made the trek down to this art mecca in the desert. The creativity of these installations are very entertaining. I liked this far more than the Purifoy exhibit north of Joshua Tree. We got there early before the heat of the day set in. We spent a good 30 minutes or more wandering around... we were in awe. Lots of laughs and thought provoking pieces. Great photo ops. We are still wondering who hates dolphins....
A fantastic collection of art, and make sure to buy/donate for the T-shirt with shotgun holes!
Visited 4/29/2019 Wow just Wow. This place is amazing being that it's out here in the boonies and all the Art Exhibits are made out of junk. There is lots to see so take your time and check it out. There is no charge although donations are appreciated. There is a little old hippie from the past who will greet you when you arrive. Nice and friendly and will answer any questions you may have. Less than a 5 minute drive from Salvation Mountain. Well worth the stop. Enjoy.
Went on a day trip with my grandpa out to the Salton Sea and Slab City. Of course we had to stop at East Jesus and admire all the amazing sculptures and art instillations at this incredible museum. There is so much to look at and so many amazing sculptures to admire. You can walk for acres and never stop seeing something new and intriguing. Remember to not disturb anything and leave the place better then you found it. Due to covid they ask that you wear masks. They also accept donations to help with the creation of sculptures and upkeep of the museum. I'd highly recommend you go on a day trip to admire this amazing museum it is truly incredible and no photos justify it. Bring water (you are in the desert), wear clothes toed shoes, and I'd recommend snacks and making sure you're filled up on fuel to be able to adventure. (You are in the desert and there is not a lot around).
Came last minute on a Sunday and I will have to say that this place is very creative and they speak their mind. Unfortunately because of Covid we can only do the drive thru. Feels like a Mad Max Set, but only with a touch of politics. Every section had something to display, only wish it could be walked in and check out every inch of it.
If you're into an alternative lifestyle, which is crazy artistic then this is your place. However, there are lots of signs of drug use lying around. It's definitely its own little society and it's not for everyone. I thought it was super interesting, but my daughter was freaked out by it. Some people there loved it and some thought it was super sketchy.
East Jesus is about 5 minutes away from the well known Salvation Mountain in Niland. It is an outdoor art gallery created by the folks who live in Slab City. For details information, you just have to google it. In order to appreciate the art even more, you need to know that this is in the middle of nowhere. People live here without modern conveniences: no flushing toilet, no running water... It's a vast area, packed with sculptures. These pieces are made of junks, things you find in the desert, empty bottles, shredded tires ...Like all art work, some are interesting, some are clever, some you wonder what the heck they are and some are just... morbid It is free to look around, and they do accept donations. There's a lot to look at and people are friendly. Overall, it's interesting. If you happen to be in the area, and can appreciate the little things life has to offer then do come check it out. But if you are expecting a dust free marble floor gallery then don't bother.
Did you know this is one of the only "junk yard" type official museum registered in CA?! At first this place looked like a forbidden junk yard scene in the movies where the kids accidentally hit their baseball into the yard and they'd have to sneakingly go into the junk yard to retrieve their ball without getting caught by the evil junk yard warden. But as we slowly sneaked into the entrance the junk yard warden invited us in to the museum! Giving us wonderful background and history behind it! We immediately let our guards down after that and started adventuring around! The art! Oh my! Reminds me so much of the art from burning man! Absolutely invoking! I would definitely come back! Also, if you search East Jesus on BBC there is a video report on this place. Also, also! Fun fact! Our junk yard warden that day was a prior journalist for BBC and he was sent to East Jesus to do a report. He ended up loving this place and never left!!
What a beautiful art gallery that took 15 years to create from garbage of an abandoned California dump. It was their founder's idea and what an amazing one! Remember to leave a tip at these places. They're really one of a kind residents, they've made a home from our garbage, that they have to share with the public 24/7. You're visiting, and they live there, and, they're so willing to show and tell you all the secrets, the stories, and the treasures of their lost world. So, please, be kind. And, don't forget your swimsuit to dip in the natural hot springs on your way out of Slab City.
A renegade art gallery made up of artists who live in deconstructed art: we love to see it. I first came here in 2016 and again in 2020. There were virtually no changes, not even a seasonal (Halloween) change. This is what recycled dreams are made of: TV's, burnt-out cars, hollowed out RV's, airplanes, etc. I will never get tired of creeping into this art gallery, observing the residents, and reading the witty one-liners AND *DEEP* messages imprinted on the glittery trash. Please, please, please donate when you go! I've never seen an art community thrive for decades under 120 degree heat, with access to just 1 corner store and post office. As much as we want to discuss the art installations, the people are LIVING ART in real art cars. I love having conversations with them.
There is a peculiar kind of madness to this place that I really enjoy! Tons of sculptures and abstract pieces that range from the eccentric to the macabre and everything in between, think creepy dolls, decapitated mannequins, conspiracies regarding how dolphins killed Jesus, etc. It's all truly bonkers but it really stretches the imagination! There's no real rhyme or reason to what you're seeing, anything goes really, which is an interesting change of pace from the organized structure of a traditional museum or gallery. Check this place out if you want to expand your mind in a world without rules!
East Jesus is a remote art installation and community in Niland, California. Located in the Salton Sea area, East Jesus is known for its eccentric and eclectic collection of art pieces and sculptures made from reclaimed materials. It's a haven for artists and those seeking an alternative, off-the-grid lifestyle. The community has a unique, post-apocalyptic aesthetic and is often open to visitors who are interested in exploring this unconventional desert art space.
If you're into artsy creative stuff, this is the place for you. My jaw dropped at literally everything I came across here in East Jesus. This is definitely a place to take cool pics. Please watch your step, there's a lot of glass items that are on the floor as part of the art. Def check it out if you're in Niland!
3 years ago
East Jesus is an extraordinary art installation and off-grid community located in the remote desert of California's Slab City. Born out of the spirit of creativity and self-expression, it has evolved into a unique testament to human imagination and resourcefulness. The origins of East Jesus can be traced back to the late 1990s when Charlie Russell, an artist and visionary, first settled in Slab City. Slab City, a former military base, became a haven for individuals seeking an alternative lifestyle away from the constraints of mainstream society. Inspired by the countercultural movement and the concept of repurposing discarded materials, Russell envisioned a place where art and sustainability could coexist. Over time, East Jesus grew organically, attracting like-minded artists, activists, and individuals seeking a communal space for creativity. The community's name is a playful nod to the phrase "middle of nowhere," reflecting its remote location and eccentric nature. The artists of East Jesus repurpose salvaged materials to create whimsical and thought-provoking sculptures that dot the landscape. These installations often address social, political, and environmental themes, challenging visitors to question the world around them. The people of East Jesus embrace a DIY ethos, relying on solar power, rainwater harvesting, and composting systems for their basic needs. The community values self-reliance, sustainability, and artistic freedom, fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and collaboration. The only last thing I want to mention is that I don't believe that East Jesus is the right place for a woman to travel to ... alone. (just a word to the wise) I will be back .. to experience more ... with a friend of course. read more
2 years ago
Amazing apocalyptic art in such a unique desert environment. Had a great time walking around and seeing so much artistic talent. One of a kind place. Other art and events to check out nearby as well. Definitely a must see and well worth the trip. read more
Recycle art are always cool to me. From the outside, it looks like a bunch of random scraps but a lot of these arts spoke to me. Trust me, you will have a special experience when you come here . The creatures on earth that should coexist peacefully, the waste made by humans, the shackles between people and the shackles brought by modern technology are all worth our discussion and thinking through these arts, we might find sth new within our ownselves. Remember to give a small donation read more
Friends of our said we would love this place and we did. We made the trek down to this art mecca in the desert. The creativity of these installations are very entertaining. I liked this far more than the Purifoy exhibit north of Joshua Tree. We got there early before the heat of the day set in. We spent a good 30 minutes or more wandering around... we were in awe. Lots of laughs and thought provoking pieces. Great photo ops. We are still wondering who hates dolphins.... read more
3 years ago
A fantastic collection of art, and make sure to buy/donate for the T-shirt with shotgun holes! read more
Visited 4/29/2019 Wow just Wow. This place is amazing being that it's out here in the boonies and all the Art Exhibits are made out of junk. There is lots to see so take your time and check it out. There is no charge although donations are appreciated. There is a little old hippie from the past who will greet you when you arrive. Nice and friendly and will answer any questions you may have. Less than a 5 minute drive from Salvation Mountain. Well worth the stop. Enjoy. read more
5 years ago
Went on a day trip with my grandpa out to the Salton Sea and Slab City. Of course we had to stop at East Jesus and admire all the amazing sculptures and art instillations at this incredible museum. There is so much to look at and so many amazing sculptures to admire. You can walk for acres and never stop seeing something new and intriguing. Remember to not disturb anything and leave the place better then you found it. Due to covid they ask that you wear masks. They also accept donations to help with the creation of sculptures and upkeep of the museum. I'd highly recommend you go on a day trip to admire this amazing museum it is truly incredible and no photos justify it. Bring water (you are in the desert), wear clothes toed shoes, and I'd recommend snacks and making sure you're filled up on fuel to be able to adventure. (You are in the desert and there is not a lot around). read more
Came last minute on a Sunday and I will have to say that this place is very creative and they speak their mind. Unfortunately because of Covid we can only do the drive thru. Feels like a Mad Max Set, but only with a touch of politics. Every section had something to display, only wish it could be walked in and check out every inch of it. read more
2 years ago
If you're into an alternative lifestyle, which is crazy artistic then this is your place. However, there are lots of signs of drug use lying around. It's definitely its own little society and it's not for everyone. I thought it was super interesting, but my daughter was freaked out by it. Some people there loved it and some thought it was super sketchy. read more
9 years ago
East Jesus is about 5 minutes away from the well known Salvation Mountain in Niland. It is an outdoor art gallery created by the folks who live in Slab City. For details information, you just have to google it. In order to appreciate the art even more, you need to know that this is in the middle of nowhere. People live here without modern conveniences: no flushing toilet, no running water... It's a vast area, packed with sculptures. These pieces are made of junks, things you find in the desert, empty bottles, shredded tires ...Like all art work, some are interesting, some are clever, some you wonder what the heck they are and some are just... morbid It is free to look around, and they do accept donations. There's a lot to look at and people are friendly. Overall, it's interesting. If you happen to be in the area, and can appreciate the little things life has to offer then do come check it out. But if you are expecting a dust free marble floor gallery then don't bother. read more
6 years ago
Did you know this is one of the only "junk yard" type official museum registered in CA?! At first this place looked like a forbidden junk yard scene in the movies where the kids accidentally hit their baseball into the yard and they'd have to sneakingly go into the junk yard to retrieve their ball without getting caught by the evil junk yard warden. But as we slowly sneaked into the entrance the junk yard warden invited us in to the museum! Giving us wonderful background and history behind it! We immediately let our guards down after that and started adventuring around! The art! Oh my! Reminds me so much of the art from burning man! Absolutely invoking! I would definitely come back! Also, if you search East Jesus on BBC there is a video report on this place. Also, also! Fun fact! Our junk yard warden that day was a prior journalist for BBC and he was sent to East Jesus to do a report. He ended up loving this place and never left!! read more
6 years ago
What a beautiful art gallery that took 15 years to create from garbage of an abandoned California dump. It was their founder's idea and what an amazing one! Remember to leave a tip at these places. They're really one of a kind residents, they've made a home from our garbage, that they have to share with the public 24/7. You're visiting, and they live there, and, they're so willing to show and tell you all the secrets, the stories, and the treasures of their lost world. So, please, be kind. And, don't forget your swimsuit to dip in the natural hot springs on your way out of Slab City. read more
6 years ago
A renegade art gallery made up of artists who live in deconstructed art: we love to see it. I first came here in 2016 and again in 2020. There were virtually no changes, not even a seasonal (Halloween) change. This is what recycled dreams are made of: TV's, burnt-out cars, hollowed out RV's, airplanes, etc. I will never get tired of creeping into this art gallery, observing the residents, and reading the witty one-liners AND *DEEP* messages imprinted on the glittery trash. Please, please, please donate when you go! I've never seen an art community thrive for decades under 120 degree heat, with access to just 1 corner store and post office. As much as we want to discuss the art installations, the people are LIVING ART in real art cars. I love having conversations with them. read more
6 years ago
There is a peculiar kind of madness to this place that I really enjoy! Tons of sculptures and abstract pieces that range from the eccentric to the macabre and everything in between, think creepy dolls, decapitated mannequins, conspiracies regarding how dolphins killed Jesus, etc. It's all truly bonkers but it really stretches the imagination! There's no real rhyme or reason to what you're seeing, anything goes really, which is an interesting change of pace from the organized structure of a traditional museum or gallery. Check this place out if you want to expand your mind in a world without rules! read more
3 years ago
East Jesus is a remote art installation and community in Niland, California. Located in the Salton Sea area, East Jesus is known for its eccentric and eclectic collection of art pieces and sculptures made from reclaimed materials. It's a haven for artists and those seeking an alternative, off-the-grid lifestyle. The community has a unique, post-apocalyptic aesthetic and is often open to visitors who are interested in exploring this unconventional desert art space. read more
If you're into artsy creative stuff, this is the place for you. My jaw dropped at literally everything I came across here in East Jesus. This is definitely a place to take cool pics. Please watch your step, there's a lot of glass items that are on the floor as part of the art. Def check it out if you're in Niland! read more
If you visit Bombay Beach/Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain, then why not go on to Slab City? It's off 111, turn into Niland, on Main St., that turns into Beal Rd, then you'll see Salvation Mountain. If you keep going on Beal road, you're in Slab City or if you turn left from Salvation Mountain. If you're in the area, you must love the desert and weird art. So, if you love that, Slab City could be a nice stop for you to check out. Slab City/East of Jesus is a small community of artists, far away from it all, who live and create by their own rules. They don't want a lot, they live away from consumerism and they just want to create. You can drive around and stop to see their displays, it won't take long to check out their art. They create art out of nothing, from recycled, found objects collected over time, very in the spirit of this desert area. It's cool, different display, it's nice that they share that with everyone. They also have a stage where they have concerts on Saturdays evenings (we wish we could be there for one of them, that'd be a cool experience). Bring a passport or your green card if you're a tourist or a resident. On the way back, it's a border station on 111, they'll stop and check you out and these guys are serious! Before you get back on that road, enjoy the freedom of the place and this unique art community! read more
8 years ago
It's well worth the extra few minutes past Salvation Mountain to enjoy this vibrant place. The conceptual art is awe inspiring and thought provoking or just plain entertaining. Two people could photograph the exact same thing and get a completely different tale from the capture. Excellent! read more
East Jesus is only a couple minutes down the road from Salvation Mountain. This garden is basically a small outdoor "art museum/gallery" of items to create very opinionated, imaginative, beautiful recyclable art. The art work is interesting and clever the point is to have an open mind and see the creativity and free speech that each piece represents. Definitely a place everyone should make time to go visit, if you have the time. It's a good family outing. Friendly reminder to be considerate and respectful to the art and to the people who live here. Also, there's a donation box when you first enter the gallery don't forget to leave a donation to support the cause. read more
2-11-18 East Jesus~After visiting Salvation Mountain this was close by so we went. Not impressed. Just piles of junk mostly. A couple of the sculptures were cool. An airplane was the coolest thing I seen. Lots of broken glass, and metal. You have to go through Slab City to get here. Not a safe area. Do not bring kids here! Speaking of kids there were a couple of kids that appeared to be living there. They had bats and were breaking things with them. Wasn't very many tourist here. I don't recommend. read more
7 years ago
East Jesus is a very creative collection of art installations located in Slab City just down the road from Salvation Mountain. Everything is created from re-purposed trash to create some very beautiful, comical, disturbing, opinionated, and imaginative art. Some could be inspiring and some could be offensive, but the point is to have an open mind and see the creativity and free speech that is abundant here. Be aware that people actually do live here so please be considerate and respect their home and art. It is a lifestyle choice and they are very friendly and will be happy to talk to you if you take the time to do so. Also, leave a donation to support the creativity and the people who take care of the area. read more
Our post apocalyptic road trip would not have been complete without a visit to east Jesus. The art installations are a sight to behold and was easily categorizable into the post apocalyptic theme. My favorite installations involved a big lizard monster created from plastic grocery bags. And although a bit less relevant with the evolution of technology the array of tv's covered in white and red paint with intriguing social messages written across the screens was also very cool. I also enjoyed the intricately covered vehicles especially the pop up van. Retro-crazy, kitschy,cool. Pro tip- If you'd like to visit with the artists on site, bring a large case of cold delicious beer to donate and they will welcome you into their inner sanctum. read more
Ooooh lordt. For a hot minute, looking around,I thought I was going to have to fight for my virgintity here in slab city. [I joke, I joke] I'm not going to lie, the place looks sketchy. You sit there and think what in the hell are people living out here with no water and no electricity and living out of abandoned cars/buses/tents. I thought I was going to see a bunch of carnies rolling around in dirt. Far from the truth, however, a majority of the residents look like they came to Coachella about 5 years ago and never left. East Jesus...loved every second I was there, and honestly had the time of my life. The art is one of a kind, and I loved it all. This is a must see if you're ever in a mood for a road trip. Not much more else to say except I took some bad ass pictures with my camera :) More pictures on instagram: bettyebug When you're driving to east Jesus and you pass by a bus with the words "No f*cks given" word to the wise, the man living there does not mind if you take pictures of the artwork on his home, however, give him a chance to close the bus door. He does not want the inside of his home in pictures. Just the word to the wise. Also, the skate park is close to his bus. read more
13 years ago
East Jesus is a vision of a man named Charles Russell, who helped build Salvation Mountain. The East Jesus "project" is comprised of Russell's sculptures made from garbage from the Slab City dump as well as art from several other artists. Our visit there was simply amazing and much like the Noah Purifoy exhibit in Joshua Tree, we were in an awesome sculpture park with art made from junk in the middle of the desert. I suggest visiting both places. East Jesus has a "tour guide" care taker-curator on premises with a good knowledge of each peace. I suggest taking the tour. it was fun. East Jesus also has a camp site, made of a lot of old buildings, buses (yes old buses), and sites. While we didn't stay at the campsite, it looked damn fun! The sculpture park is very close to Salvation Mountain, for those who are going there. Just keep heading past the Mountain on Beal Road. This will take you into Slab City. Keep going until the road ends at a T. Turn left and East Jesus is on the left; I think the second left. You can't miss it. read more
11 years ago
We mainly drove here to see the Salvation Mountain, but when we talked to the locals, they told us to visit the Slab City and East Jesus Sculpture Garden. I totally love the idea of East Jesus Sculpture Garden! I'm into open-air environment of artwork and assemblages and this place was perfect! Talked to one of the caretakers of the garden and he mentioned that most of these artworks were from different museums in Los Angeles that they did not want anymore, and of course, all from different artists. Think of it as a junkyard of art! I loved the assemblage of all the televisions with fascinating yet controversial phrases written on the screens. Must see if you're ready for your post-apocalyptic road trip here! read more
When people think of Slab City (including me), they automatically think of Salvation Mountain. Heck, what beats a huge mound of art? Well, let me tell you that East Jesus Sculpture Garden is definitely the coolest and prettiest (subjectively so) attraction at Slab City. What's this East Jesus you say? This garden is basically a small "museum" of different sculptures that have been assembled from thrown out parts. It's pretty much a junk yard turned art. I believe (from what the tourist said) that this garden was built by some guy named Charlie who deviated from Leonard (the Salvation Mountain creator) and decided to create his own masterpiece. Now I'm not sure if anything our tour guide from Slab City said was true, but it seemed convincing. In this garden, you'll see everything from burnt up cars to a "time travel machine" to even a wall of old TVs. I'm usually not a big fan of art, but I love this kind of stuff. Everything here is sustainable. However, I think the coolest part was having a resident of Slab City give us a tour of East Jesus. He not only showed us around the history of the garden but he also took us around some of the residential parts of the city. Through him, we learned a little bit more about how people survive in Slab City as well as how they have fun as well. I loved the experience here and you probably will too! Have fun and prosper, -ß read more
9 years ago
If you drove to Salvation Mountain, make the time to stop at East Jesus. This place is one of a kind. I found the pieces on display so interesting and creative. The drive from Salvation Mountain to East Jesus gave me "The Hills Have Eyes" vibes but it's only about 3 minutes away. read more
8 years ago
8 years ago
Love love this place! I am so impressed by all the art work. I got great photo out of it!!! read more
8 years ago
Absolutely amazing. I have been to funky before but NEVER like that. It is worth the drive. Dont read more. Just go. read more
10 years ago
The Weird: An experimental, habitable, extensible artwork in Niland, CA, in progress since 2006. You probably will experience it best if you are super high Even though the area doesn't looks like it, but it is still a county road, and people lives here,so drive SLOWLY! Also, don't be a chump, donate a buck. read more
6 years ago
East Jesus is incredible. If you're in the area, you MUST come here and Salvation Mountain. If you're not in the area, then you need to get yourself here. Everyone is welcoming, no one is bothering you for donations, though you can and should make one. Coming from Niland, first stop is Salvation Mountain, go through Slab City (completely safe, not dangerous like someone else wrote), visit East Jesus. If you love Art, come here! read more
10 years ago
I've never been to burning man but from what I've heard, I imagine it must look a lot like East Jesus - a sculpture garden of art made out of unwanted and unusual items some people would call trash. Took a tour with one of the residents and got a sense that living in East Jesus is a very free and easy life style - similar to that of a music festival, without the stress of running between different stages. Sweet freedom! Next time I come out to Slab City, I am camping out so I can also check out the Range & VIPers music venues and spend more time exploring the local area. You should consider doing the same! read more
8 years ago
7 years ago
A must see when visiting the slabs! East Jesus is a privately owned outdoor art gallery open to the public, by suggested donation. You can not see all the art in one trip! If you have watched any slab Netflix / documentaries, this is where the majority take place. Highly recommended! read more
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23 Sidewinder Rd
Niland, CA 92257
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Ask the Community - East Jesus
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. But, in reality; shhhh. I saw dogs by the falls and no one was there to enforce the rules. But, everyone was respectful with pets.
Review Highlights - East Jesus
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11 years ago
