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    East Jesus

    4.7 (69 reviews)
    InexpensiveArt Galleries
    Closed 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Entrance
    PJ C.

    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....

    resting soldier
    Adrianna J.

    A fantastic collection of art, and make sure to buy/donate for the T-shirt with shotgun holes!

    Robert Z.

    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.

    Entrance
    Dakota H.

    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).

    Flight
    Sal M.

    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.

    Stuff

    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.

    Christine K.

    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.

    Tina H.

    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!!

    Marie-Angeline F.

    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.

    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.

    Stephanie S.

    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.

    Colby S.

    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!

    Maya K.

    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!

    Oh Ship! Ships gettin' real now...(too many?) I don't give a ship.

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    Page 1 of 2

    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.

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    Review Highlights - East Jesus

    For a hot minute, looking around,I thought I was going to have to fight for my virgintity here in slab city.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

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    Slab City - What a mess.

    Slab City

    3.9(27 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $

    One of the last remaining free societies, enjoy it! A unique perspective and story to be seen with…read morelots of art, resilience and creativity.

    Ughh... sad place. I…read moredidn't stay long. It was hot, dusty, and uncomfortable, and honestly pretty depressing. What I saw felt more bleak than interesting, and there was nothing about it that I found uplifting in any way. There is a bit of history here. The area used to be Camp Dunlap, a World War II-era U.S. Marine Corps training base. After it was decommissioned, most of the structures were removed, leaving behind the concrete slabs and bunker-like remnants that give Slab City its name. Some of those old concrete huts are still around, and a few have been brightly painted, which was probably the only part I found visually interesting. It sits out near Slab Mountain, and by that point I had already seen enough. I didn't even bother trying to find East Jesus. It was time to go. Beyond that, it just felt like a mess. There was a lot of garbage, very little in the way of amenities, and many of the people living there looked really down and out. It had an eerily familiar resemblance to parts of LA's homeless encampments, which made the whole experience feel uncomfortable rather than unique. For me, this is not a tourist destination. There's very little here that I found remotely interesting, and definitely nothing I'd describe as inspiring. Not for me. 1-1.5 stars

    Photos
    Slab City - Hut

    Hut

    Slab City - Eerie...

    Eerie...

    Slab City

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    Ruins of Bombay Beach - Let's see a movie tonight?

    Ruins of Bombay Beach

    4.3(107 reviews)
    16.3 mi
    $

    I'd been wanting to visit the Salton Sea and check out some of its famous spots. Bombay Beach was…read morehigh on the list. Rolling south from Palm Desert on a Saturday, we arrived around 11 AM. Right at the entrance, there was a shade tent with a guy trying to sell $5 parking for an art festival happening that weekend. I politely passed. My goal was the Ski Inn for a cold one, and honestly, it was blazing hot, not the day to wander the dusty town. The vibe was surreal. It felt like a mini Burning Man. Ironics were roaming around town in their get-ups, hanging out at RVs and Rivians. There was an overall strange mix of art and chaos. Bombay Beach itself is pretty rough around the edges. There was lots of "art" mixed in with junk and debris. I snapped some photos and wandered the playa, or whatever they call it here. Some pieces were interesting. My favorite was the Elon Musk installation. Eventually, I made it to the Ski Inn, a classic tourist dive bar hangout. I grabbed a cold beer, did a bit of people-watching, and soaked in the scene before heading out. BTW, same place Anthony Bourdain visited sometime around 2006/7 filming his show "No Reservations." Bombay Beach is definitely an oddball destination. Not sure if I would recommend roaming around when there is a big festival, but it has its quirky charm. I would like to return when it is a bit calmer, though honestly, it may just be a spot to experience briefly rather than linger. 3.5 stars

    We were spending a week in Palm Springs, and as a lover of street art, when I read about Bombay…read moreBeach, I had to come see it! It is a very surreal experience to say the least. We parked in the town and walked around, as many of the properties have artwork on them as well. Then you have to crest a little hill to actually see the beach. There are things to see all over the beach, it just depends how far you like to walk. Definitely bring shoes that can get mucky, as the sand can be wet and sloppy. It was a super unique experience, and we were glad to do it. You are definitely out in an area with little or no retail, gas stations, restaurants, etc. so be prepared for that.

    Photos
    Ruins of Bombay Beach - IG: @ammysalamii

    IG: @ammysalamii

    Ruins of Bombay Beach - 05.28.23 random arts

    05.28.23 random arts

    Ruins of Bombay Beach

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    Salvation Mountain - Thanks Leonard

    Salvation Mountain

    4.5(365 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $

    This was a quick stop for me before heading to Bombay Beach. It's near Slab City, and as you drive…read morethrough the area and start seeing all the RVs around, you can immediately feel the energy shift a little :) After hearing about this place from the movie ases on a true story, Into the Wild and living in San Diego for so long, I finally decided to check it out. I was honestly impressed by how well maintained everything was. I technically arrived after hours around 6pm, but there was still a volunteer there who gave a short introduction about the history of the place, which I appreciated. As I walked up the mountain, I was surprised by how clean everything was and how bright and vibrant the paint still looked, so huge credit to the volunteers who keep it looking this way. I was even given a free postcard on my way out, which was a nice little touch. I probably wouldn't make a full trip out here just for this alone, but pairing it with a visit to the Salton Sea or Bombay Beach is definitely worth it. I also love that it's completely free so no tickets or entrance fee needed.

    I did a long weekend trip to Palm Desert with the goal of visiting the Salton Sea. Originally, I…read moreplanned to loop the entire shoreline, but after talking with a ranger at the visitor center, I stuck to the east side and doubled back, which was definitely the right call. Our turnaround point was Salvation Mountain, right next to Slab City. Before going, I had read about Leonard Knight and the story behind the mountain, which honestly made the visit more meaningful. The dedication and message behind it are almost as interesting as the site itself. It is kind of amazing that the structure still stands today and is in such solid condition. The drive out was mostly fine, though hot and dusty, especially on a Saturday afternoon. I would recommend going earlier in the day if possible. The mountain itself looked better maintained than I expected. The colors were bright, and it was clear that ongoing work is being done to preserve it. I left a small donation since it felt like a meaningful effort to support. That said, it did not fully resonate with me. While I can appreciate the effort and story, the style of art and the surrounding environment did not quite click. If you are into outsider art or off grid communities, you will probably get more out of it than I did. The biggest downside is the immediate setting. Being next to Slab City definitely impacts the experience. The vibe felt a bit uncomfortable at times, and we did not stay long or continue on to East Jesus. Overall, I am glad I visited. It is unique, and the story behind it adds depth, but it is more of a one time stop for me than a place I would go out of my way to revisit. 3 stars.

    Photos
    Salvation Mountain - This is Dot, full of imagination!

    This is Dot, full of imagination!

    Salvation Mountain
    Salvation Mountain - Funky painted truck

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    Funky painted truck

    East Jesus - galleries - Updated May 2026

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