Explore theArts &Honor

Malibu’s Pepperdine University — founded in 1937 — has become one of the leading universities in the United States. The campus offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and lush landscaping that provides an inspirational learning environment for students and visitors. Pepperdine is home to numerous attractions, including the Frederick R. Weisman Museum, Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts, the annual Waves of Flags display, and the Heroes Garden. These attractions make Pepperdine University a one of a kind place that allows for learning and exploration on its gorgeous grounds.

Lisa Smith Wengler Center For The Arts

The Center for the Arts at Pepperdine is a hub of activity offering various performing arts experiences. The center plays host to performances from all over the world, ranging from classical music and dance to modern theatre and comedy. It also provides students with opportunities to get involved in the performing arts through classes and workshops in acting, voice, movement, improvisation, and more.

Weisman Museum

The Weisman Museum at Pepperdine University is home to a collection of artifacts and artworks from around the world. Established in 1995 with a mission to cultivate an appreciation for contemporary culture and history through its exhibitions, collections, and programs, the museum showcases exhibits by both local and international artists.

For the past three decades, the Weisman Museum of Art has been the proud host of over 500 artistic masterpieces gifted by a multitude of generous donors. The collections reflect a diverse spectrum of creative expressions, featuring a variety of mediums from celebrated artists like Bas Jan Ader, Lita Albuquerque, Polly Apfelbaum, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among many others.

Through July 30, 2023, The Weisman Museum hosts Work in Progress, a two-story endeavor: the ground floor exhibits recent acquisitions and rotating highlights from the collection, while upstairs, the gallery transforms into a vibrant workshop. Here, museum staff will be photographing, cataloging, and researching pieces from the collection to enhance their accessibility for present and future visitors.

Events held at the Center for the Performing Arts are varied throughout each year, and the Center will announce the 2023-2024 season soon. Music lovers can attend concerts featuring acclaimed symphony orchestras or popular singers, while theater fans have access to Broadway-style productions performed by professional actors. Dance enthusiasts can enjoy ballet performances or watch contemporary shows executed by talented dancers from around the globe. Additionally, there are lectures on topics such as history of performance art offered several times during each semester, which offer insight into this ever-evolving field of study.

Heroes Garden

The Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. Heroes Garden is a tranquil, inspiring place dedicated to honoring heroes from all walks of life. Located on the Pepperdine University campus in Malibu, California, this beautiful garden features several notable landmarks commemorating those who have served their country or made significant contributions to society.

Heroes Garden stands as a heartfelt tribute, a timeless symbol of the resilience and courage exhibited on September 11, 2001. This profound site is a permanent reminder of the fateful day when three airplanes tragically struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Among the brave hearts were Graziadio Business School alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. (MBA '95), who was on United Flight 93— the fourth hijacked plane that crashed into a Pennsylvania field. He,

Waves Of Flags

The annual Waves of Flags display at Pepperdine University is an event held each year to commemorate the lives lost on September 11. Created by a group of students in 2008, 2,977 flags are arranged — each representing a person who died in the attack — across the university’s central mall and fountain courtyard. The array of flags serves as a powerful display in honor of the Americans who died, and provides an opportunity for individuals to pay their respects.

The annual display is more than just a memorial event; it is a chance for people from all backgrounds to remember those who were taken too soon due to senseless violence while also celebrating our nation’s strength against adversity and resilience during times of darkness. On the rolling hills of the university, the display covers the corner at PCH and Malibu Canyon Road, and walking the display with the breeze waving the thousands of flags in the sunset can be an overwhelming experience. arts.pepperdine.edu along with other passengers, valiantly attempted to overpower the hijackers and avert the plane’s course away from its intended target, the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. Their selfless act of heroism undoubtedly saved numerous lives. Heroes Garden was thoughtfully designed to honor Burnett’s sacrifice, along with that of so many others, on that unforgettable day when nearly 3,000 precious lives were lost. It stands as a serene space of reflection, inspiring us to remember and honor the indomitable spirit of humanity, even in times of adversity. We warmly invite you to visit and pay homage to these extraordinary heroes.

At the center of the Heroes Garden stands an impressive memorial wall with engraved names of brave individuals who were killed in action while serving in the United States Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other conflicts. The wall also pays tribute to graduates from Pepperdine University who lost their lives protecting our freedom overseas, as well as first responders and public servants whose ultimate sacrifice saved countless innocent lives here at home.

Nearby stands a statue titled “Rise Together,” which was created by sculptor Gary Tillery. This powerful piece depicts two hands reaching out towards each other — one representing America’s veterans and first responders while the other hand symbolizes civilians — in order to remind us that every individual has a part to play in helping make our nation strong again after tragedy strikes.

One of the best ways to experience all aspects of Malibu is to plan a tour. Whether it be for a corporate event or special occasion, there are a variety of things to do and see that all begin with comfortable and convenient transportation. Once you have that secured, thinking outside the box could include a hike, ATV, or horseback riding adventure through the majestic mountains spanning a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.