‘Architecture for Dogs’ draws a pack to Long Beach Museum of Art

With “Architecture for Dogs” currently on view, should we be surprised that the Long Beach Museum of Art has seen its visitor numbers soar 50%?

The brainchild of Japanese designer Kenya Hara, “Architecture for Dogs” consists of breed-specific dwellings imagined by some of the world’s top talents, including architects Kengo Kuma (pug) and Shigeru Ban (papillon) and industrial designer Konstantin Grcic (toy poodle).

“It’s a playful exhibit,” said Ron Nelson, the museum’s executive director, “but it’s also a sincere effort to see how space can be shared between humans and canines.”

Fittingly, dog owners need not worry about leaving their pooch behind. If you can carry your dog in your arms, Nelson said, you can bring it in the museum. Bigger dogs can be checked at the dog valet.

PHOTO GALLERY: ‘Architecture for Dogs’

LBMA attendence during “Architecture for Dogs” has been running 50% higher than last summer’s exhibitions, “Gerit Grimm: Beyond the Figurine: Contemporary Inspirations from the Museum’s Collection” and “Buena Vista: California Painters in Mexico,” the museum said. The “Dogs” show attendance is 30% higher than any other exhibition so far this year.

“Architecture for Dogs” at the Long Beach Museum of Art runs through Sept. 1. The pet store Pussy & Pooch is hosting a pop-up of design-forward, California-sourced products during the run of the show. On some Thursday evenings from 3 to 8 p.m., dog treats are available at its Paw Bar. On some Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m., the dog daycare and training center Bark! Bark! has outdoor activities planned.

DIYers can download plans for all 13 of the canine environments at www.architecturefordogs.com.

Clarification: This post was updated at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 to clarify museum attendance data and provide more context about the 50% rise in visitors.

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