The Bombay Beach Institute is a surreal desert retreat and Biennale landmark, with Zig Zag Plaza right across the street. This 3-bedroom home features art exhibits, lush gardens, an equipped kitchen, large outdoor dining area, and cool, air-conditioned interiors. Located just steps from the Salton Sea and surrounded by iconic installations. Note: Art includes nudity—not suitable for children or the easily offended.
Welcome to The Bombay Beach Institute of Particle Physics, Metaphysics & International Relations. Yes, that’s the real name. No, we don’t expect you to understand it. But if you do, you’ll probably love it here.
A cornerstone of the Bombay Beach Biennale and a sanctuary for the strange and sublime, the Institute is part art installation, part desert residence, and part fever dream. Here, the air buzzes with creative static, and every wall, corner, and object seems to be involved in some kind of silent but sensual argument about the nature of reality.
The 3-bedroom house includes:
A spacious primary room with a queen bed
Two smaller bedrooms with full beds (ideal for couples, loners, or collaborative thinkers)
A living area that feels like a Cold War lounge turned metaphysical observatory
A full kitchen for culinary experiments (no guarantees on results)
Air conditioning, because you’re still human after all
Throughout the space, you’ll encounter curated art exhibits that change periodically, many of which contain nudity, surrealism, and philosophical obscenities. This is not a place for children, nor for those who require trigger warnings on their vacations.
Outside, a private garden blooms with desert life and detritus — a lush oasis ringed with relics, sculptures, and soft spaces for smoking, dreaming, or arguing about time. Past guests have hosted readings, ritual dinners, sound baths, and the occasional international incident.
Just blocks from the Salton Sea and surrounded by the weird and wonderful fabric of Bombay Beach — including Zig Zag Piazza, the Drive-In, and other legendary installations — the Institute offers not just a place to sleep, but a permission slip to lose your mind a little, and maybe come back with something better.
Come prepared to be bewildered. Come with wine. Come with friends who ask big questions and laugh at strange times. The desert will do the rest.
