Plan a Visit
Discover.Explore.Experience
Since 1975, the Santa Monica History Museum has been dedicated to sharing the rich and diverse history of the Santa Monica Bay Area. Located in the heart of Santa Monica, the museum serves as a dynamic space to connect with the city’s unique cultural heritage.
With a commitment to community engagement, the museum offers access to compelling exhibitions, innovative programming, events, hands-on workshops, research services, and an expansive image archive.
Tours are available for schools and small groups.
Discover more by visiting our Research Library or taking a Virtual Tour.
The Santa Monica History Museum acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin and south Channel Islands). We pay our respects to the Honuukvetan (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinken (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
Hours & Admissions
Hours
Thursday 2pm-5pm.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Admissions
General – $5.00.
Museum admission is always free for museum Members, Children (under 17), Students, Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military/veterans, and SNAP/EBT cardholders.
SMHM is a Museums For All partner museum.
Museum Holiday Hours
We are closed in observance of the following holidays: New Years Day, President’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and day after, Christmas
FREE ADMISSION DAY
Museum admission is free on the First Sunday of each month.
Map & Directions
1370 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA
310.395.2290
Getting Here
From the 10 Santa Monica Freeway exit Lincoln Boulevard. Turn right onto Lincoln blvd. Continue to Santa Monica Boulevard and turn left. At 7th Street, turn right. The museum is on your left, across the street from Santa Monica Fire Station 1.
We are Metro Expo, Downtown Santa Monica station close.
Parking
A public parking garage and surface lot are available on 7th Street next to the museum as well as ample metered street parking.
Bike racks are available immediately adjacent to the museum.
Accessibility
Drop-off
The most convenient location to drop off a guest who may have limited mobility is on 7th Street, directly in front of our museum. There is ramp access leading directly to our front door.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in the underground parking. Entrance is on the West side of 7th Street. There are several spots available on each level. Take the elevator to ground level and head East to 7th street, where the ramp is available to our front door.
Public Transportation
Please visit Big Blue Bus or Santa Monica Expo Line for more information.
Restrooms
Our restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals
Service animals are always welcome.
