Santa Monica History Museum discover.explore.experience

Text over a photo of a P.O.P seahorse from the museum. Text reads as follows: The museum is closed as we install a new exhibition. Visitors hours resume January 31

Closed for exhibition installation

Dia de los Muertos

Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life and Myth Making

CLOSING SOON Pop-Up Exhibition
Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real LIfe and Myth Making

June 23 Through August 18, 2024

In the second half of the nineteenth century, after the United States had wrested control of California from Mexico, there was a desire to tell the state’s story.

Exhibition Information

sepia toned photograph of a family outdoors in fancy dress in May 18, 1887

Dia de los Muertos

Telling Stories of Mexican California: Real Life and Myth Making

Roots & Branches

Opening January 31, 2025

Delving into the intricate connections between trees, urban development, and the cultural and environmental history of Santa Monica the exhibition serves as a thoughtful exploration of how nature and humanity have coexisted — and often clashed– over centuries.

Exhibition Information

Exhibition Graphic featuring image of Vernon Brunson

Created in partnership with the Quinn Research Center (QRC), The Quinn Gallery advances the museum’s commitment to inclusivity as we continue our mission to share the rich, diverse history of Santa Monica. The Quinn Research Center (QRC) is an archive of Black family history and Santa Monica Bay culture. Established by Carolyne and Bill Edwards, as tribute to the legacy of Dr. Alfred T. Quinn, a prominent Santa Monica Black educator and community leader.

Pacific Ocean Park (P.O.P.)
Outlook Collection (1998.1.1103)

COLLECTIONS

Historical Photos

Consisting today of over 600,000 prints, negatives, glass-plate negatives and slides, we have one of the most comprehensive collection in existence documenting Santa Monica’s history.

about our historical photos

about our collections

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Photo Reprints

Many of our images are available for purchase as a reprint.

find out how

Can’t decide on a print? Here are a few suggestions found in our Gift Shop view more prints

Can’t decide on a print? Here are a few suggestions
view more prints

1,000s more photos to choose from in our archives

search archives

THEN & NOW

EXPERIENCE our online version of this interactive feature found in our A Town in the Arts exhibition room.

more Then & Now

Santa Monica Business District

1938 / 2016

3rd Street and Santa Monica Boulevard

Archive Details

HISTORY HAPPENED HERE

DISCOVER more history with our interactive table in the museum!

Or EXPLORE the city of Santa Monica and when you see our QR Code in a business window, scan it to see photos and to learn more about the historical significance of that area!

MORLEY BUILDERS

Research Library

Our research library provides historical materials and information to teachers, students, scholars, publishers, the media and a host of others.

We respond to questions (several thousand a year) for information on a daily basis from people, organizations and the locally, nationally and internationally media.

Access to our Research Library and Special Collections is by appointment only.
310.395.2290 or research@santamonicahistory.org

explore

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Special Collections (e.g. rare books & periodicals, school yearbooks, telephone directories and more)
Sanborn Maps
Original architectural street plans
Old sound recordings
Outlook newspaper
Santa Monica city records
and much more

Permanent Exhibitions

A Town at Play

The Celebrated Beach
Explore what has made the beach a destination spot

View Exhibition

A Town in the Arts

Santa Monica’s Creativity
Explore the city’s rich and compelling contributions to American cultural life

View Exhibition

A Town at Work

A City Grows & Thrives
Explore Santa Monica’s independent spirit

View Exhibition

View All Permanent Exhibitions

Recent Acquisitions Accessions and Collections

We are continually adding to our extensive archival collections by acquiring photos, negatives, books and other materials throughout the year from generous people making donations of their family history or through other sources.

collections

historical donation

RARE TRACT MAPS
Shortly before the pandemic struck, we were fortunate to receive a realty scrapbook, containing rare tract maps compiled by the Akins Realty Co. of Ocean Park. read more

Santa Monica History Museum Collection (2019.30)

27,000+
Digitized Images

1,200+ linear feet
Objects

~1,000
Rare Books

30+
Exhibitions

Gift Shop

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WAYS TO GIVE

Show your support!

Become a Member

more ways

Become a Member Keeping History Alive

Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the history of our community for future generations. By becoming a member, you can help us achieve our goal. Each membership includes great benefits such as early access to exhibition premiers.

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Become a Volunteer The Engine that keeps us running

Join our team of volunteers.
We can always use more hands around the museum. From greeting guests, helping in the archives, and supporting our events, there’s a place for you at SMHM.

join now

TIME

Our several gracious and dedicated volunteers help keep the museum operating. We are always looking for more devoted people.

Become a volunteer

SUPPORT

There are many ways to support our mission!

Memberships
Partner
Sponsor
Grants & Foundations
Legacy Tree

GIFT

A special, planned gift affords the opportunity of supporting the museum in many ways, including a perpetual fund in the donors name.

Arrange a planned gift