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Pacific Ocean Park Pier

Event and Q&A hosted by Rob Schwenker

Pacific Ocean Park—or “P.O.P.” as it was commonly known in Los Angeles from the ’50s through the ’70s, was extraordinary in both its glamorous rise and spectacular fall.  As a family-oriented attraction in the ’50s with modernist-styled rides designed by Hollywood’s best, P.O.P.’s attendance occasionally surpassed that of Disneyland.  Christopher Merritt and Domenic Priore’s spectacular history includes hundreds of images, most of them unseen elsewhere, including original ride designs and illustrations (including Tiki-rich, space age, and nautical rides). P.O.P. was often widely featured in movies and television shows throughout the ’60s. Its Cheetah auditorium hosted important early rock shows, including those by Ritchie Valens, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.

P.O.P. was located at the dividing line between Santa Monica and Venice, the only spot during Prohibition-era Los Angeles where residents were allowed to dance and consort in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Chris Merritt & Domenic Priore Chris Merritt & Domenic Priore
Christopher Merritt & Domenic Priore discuss P.O.P. (Pacific Ocean Park) pier.

LOCATION & INFO

Santa Monica History Museum

1350 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

310.395.2290
info@santamonicahistory.org
ADMISSIONS & HOURS

Museum Hours

Thursday 2pm-5pm
Friday Saturday Sunday 11am-5pm.
First Sunday Free Admission

SMHM is a Museums For All partner museum.

ADMISSION PRICES
Museum Hours

9:30–6:00, Monday Until 8:00

Museum Location

2270 S Real Camino Lake California

The Loquet Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable
solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture.