Roots and Branches:
A Tree’s View of Santa Monica. January 31 – December 14, 2025 at the Santa Monica History Museum.
A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary.
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.
Through evocative historical narratives, rare photographs, and interactive displays, Roots and Branches chronicles the evolving role of trees in Santa Monica. Key landmarks, such as Palisades Park, where trees planted in the late 19th century symbolized civic pride, come to life in the exhibit. Visitors are also invited to consider the consequences of discriminatory practices such as redlining, which left some neighborhoods disproportionately deprived of tree canopy and public green space, perpetuating environmental and social inequities.
Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica.
Roots and Branches weaves together environmental history, social commentary, and cultural storytelling to create a powerful narrative of resilience and growth.
Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the ways in which trees have witnessed and shaped the city’s evolution, offering insights into how art, history, and ecology can inspire a more sustainable future.
2018.FIC.4.10 A Shaded Rest SMHM Adelbert Bartlett Collection Ca1920s
Today, as climate change accelerates, Roots and Branches raises critical questions about the challenges and opportunities of maintaining an urban forest in a changing world. The exhibit serves as both a celebration of the city’s past and a call to action for a greener, more equitable future.
The exhibition takes an immersive examination of the city’s architectural heritage, environmental dynamics, and the complex
interplay of socio-political factors.
Curator: Anne Wallentine
Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica is made possible through the generous support of our sponsor
About SMHM:
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 for residents and visitors 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, pop-up exhibitions, research services, and an expansive image archive.
Location: 1350 7th Street, Santa Monica, California 90401