Exhibitions Discover.Explore.Experience
Immerse yourself in the diverse history of the Santa Monica Bay area through our interactive exhibits, online exhibitions and more.
The Santa Monica History Museum presents rotating exhibitions in our Main Gallery and Quinn Gallery (in partnership with the Quinn Research Center), as well as occasional pop-up exhibitions and our permanent galleries featuring objects from our permanent collection.
Current Exhibitions
Roots and Branches A Tree's View of Santa Monica
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.
Herstory
This exhibit remembers the groundbreaking women of Santa Monica. They were the first and often, though not always, the only women in the room, but they created spaces and places for other women, their communities, and the broader Santa Monica community. Their legacy and work continue to this day.
Food and Family
Explore the evolution of African American and intercultural food traditions in Southern California. Through the lens of shared meals, recipes and community gatherings, the exhibition examines how food fosters a sense of belonging, connection and cultural continuity.
a small lobby
Pop-Up Exhibition
100 Years of Santa Monica Hospital
Now through October 18, 2026
Discover historic photographs highlighting the healthcare workers who have cared for our community, along with artifacts connected to famous figures who passed through the hospital—including Shirley Temple’s 1928 birth certificate.
Permanent Exhibitions
The permanent exhibitions are designed to serve school children, residents and tourists by offering opportunities to engage in the rich history of Santa Monica. They provide specific and relevant stories of Santa Monica over time, enhanced with authentic artifacts, fabricated environments, interactive exhibits, audio/video programs and graphic & photographic panels.
Past Exhibitions
Revisit a past exhibition online or experience it for the first time!
DISCOVER what you missed by EXPLOREing one of our past exhibitions through the online videos and photos. You can even EXPERIENCE premier night!
Online Exhibitions
Our online exhibitions allow us to virtually share more Santa Monica history and our extensive collections of photographs and artifacts with you. We understand that you cannot always come in to see an exhibition and these online videos are a great way to experience the city’s history!
