Exhibitions
Keeping History Alive
discover explore experience
Santa Monica History Museum is comprised of a main hall featuring curated exhibitions and six galleries exploring facets of regional history and culture with objects from our permanent collection.
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.
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..
On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Santa Monica (1875), we remember 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.
In partnership with SNAP we’ve developed an augmented-reality tour showcasing the historic Broadway neighborhood. Utilizing archival images, City-Scale technology brings the neighborhood to life, inviting viewers to walk its historic core to witness a thriving community full of schools, homes, and businesses..
The Quinn advances the museum’s commitment to inclusivity as we continue our mission to share the rich, diverse history of Santa Monica. Created in collaboration with The Quinn Research Center (QRC), an archive of Black family history and Santa Monica Bay culture; as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Alfred T. Quinn, a prominent Santa Monica Black educator and community leader.
Special visiting hours by appointment may be arranged for school and group tours..
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.
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..
On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Santa Monica (1875), we remember 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.
In partnership with SNAP we’ve developed an augmented-reality tour showcasing the historic Broadway neighborhood. Utilizing archival images, City-Scale technology brings the neighborhood to life, inviting viewers to walk its historic core to witness a thriving community full of schools, homes, and businesses..
The Quinn advances the museum’s commitment to inclusivity as we continue our mission to share the rich, diverse history of Santa Monica. Created in collaboration with The Quinn Research Center (QRC), an archive of Black family history and Santa Monica Bay culture; as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Alfred T. Quinn, a prominent Santa Monica Black educator and community leader.
Special visiting hours by appointment may be arranged for school and group tours..
