UnHoused:
A History of Housing in Santa Monica. February 2 – December 15, 2024 at the Santa Monica History Museum.
From the Tongva people to its contemporary beach town metropolis, the exhibition delves into the heart of Santa Monica’s housing legacy
by providing perspectives on policy and development. It moves to poignant narratives of migration, affordability, redlining, restrictive covenants, and the ever-relevant topic of rent control.
Addressing contemporary housing challenges faced by Santa Monica and the region, the
exhibition further explores affordable housing, support systems for those experiencing homelessness, equity and inclusion, and the importance of historic preservation in maintaining
the city’s cultural identity.
UnHoused: A History of Housing in Santa Monica
at the Santa Monica History Museum seeks to foster community dialogue about the past, present, and future of housing. It emphasizes that housing is not merely a structure but a reflection of community, inclusivity, and shared heritage.
Visitors are invited to engage with the future through interactive models and thoughtprovoking questions like “What makes a home?” and “Why does Santa Monica look the way it does today?” The exhibition centers around the future of housing, encouraging contemplation of the evolving nature of residential spaces.
Housing is perhaps the preeminent issue in our region and across all of California. It is critical to understand where we’ve been and how we got here”
-Rob Schwenker, Executive Director
Santa Monica History Museum
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
UnHoused is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors
About SMHM:
Since 1975, we’ve been sharing the rich, diverse history of the Santa Monica Bay Area. We are committed to serving the community by providing access to dynamic exhibitions highlighting the depth and complexity of collective history through our extensive collection of historical objects and an exceptional image archive. We offer ongoing programming, pop-up exhibitions, and community events.
Location: 1350 7th Street, Santa Monica, California 90401