Past Exhibitions

Experience it again or see it for the first time!

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Shirley Temple: Santa Monica’s Biggest Little Star

In this extensive Shirley Temple exhibition, it goes beyond her film career and into Shirley Temple’s extraordinary adult life and diplomatic career. It showcases new artifacts, original movie costumes and posters, dolls, personal clothing, photos, correspondence, memorabilia, and much more are on display.

Cupid’s Message

This exhibition displays Valentine’s Day cards from the late 19th century and early-to-mid 20th century. It's a lovely way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the special notes and tokens of affection that are commonly exchanged this time of year.

Love, Shirley Temple

Past Exhibitions Love, Shirley Temple A Theriault’s Sponsored Exhibit 2015 June 3, 6pm – 8pm The Santa Monica History Museum is one of only five museums in the world chosen to exhibit this significant Shirley Temple collection. This unique exhibit features legendary child actress Shirley Temple’s notable personal childhood collection of movie costumes, dolls and...

Cultural Mecca

Cultural Mecca explores the social and cultural impact the Civic had on Santa Monica’s and greater Los Angeles’ cultural fabric.

Warriors of Flames

This exhibit explores how the Santa Monica Fire Department evolved from a small town bucket brigade into one of the premiere, most progressive city fire department in the United States. Supported by over 50 historical photographs and artifacts, visitors are transported through the ages of firefighting.

Life at the Miramar

The images and documents in this exhibition are from the start point of open space (circa 1874) deed of land purchase by Senator John P. Jones from Col. Baker.

Marion Davies Estate

The exhibit features historic photographs of Marion Davies and her estate’s five elaborately decorated buildings, landscape and swimming pool from the Bison Archives.

Other Exhibitions Past & Popup

Past Exhibitions:
Muscle Beach
On the Go, No Time to Write: Vintage Postcards of Santa Monica Bay from the Roger Genser Collection
Outlook Newspaper
Lawrence Welk & Aragon Ballroom
Laurel & Hardy

Pop-up Exhibits:
Santa Monica College
Sally Ride
Shirley Temple
Womens History Month
Vintage Valentine’s
Rail