Plan Your Visit
Discover, Explore, Experience the Santa Monica History Museum.
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, research services, and an expansive image archive.
Tours are available for school or small groups. Learn more about accessing our research facilities here: Research Library.
The Santa Monica History Museum acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin and south Channel Islands). We pay our respects to the Honuukvetan (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinken (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
Hours & Admissions
Thursday 2pm-5pm
Friday Saturday Sunday 11am-5pm.
First Sunday Free Admission
SMHM is a Museums For All partner museum.
General admission is $5.00.
Museum admission is always FREE for SMHM Members, Children (under 17), Seniors (65+), Students, Active Duty Military/Veterans & SNAP/EBT cardholders.
First Sunday
Museum admission is free on the First Sunday of each month.
Map & Directions
Our address is 1350 7th Street, between Santa Monica Blvd and Arizona.
From the 10 Santa Monica Freeway exit Lincoln Boulevard. Turn right on Lincoln blvd. Continue to Santa Monica Boulevard and turn left. At 7th Street, turn right. The museum will be on your left, across the street from the Santa Monica Fire Station.
We are metro expo Downtown Santa Monica station close.
Parking
A public parking garage is available on 7th Street next to the museum as well as metered street parking. Bike racks are available immediately adjacent to the museum.
Accessibility
Drop-off
The most convenient location to drop off a guest who may have limited mobility is on 7th Street, directly in front of our museum. There is ramp access leading directly to our front door.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in the underground parking. Entrance is on the West side of 7th Street. There are several spots available on each level. Take the elevator to ground level and head East to 7th street, where the ramp is available to our front door.
Public Transportation
Please visit Big Blue Bus or Santa Monica Expo Line for more information.
Restrooms
Our restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals
Service animals are always welcome.
Health & Safety
To contribute to the health and safety of SMHM visitors, volunteers, and staff, we encourage the use of masks throughout the museum. While surfaces are wiped frequently, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present.
