Santa Monica History Museum

About

The Santa Monica History Museum, founded in 1975, is a vital institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich history of the Santa Monica Bay Area. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the main Santa Monica Public Library campus, the museum’s historical collections comprise over one million items, including the personal historical collection of Senator John P. Jones, co-founder of Santa Monica, and the archives of the Santa Monica Outlook Newspaper (1875-1998). The museum features six permanent galleries, a rotating exhibition, and a research library, offering an immersive experience for visitors to explore the area’s diverse and extensive history. The museum is committed to providing extensive free educational programming, including guided school tours, children’s workshops, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

The museum’s permanent and interactive exhibits cover various aspects of Santa Monica’s history, such as “A Town at Play” and “The Celebrated Beach,” offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the city’s cultural and historical heritage. The museum also provides access to special collections, including rare books, periodicals, Sanborn Maps, original architectural street plans, old sound recordings, and Santa Monica city records. Additionally, the museum offers dynamic special exhibitions and seasonal programming to engage visitors with new and diverse historical perspectives.