Discover.
Explore.
Experience.
Current Exhibitions
Herstory
This exhibit remembers 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.
Food and Family
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.
Upcoming Events
Nina Fresco – First Around the World
Historian Nina Fresco, draws on more than a decade of research into Santa Monica’s past and explores the airport’s remarkable history and its lasting influence on the city.
August 15, 2026 2pm-3:30pm
ANNUAL GALA TRIBUTE DINNER
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us in October for a fun evening online as we celebrate Santa Monica’s Olympic Legacy and our honorees
Outlook Collection (1998.1.1103)
COLLECTIONS
Historical Photos
Consisting today of over 600,000 prints, negatives, glass-plate negatives and slides, we have one of the most comprehensive collection in existence documenting Santa Monica’s history.
Photo Reprints
Many of our photos may be purchased as reprints. Search our catalog to find that special one to add to your home, business or video background!
1,000s more photos to choose from in our archives
MORLEY BUILDERS
Research Library
Our research library provides historical materials and information to teachers, students, scholars, publishers, the media and a host of others.
We respond to questions (several thousand a year) for information on a daily basis from people, organizations and the locally, nationally and internationally media.
Access to our Research Library and Special Collections is by appointment only.
310.395.2290 or research@santamonicahistory.org
WHAT TO EXPLORE
- Special Collections (e.g. rare books & periodicals, school yearbooks, telephone directories)
- Sanborn Maps
- Original architectural street plans
- Old sound recordings
- Outlook newspaper
- Santa Monica city records
- and much more
THEN & NOW
EXPERIENCE our online version of this interactive feature found in our A Town in the Arts exhibition room.
HISTORY HAPPENED HERE
DISCOVER more history with our companion site
Specially curated collections of images from our archives
Museum Shop
WAYS TO GIVE
Show your support!
Become a Member Keeping History Alive!
Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the history of our community for future generations. By becoming a member, you can help us achieve our goal. Each membership includes great benefits such as early access to exhibition premiers.
Become a Volunteer Our Engine that keeps us running!
Join our fun and compassionate team of volunteers!
We can always use a few more hands around the museum. There are lots of opportunities from greeting guests, helping in the archives, and supporting our events!
TIME
Our several gracious and dedicated volunteers help keep the museum operating. We are always looking for more devoted people.
SUPPORT
There are many ways to support our mission!
GIFT
A special, planned gift affords the opportunity of supporting the museum in many ways, including a perpetual fund in the donors name.
Roots & Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica
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..