Discover.
Explore.
Experience.
Current Exhibitions
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.
Herstory
On the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Santa Monica (1875), we remember 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: African American and Intercultural Traditions in Santa Monica
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.
Walking Tour
Permanent Exhibitions
Through artifacts, archival photographs, interpretive texts, and thoughtfully designed visuals, trace the region’s story from the Tongva homelands through the city’s founding and early decades.
Discover what has made the beach a destination spot. Fun-seekers have flocked to Santa Monica beaches over the years to play in the sand and on its amusement piers, plunge into salt water baths or simply stroll the boardwalk.
Explore the city’s rich and compelling contributions to American cultural life. Santa Monica evolved as an artistic community, beginning with early photographers capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Our “Then & Now” images allow a simple and immediate understanding and experience of how Santa Monica’s landscape has evolved.
Experience Santa Monica’s independent spirit as an international resort destination and a home for innovation and creativity.
Meet the individuals whose cutting-edge ideas left an indelible mark on the city.
COLLECTIONS
Historical Photos
Consisting today of over 600,000 prints, negatives, glass-plate negatives and slides, the photo collection is one of the stellar components of the museum’s archival holdings.
In addition to being the most comprehensive collection documenting Santa Monica’s history, most of the images in the collection are unique, rare, and not available anywhere else.
Many of our photos are available as reprints.
Pacific Ocean Park (P.O.P.)
Outlook Collection (1998.1.1103)
– ABOUT SMHM –
Since 1975, we’ve been sharing the diverse history of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Bay area. From its indigenous Tongva roots to its transformation into a bustling coastal California surf town. The museum offers dynamic exhibitions highlighting the historical complexity of the westside, an extensive permanent collection, events, workshops, interactive features, and pop-up exhibits. The Santa Monica History Museum is the preeminent venue for exploring Santa Monica Bay history and culture.
