Santa Monica History Museum

"Great for exploring local history with fun items on display. We have visited several times for the Day of the Dead altars and the Broadway neighborhood show. The Quinn collection space is wonderful, including the new show about Vernon Brunson. It's definitely worth a visit, and it beats the noise, dirt, and chaos of the pier for a family outing!"

"For anyone looking to learn more about Santa Monica's rich history, the Santa Monica History Museum is a real hidden gem. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this small but engaging museum brings the city's past to life. During my visit, I was able to explore different aspects of Santa Monica history through a series of exhibits and displays. There were intricate model train sets showcasing the importance of railroads in the city's early development. Vintage surfboards and panels on local surf culture highlighted Santa Monica's iconic beaches. Historic photographs and artifacts provided insight into the city's architectural and cultural evolution. One standout was the impressive collection of vintage Santa Monica postcards. It was fascinating to see the town's landmarks and day-to-day scenes from decades past. The knowledgeable docents added context and stories that made the exhibits even more meaningful. Beyond the exhibits, the museum building itself is a piece of history. Known as the 1875 First Free Methodist Church, the restored 19th century structure is a beautiful example of Santa Monica's earliest architecture. Make sure to admire the intricate original woodwork inside. With free admission and a small, cozy layout, the Santa Monica History Museum is a quick and enriching stop. Visitors of all ages and interests will enjoy discovering the local stories and memories captured here. For me, it was a perfect way to gain insight into the place I now call home."

"I love museums. The Santa Monica History Museum does not disappoint. I went there to see the exhibit about Black Santa Monicans in the Broadway neighborhood. My favorite part of the exhibit is the maps of Black businesses and homes. A significant amount of Black homeowners lost their properties to the construction of the 10 freeway. All of the Santa Monica middle and high school students should be required to go to the museum to learn the whole story of Santa Monica. I look forward to visiting again soon. If you have an EBT card, the Santa Monica History provides free admission, along with other museums in Los Angeles County. The museum is also accessible and has clean restrooms."

"I've wanted to visit this Museum for month's now, but was always busy with other things that always came up. The day's that the Museum is open are very strange, so this Thursday I decided to finally come. Thursday is the first day of the week that this Museum is open. I got here as early as it was possible. Because the Metro takes over an hour to take me here. After arriving a little after 3 in the afternoon and experiencing some technical difficulties using walking directions provided by Google Map's inside the library by the back entrance because the main entrance on 6th and Santa Monica was locked. I was able to finally locate the entrance to this Museum. And to my great disappointment, dissatisfaction, annoyance and surprise as well as confusion as to why it is closed. I came to understand and realise that the Museum is closed without notice or any type of notification on Google Map's or any explanation from anyone at the Santa Monica library as to why it's closed but should be open this Thursday. I'd like to notify anyone that is interested in visiting this Museum that they close without notice and it be a great waste of time to travel all this way. Just like visit all of the tiny beach City of Santa Monica. I mean what's the point if they don't open the door's to their City's Museum."

"Nice little museum about Santa Monica history, definitely must visit if you local. I would always bring my friends and family here."