The Best Historic collection exhibits in Santa Monica, California

The Santa Monica History Museum, located at 1350 7th Street in Santa Monica, California, is a museum and tourist attraction that showcases the rich and diverse history of Santa Monica. In partnership with the Quinn Research Center, the museum's Quinn Gallery highlights inclusivity and features an archive of Black family history and Santa Monica Bay culture. With over 600,000 prints, negatives, and slides, the museum has one of the most comprehensive collections documenting Santa Monica's history. Visitors can explore the museum's online interactive features, purchase reprints of historical images, and learn about the city's historical significance through QR codes found in local businesses. The museum's research library provides historical materials and information to a wide range of individuals and organizations. Access to the Research Library and Special Collections is available by appointment only.

The California Heritage Museum, located on Main Street in Santa Monica, California, is a captivating institution that showcases a diverse collection of artwork and artifacts. One of the highlights of the museum is the stunning textile work of quilt artist Alice Beasley, whose pieces offer a powerful look into social justice and politics, particularly as they relate to the Black community. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Beasley's work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and background. Her intricate quilts, made from a variety of printed fabrics, depict realistic portraits and convey her perspective on a range of topics from an African American woman's viewpoint. In addition to the thought-provoking exhibits, visitors can also enjoy outdoor dining and cocktails at the adjacent Victorian building, which is open Wednesday through Sunday. The museum also offers a selection of limited edition prints by renowned artists, including a Giclee print by tattoo artist Mark Mahoney and a lithograph print by an internationally acclaimed photographer.