Santa Monica History Museum

Since 1988 the Santa Monica History Museum has worked to share the rich, diverse history of Santa Monica.

Our historical collections are comprised of 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). With over six hundred thousand rare photographs, the Museum has one of the most extensive image archives in Southern California and includes the photo collections of well-known photographers Bill Beebe, Bob Smith, George Tate, Justine Hill, and author Fred Basten.

The Museum has six galleries. Past exhibits include People of the Earth: Life and Culture of Tongva, California’s Route 66, All is Possible: Women’s Suffrage in California, Warriors of Flames Santa Monica Fire Department 125th Anniversary.

In addition to exhibits, we offer programming and tours for schools and youth groups, special events, lectures, and children’s workshops. We are located in beautiful downtown Santa Monica, within easy walking distance from the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade.