Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Great if you are into history, especially local history. And - Never ever saw a museum which has so much info about surfboards! Amazing how much care and respect that pay to research and study. Need to preserve local history. Looking the the reviews, I had low expectations. Seems like you'll either like or not like it at all.

We came here to see the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” exhibit and enjoyed our visit. The presentation and space had the appropriate vibe for the subject matter and it was fun to see all the local references. The more permanent history exhibit on the other half of the second floor is also worth a visit. The sculpture garden is a pleasant enough space, but fewer sculptures than you might expect. The adjacent food court was a welcome surprise.

What a treasure. This was my first visit, and they had a "Woman comic book creators" exhibit, very interesting and fun. Their history of Santa Cruz exhibit is fascinating. Ot had something for every age. Well worth the visit.

Are you a member? Why not? Support this small amazing small museum. They have wonderful exhibitions, engaging community events, and a spectacular staff. I had my wedding here and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Please support the MAH, it's only $60 a year.

This museum is very good for families. It is very fun and it not too expensive. I would come back.

I can honestly call myself a "museum nerd" at this point in life as for the amazing museums I have gotten to see. While one can travel to larger cities to see grand exhibits of artwork, the MAH (Museum of Art & History) keeps a local mind and focuses on revealing the past through the eyes of the Santa Cruzian. The recent exhibition of redwood surfboards is particularly astounding, as you are not only overcome with a mindset of our surf history and how it has wiggled its way into our world and culture, where those who do not even surf know where Steamer Lane is, names like O'Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl and use the terms "dude", "awesome" and other surf lingo in their daily vernacular. The MAH also defends its history through its people and places. How each diversity has somehow contributed to our society over time and how places, such as Cabrillo College and UCSC have helped shape our minds. If you have not had the chance, spend the $10. The MAH is worth the visit.

After nearly a year of being closed since the pandemic, the MAH has opened up to members and exhibiting artist. We went in last Friday to see our 11 year old daughter's art that she had submitted for the exhibit " In These Uncertain Times". They give you a 30 minute time slot for you and your family when you register. We were able to see most of the exhibits,but didn't have time to read a lot of the descriptions. I let them know it would be helpful to have a little longer to take a little more time for that. I hope you enjoy your visit as we have!

I'm helping install one of the environments for the Frequency Festival, September 21-24, 2023. Come visit for a memorable evening of immersive art and music, without getting stuck in the mud. Liminal Space Collective is in the main atrium.

The MAH is a community jewel! I met a group of pet-loving friends to see the HOWL exhibit with the history of local animal-appreciators, in photos and art going back a hundred years. We were especially tickled by the "purring armchair" -- seriously, a cozy armchair that vibrates and purrs when you approach it. What's not to love? Take your friends for a slice of pizza afterwards for the perfect birthday party.

What a great find while visiting downtown Santa Cruz with my girlfriend! Such a relaxing experience visiting this museum, it wasn't busy and the exhibits are very simple. You really get to learn about the history of Santa Cruz and the surrounding cities. It was three floors and wasn't a crazy big museum. I enjoyed it a lot and it was affordable to enjoy. Definitely can be a cool add to your itinerary for Santa Cruz. Bathrooms are a bit spooky though haha, they are super dim and is very ominous! Could barely go anymore once I walked in.

I stumbled upon the SC Museum of Art on a Free day, and boy, was it nice! There were stunning exhibits and so much was packed in a semi-smallish museum. (I'm comparing it to the ones I've been to in San Francisco, Chicago, Oakland, Los Angeles and Boston.) Love the location of the museum: it's in the prime heart of downtown Santa Cruz where you can eat, shop small boutiques, and listen to music on a Friday night, and go to an Art Museum! If you like art or local history, or just feel like "Adulting", go here! I loved it.

The MAH museum is always a delight to visit. They always have insightful exhibits. And the local exhibit is fun too... with updates about lgbt culture in Santa Cruz.

Wonderful jam in downtown Santa Cruz. Terrific food card attached to the museum. The pride celebration exhibit was very moving. And the people work in the front desk was super helpful. I never missed a chance to pop in and see what's new down there. 10/10 recommend

Very creative exhibitions at the MAH (Museum of Art and History in Santa Cruz) this summer. MAH is a small museum in downtown Santa Cruz with several floors. Their traveling exhibits are often stand out. Their exhibit "One Strange Weather", was closing on the day we visited, and featured highlights from a private collector from Oregon, with various artists from the 20th and 21st century. Highlights included original work from NY-based artist, Kehinde Wiley, who created the Presidential Portrait of Barack Obama, and work from American artist, Hung Liu. On the 3rd floor, a show about counterculture icon Hunter S. Thompson's run for the Sheriff (of all things!) in Aspen, Colorado in the 60's, called Freak Power. The graphic posters used for Thompson's campaign were designed and silk-screened by the artist Thomas W. Benton, a close friend & fellow Californian turned Aspen activist, and feature captivating slogans and simple visual imagery. The posters are rare today and can sell for upwards of $25,000. The Benton posters collection currently on display at MAH for the Thompson exhibit is extensive.

We had a wonderful time leaving a bit of the history of Santa Cruz, and the universities. Cabrillo College is a wonderful model, with its own uniqueness of its bigger sibling U.C. Santa Cruz. It's also in the perfect location!

Today was a productive day for me and my family. Beautiful artworks, Historical, and a great environment for tourist attractions. I enjoyed my time being here and get to know some of the U.S. history. Loved it!

The best part was the free crossword available at the front lobby. Admission was $8 but I wouldn't really recommend it. There weren't many kid friendly art.

I came to check out the MAH during a previous First Friday's when there's no admission and opening hours last until around 22:00. It was an easy enough decision since we were in the area and had just wrapped up a dinner nearby. I'm so glad I decided to check it out because it's turned out to be a little treasure in this small surf city. The museum is three stories tall with two major exhibit halls on each floor (excluding the first). The entire second floor is full of displays talking about the rich history of Santa Cruz and has a lot of interactive rooms, great for young children. I learned that there used to be a Chinatown here in this town before they were driven out due to racism (still feels a bit of that is still happening today...). Third floor has some rotating exhibitions with the most recent addition focusing on tattoo culture. Everything here was very well crafted and the museum staff seemed eager to engage with guests. I loved my experience here and would absolutely come back again one day when it reopens.

Joined with a $60 membership and couldn't be happier. Very creative, traveling exhibits that change month to month, so always something new to see, and I love the way they keep you posted so you don't miss a thing. Membership perks like unlimited admission for two, early access and behind the scenes viewings, plus discounts to two dozen downtown businesses. And having Abbott Square right next door makes for an easy meet-up with friends. What a treasure!!

Came here during Pride (free admission with family friendly scavenger hunt and slime making!) and learned about queer history. They're currently working on expanding that. They also had a really touching exhibit on the California fires, with a burnt family recipe box tugging on my heart strings. The middle level's Santa Cruz history is really well done, i love the earthquake display with the telephone pole and neon signs. The middle floor was my favorite. They had a several really interesting pieces on racism, a sort of deconstruction contemporary installation, and more. The little hippie dome and the accordion outfit is also great. It was worth a visit! The person at the desk was super friendly too. Definitely stop by here!!!!

We always enjoy our visits to the MAH. Especially in Winter when the trains are all set up.

I expected a little more from this place. We were excited that it was free for their grand opening. They recommended to start at the 3rd floor for the "Ballooniverse" and to work our way down. So that's what we did. The Ballooniverse exhibit was a lot smaller than we expected. We were looking past curtained hallways, and it wasn't clear if we could enter those hallways or not... until we found junk lying around. I would suggest more signage. The biggest pro was that the exhibits were kid-friendly. The biggest con was that we expected more, but there wasn't really much to it. The exhibit also felt kind of disjunct. 3rd floor was Ballooniverse. One side of the 2nd floor was basically about raising awareness about the lot of foster children, and the other side of the 2nd floor was about some history of the city of Santa Cruz. Then the first floor had this creepy exhibit about "hearts." I guess some lady collected everything related to hearts and came up with that exhibit? But it was creepy to me. It didn't help that an older man was sitting (waiting?) at a bench just staring at me and younger girls who were perusing through the room. I couldn't tell if he was their grandpa... I can definitely see the benefit of the exhibit about foster children in Santa Cruz. If you are someone who internalizes every emotion, prepare yourself for some heavy stories. It broke my heart to read about the stories of foster children. Not to give too much away, but I learned that 50-80% of foster children become sexually exploited, and within two years of foster care, many of them become homeless. I think it definitely raised my awareness about this. But I am also happy to see that the exhibit features people who showed so much strength in rising out of their predicament. I am also happy to see that the exhibit encourages our participation in the community to support children in foster care and people who grew up in foster care. I think this was the most impactful part of the museum for me. I think this museum is fun and interactive for kids, but, unless you're reading every caption of the exhibits, don't expect to be here too long.

We went to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History. There is a small admission charge. On the 3rd floor,, they have an outdoor sculpture garden. The gallery was closed as they are setting up new art. On the 2nd floor, there is a good exhibit on biking in the Santa Cruz area. The other half of the floor has exhibits regarding the history of Santa Cruz. On the bottom floor, there is a reading room. It is also the entrance to the museum and where one pays one's admission.

The photography of Franz Lanting and Chris Eckstrom was truly a first-class exhibit. I am delighted that the MAH chose to feature local, world-renowned talent in this way!

A friend invited me to go with him to visit this museum, and I was very pleasantly surprised at the depth and breadth of all the things they have to offer here. The colors and ambiance at this museum are wonderful, and I'm a fan of all the historical exhibits that pertain to the history of Santa Cruz, as well as all the artwork on display. My favorite site from my most recent visit is the Santa Cruz history gallery. It's a fascinating collection that starts you off with the early history of this area, and brings you all the way forward to the present day. Each display contains stories and artifacts about local notables who influenced the area. I liked this place so much that I bought a membership on my way out, so I'll definitely be back!

The photography exhibit about the Monterey Bay was wonderful! Each image so beautiful and inspiring! Six of us went to see it, and each of us enjoyed it very much. We plan on telling other friends about it.

This museum shows "different" exhibits. One depicted a larger than life picture of someone completely done with many, many different color post it notes

I've been a member of the MAH for several years now and love it. Today I went to the membership only toy train event, had hot chocolate and played with the model trains. It was nice not to have to navigate the crush of kids and get to run some trains. Thanks MAH and model train folks, see you again for Christmas season next year.

It was raining and we were looking for an indoor spot to spend the afternoon. We landed here and got to spend around 90 mts looking at the exhibits and doing some art on the 2nd floor. Friendly employees at the front who are good ambassadors for the museum. I enjoyed the history of Santa Cruz section the most. The art was quirky and interesting. Note, they don't have their own parking. You have to park on the street and you need coins or a special parking card.

I had such a great time with my 8 month old yesterday at the MAH. Easy check-in as a first-time member. The current exhibits are Atmosphere, Out of the Ashes and the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship. Out of the Ashes was particularly moving- highlighting things, tangible and otherwise, lost and found in the CZU fires. I spent a good hour in the Rydell Visual room alone- could have stayed longer. I will return to see the updates History room!

This a bizarre and awesome museum right at the heart of downtown santa cruz what does the civic community engagement like nobody's business. There is no designated parking as such. If you are mobility impaired and you have the little blue handicapped sticker on your car go for the street parking as that's the only street parking that's reliably available. Otherwise you'll be down a block or so (no biggie) or in the parking garage right next door accesses off of front street. This is three floors plus a rooftop (and some ground floor breakout rooms) or rotating exhibit goodness. While all the exhibits change on a regular basis generally-very generally-the stuff by the entrance is pretty much hands on, the second floor is the history section, the third is art, and the roof is overflow. the roof also has the bar which is open for special exhibits,opening nights,first fridays,and anything else going on that they think would require wine and beer. I'm a big fan of the history section-they've done a rock solid job there-and sometimes the third art floor as well depending on what's going on. Strictly speaking art is something i can take or leave, but they've had some really intriguing stuff in there. The events and community interaction is what put this place from -well that was an interesting museum- to amazeballs. Most if not all the events are the most fun you can have while standing up. No really. They are doing super fun things ranging from burning man style fire art, to art scavenger hunts, to free weekly music all the friggin time. Cost is ten bucks to get in-unless you are a student, but is the best ten dollars you will spend in Santa Cruz. I was gonna make this a four star review on account of me still holding a grudge about the public fountain they removed.....but then I remembered The Chamber of Heart & Mystery. Sure they've made some misteps (that mess with lulu's at the octagon comes to mind) but have redeemed themselves with the sheer superb fantasy of civic engagement. Not at all a dry boring place to some see.

I had a great time at the MAH today! I have lived in Santa Cruz for ~2y and this was my first visit at this museum. I was lucky to go through the Santa Cruz county historic exhibit with a friend who has studied archeology in California so I got double the information and fun :) I really enjoyed the ReflectioNNN exhibition by MCXT too, full of vibrant colors.

This place works hard and delivers on impactful and meaningful art. It may not always be an Alison Saar, Kehinde Wiley, and/or Leonardo Drew (this month it is) but the Museum of Art History in Santa Cruz certainly draws from a long, deep, fraught history with the kind of magic foresight granted to Santa Cruz visionaries through the decades. When the MAH was revitalized it was blessed with an expanded ethos of art that Nina Simone brought along in a pocket. It is one that holds a presence even though Simone has gone to another brilliant pasture. The current brilliant--and long hoped for--collaboration between this representative of Santa Cruz and the university which lords over it... anyway. This is a great place, GO!

This museum has to be one of my favorite museums that I have been to my entire life. Not only that it is interactive, but the staff is so friendly and passionate about the mission of the MAH, which is to bring all the locals in the Santa Cruz area to appreciate all types of art in different shapes and forms and find some sort of connection with many others in the community. They change their exhibits every three months, and they have events every first and third Friday of each month that are family friendly and may even leave you with something to take home! I wish I lived in Santa Cruz longer to appreciate this little hidden gem, but it is something worth checking out. For students with ID is $3, and adults general admission is $5.

Have been a member since this museum started on the second floor of the downtown library where I was a docent for years in the beginning with Dr. Ruth Frary. Until this most recent show, I've been missing true Museum quality shows, realizing there was a period of time before and during Covid where it was necessary to save funds and rebuild membership. But this show there now is a stunner and back to the quality I have appreciated in the past. Not a Gallery, but a Museum once again. The woman keeping an eye on the second floor main room is fantastic. Her enthusiasm and knowledge base is a treat and contagious. She eagerly answered our questions and could not do enough to encourage our participation and provide great answers. She is a real asset and the staff in general is extraordinary. Clearly the museum has evolved for the better once again. Thank you.

Went to MAH today to see the Bay of Life exhibit. The photos were stunning and the information about our amazing Monterey Bay was interesting and educational. I highly recommend a visit before the exhibit closes April 30.

I believe the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is a cornerstone for our unique community in Santa Cruz County as well as for the City of Santa Cruz. I have been a member for years and always appreciate the way the museum integrates our unique community culture and spirit with art, history and science. I have visited the recent Atmosphere exhibit over and over and find the information presented there to be absolutely relevant to observing and understanding conditions in our planet today focused right down to our coastal City. I go weekly and though the exhibits change frequently, it's not that you see new collections every week, but you find new details in the collections and exhibits in place. Kudos to the Staff for their vision and for helping us host a truly rewarding facility like MAH right in our own back year, Open to all and I hope everyone takes the time to visit and share the MAH and About Square experience. That is Santa Cruz!

Fabulous dance / poetry videos in the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship exhibition. The Out of the Ashes is definitely worth going to, especially if you were in the Santa Cruz area during the August 2020 fires.

Took my 12 year old granddaughter here today and we had a wonderful time we enjoyed exhibits and loved being able to be creative ourselves in the interactive piñata and the aging exhibits it's a small museum but worth the $10

Diverse exhibits to engage a broad audience from kids to grandma's.

For a small art museum, it's not the worst I've been to. It is a little bit lack-luster, especially for the price. The interactive exhibits are cute and the concepts for the interactive pieces were interesting. When I went, the first floor had an interactive macabre steampunk-folk concept with a focus on the heart and the third floor focused on the Native American concept of coyote in a modern context. Both were charming ideas, but the execution left something to be desired. The exhibits were small and the interactive elements felt a bit ... random? For example, there were drawers with labels on them filled with broken junk. I wanted to draw connections to something greater, but you really have to stretch to find a greater meaning to that. What really threw me off about it was the oppression history exhibit on the second floor. It reminded me of every history class in college, and not in a good way. It was preachy and dull. It made feel like it was pushing morals instead of just going over Santa Cruz history, which in of itself is actually pretty cool. Overall, for the price, I don't think I'll go again. It cost $10 to get in, and I'd rather go to beach and get a glass of wine or go biking around Santa Cruz on those red rental bikes. The opportunity cost is just too high for a meh museum.

Went to the Museum of Art & History @ the McPherson Center Sun 1/10/10. It's across from Woodstock's Pizza & Trader Joe's on Front St. There's meter parking in front of the museum and a public parking lot nearby. It's $5pp to see the museum. Plan for at least 1hr to see the small museum. No photos, no backpacks allowed. We saw Rydell Visual Arts Fellows now thru March 14, 2010 - just ok. Covering Ground: New Works on Paper by Robynn Smith thru 3/7/10 - ok. Saw Jim Scoppettone & Family oil paintings now thru 3/14/10 - ok. There was an exhibit on Santa Cruz & the areas nearby local history - ok. They have a small sculpture garden outside the 2nd Fl. By the front lobby/ticket counter are some books & other stuff you can buy. Worth going if you have 1hr to spend in Downtown Santa Cruz. Hrs: Tu-Sun 11-5 First Fri of the month FREE admission & extended hrs 11a-9p Website: www.santacruzmah.org

Enjoyed the new exhibit exploring the long use of migrant farm labor for the California agricultural sector. Really makes you think about the life experiences of those who bring us the food we need to live!

MAH is alive and well, with two great shows this summer! We just happened to be downtown for dinner on First Friday, and walked into a show on the 2nd floor called Strange Weather. Great private collection featuring various artists from the 20th and 21st century! Then on the 3rd floor, a show about Aspen in the 60's, called Freak Power - very interesting and great 60's vintage screened poster art. We were happily impressed!

While it is a bit disjointed. Spanning 3 stories, with only a room or two on each floor. It's confusing. Feels like you might accidentally walk into someone's office. But other than that, this museum is off the hook. It's relevant. Interactive. Community oriented. And the location is ideal. Right downtown. It's always changing. Current. You will walk away knowing something you didn't know, and if you're open to it, feeling something you didn't know you could feel. Don't miss it.

We stopped in here because there was a Screaming Hand exhibit going on while we were in town. Cool museum, glad we got to see the Screaming Hand art, as we are big fans of the work. The other exhibits were cool as well. Staff was very friendly, gave good recommendations on where to check out in the short time we had in Santa Cruz.

I love attending this museum. I've never attended an institution that felt so culturally significant to me before. I came here with my girlfriend to see 'Guided by Ghosts' exhibit, and it had me swirling with emotions connecting it to my own family history. This is honestly the first museum I would have loved to sign up for a membership/donation.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is a community center, an art gallery and a gathering place for visitors, artists and every day people. They offer a wide range of shows and interactive events each year. All captions and signage are bilingual in English/Spanish.

This museum is our community treasure! Please drop by and visit; the people working there are so kind and cool, the exhibits are varied and life-changing. Thank you MAH, Cynthia S

This is Santa Cruz at its best. Great exhibits, amazing layout, kid friendly. There are little touches everywhere that just make you smile. The food area is divine. There is something for everyone and a perfect addition to downtown that ties the past in with the present. The staff is phenomenal. I wish I could give this 10 stars.

Santa Cruz MAH is a leader in museum engagement. Just you watch. The innovation and programming happening here is thoughtful, community-minded and mission-driven for social change and good. Go! Check out the MAH. You won't be sorry. I particularly enjoy the Friday night and Sunday programming. It's easy to find different things to fit your fancy. First floor is free (I believe always) but exhibits are on 2 and 3. I also find the sculpture garden a hidden Santa Cruz secret.

I am always amazed by the engagement the MAH can create with the community. The GLOW festival was amazing. I kicked off my evening with the fire drums, great interactive fun. We then headed to the virtual reality display for something we have never done. The fire dancers wowed us with their amazing performance. Mouth wide open and mesmerized by the hula hoop fire performer. Satans calliope was loud and was an over the top performance leaving you scratching your head laughing. The Blue Sky balloon exhibit was cool. The Regeneracion piñata art was a great reminder to cherish all art and help it survive no matter the emotions evoked by the piece. Love the MAH cool hip traditional cutting edge it's got it all with friendly engaging staff! 10 stars if I could.

We've been members at the mah and have loved it since we moved to Santa Cruz 4 years ago. We got to go again today, on a private appointment, and felt super comfortable! We're so excited to be able to visit again.

We became MAH members before we were parents and loved going out to view the exhibits before meeting up with friends or grabbing a drink at Abbot square. Although our visits are a little different now as parents the MAH is still on of our favorite places to go out to and is so kid friendly!

Such a great community hub. They work with so many awesome local groups, nonprofits, and businesses to put on things that are relevant and actually interesting. Like dia de los muertos with Senderos and wreath making with the farmers market! If you have something you want to share with Santa Cruz this museum is there for you. So good.

We just had 30 minutes to explore the MAH, all to ourselves. I especially enjoyed the exhibit that featured local artists' response to the challenges of the past year: covid, the fires, and the movement for social justice. It was informative, serious but also with some humor, thought-provoking, and colorful. The museum had just re-opened and offered 1/2 hour sessions to be reserved, meaning a pod of up to 5 people would have the whole run of the place. No crowds, no craning to see things (I'm short, so this is a big deal), just time to wander and absorb what was there.

I used to go here a lot when I was in elementary school. It can't be compared to the small museums of San Francisco, but since Santa Cruz ain't that much of a museum town, it holds its own in the city. The history section proves pretty boring for kids, though there is a dress up box for them to play with. The art can be good, or incredibly boring, like all art galleries. The best thing: It only costs $5 for adults, $2(!) for teens (12-17) and is completely free for kids!