Exhibition Opening Weekend with Free Family Art Workshop

Exhibition Opening: Roots and Branches: A Tree's View of Santa Monica

SMHM welcomes the community to explore the museum and our new exhibition, 'Roots and Branches: A Tree's View of Santa Monica' opening Friday, January 31.
Admission will be FREE all weekend and includes participation in our Sunday, family-friendly creative workshop exploring botanical art techniques. Workshop 2/2, 2 pm- 4 pm. Space is limited; RSVP appreciated, [email protected]
Free Museum Hours:
Friday, January 31, 11 am - 5 pm.
Saturday, February 1, 11 am - 5 pm.
Sunday, February 2, 11 am - 5 pm, workshop 2 pm - 4 pm.

In observance of the city's 150th anniversary, the Santa Monica History Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibition delving into the intricate connections between trees, urban development, and the cultural and environmental history of Santa Monica. The exhibition promises to engage audiences with a thoughtful exploration of how nature and humanity have coexisted—and often clashed—over centuries.

Through evocative historical narratives, rare photographs, and interactive displays, Roots and Branches chronicles the evolving role of trees in Santa Monica. Key landmarks, such as Palisades Park, where trees planted in the late 19th century symbolized civic pride, come to life in the exhibit. Visitors are also invited to consider the consequences of discriminatory practices such as redlining, which left some neighborhoods disproportionately deprived of tree canopy and public green space, perpetuating environmental and social inequities.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Santa Monica History Museum, 1350 7th Street, Santa Monica, United States