DISCOVER CULTURE AND CREATIVITY IN SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica Celebrates the Arts with Unique Collections, Performances and Programs
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 15, 2024) – From street murals and theaters to ceramics studios and numerous galleries, Santa Monica has long been a hub for arts & culture in Greater Los Angeles, upholding the importance of creativity. The city’s arts and culture landscape thrives with local and international artists, creators and performers inviting visitors to step into a destination flowing with creativity. Art of all kinds is celebrated here in Santa Monica with traditional museums, vibrant street art, stellar live performances, immersive workshops and even a leading international art fair setting their stage in Santa Monica.
Museums & Galleries
Santa Monica is home to over 55 museums, galleries and creative venues showcasing works ranging from contemporary art pieces to priceless items with rich history. One such institution is Bergamot Station Arts Center, the largest art gallery and cultural complex of its kind on the west coast with over 100 years of history as an active railroad station and factory before being repurposed as a creative campus. Bergamot Station contains over 25 individual galleries and creative venues highlighting rising artists, abstract pieces, stunning photography, architectural design and more. The complex’s location near delicious restaurant options including Le Great Outdoor and Birdie G’s make for a lovely afternoon of fine art and fine dining.
Art is undoubtedly a force for good, as evidenced by 18th Street Arts Center’s groundbreaking work over its 30-year history. 18th Street Arts Center is dedicated to supporting the creation of meaningful work, utilizing performance art and fine art to foster positive social change and support engaging, diverse artists. The Center also hosts the largest artist residency program in Southern California, providing artists space to create and share the impactful results with the public through exhibition and community engagement programs.
Visitors can also get a glimpse into rich local history at museums like the Museum of Flying. The family-favorite museum delves into the history of the Santa Monica Airport featuring historic Douglas World Cruisers, a U.S. Navy Skyhawk and a replica of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s biplane. Meanwhile, the California Heritage Museum presents exhibitions promoting the history and cultures of the people that comprise our California community with artifacts including folk art, craftsman furniture and photography that tells a story.
Adjacent to the Santa Monica Public Library’s main location, the Santa Monica History Museum features several dedicated permanent exhibits exploring the life of the Tongva people as Santa Monica’s original inhabitants, the story of Santa Monica’s oldest local newspaper and how the city evolved as an internationally-beloved destination.
Arts & Culture Events
Santa Monica is proud to host the internationally acclaimed Frieze Los Angeles art event at the Santa Monica Airport each year. The city hosted the fifth edition of the event in 2024, celebrating the dynamic culture of Los Angeles and the region’s global contributions to the arts. The event showcased nearly 100 galleries from all around the world including ambitious installations, a host of collaborations and offerings from several beloved local restaurants.
Santa Monica welcomes an all-new arts & culture event this year with DNA Festival, standing for Digital New Arts Festival. The inaugural iteration of the festival will include exhibitions, installations, panel discussions and performances throughout Santa Monica’s creative venues including Bergamot Station Arts Center, 18th Street Arts Center and Santa Monica College now through November.
Street Art
Art is all around you during a visit to Santa Monica! With over 170 murals across the city, there is color and inspiration to be found around many corners. Several city organizations came together with a vision of the transformational power of art, partnering with Beautify Earth to plant creativity in unassuming places around the city. Beautify Earth is a non-profit on a mission to incorporate art into everyday life through partnerships with local artists and the creation of murals like those found in Santa Monica.
Visitors are invited to embark on a self-guided walking tour developed by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism highlighting murals located across all eight Santa Monica neighborhoods. Travelers can navigate the city’s street art scene easily with specially designed maps and learn more about each mural at santamonica.com.
Stage & Screen
Sit back and enjoy incredible live performances for all audiences with venues showcasing theatre, music, dance, comedy and more. Visitors are welcome to catch a musical at the Santa Monica Playhouse, see a play at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre or take in City Garage Theatre’s original works and reimagined classics. Meanwhile, the impressive Eli and Edythe BroadStage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center has hosted performances from legendary acts such as Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone and Helen Hunt. The grand venue welcomes performances of many genres including theatre, dance, film, opera, symphony and more.
For film enthusiasts, the Aero Theatre is a must-visit venue allowing audiences today to experience Hollywood classics and historic cinema on the silver screen. Many showings are accompanied by special programming and unforgettable in-person discussions with filmmakers and leaders in cinema, providing priceless insight into the films shown at the theatre.
Visitors looking for a laugh are sure to find an abundance at The Crow comedy club. Standing for “Comedy Reflects Our World,” The Crow shares a passion for comedy as a platform for expression and social progress, providing a safe stage for all including kid-friendly shows the whole family can enjoy. Guests are also welcome to tell their best jokes during open-mic sessions and grow their comedic confidence with stand-up classes.
To learn more about Santa Monica’s arts and culture landscape, visit
santamonica.com/arts-and-culture.
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contact
Emily Ohara
Public Relations Manager
eohara@santamonica.com
