Connect with local history, creativity and novelty

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The Monterey County Arts Council has compiled a list of local galleries here.

MONTEREY COUNTY
Center for Photographic Art
Founded in 1988, the Center for Photographic Art strives to advance the Central Coast’s distinctive photographic art through education, exhibition and publication.
Where: Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel (831) 625-5181
When: Wed-Sun 12-4

Monterey Museum of Art
This inviting, three-story landmark is located across from historic Colton Hall in the heart of Old Monterey. The Museum features eight galleries devoted to exhibitions of American and early California painting, photography and contemporary art.
Where: 559 Pacific Street, Monterey (831) 372.5477
When: Thurs-Sun 11-5
Parking: Two-hour free street parking is available.
Cost: $15/adults, 50% off if you ride a bike. Students/others FREE

Salinas Valley Art Gallery
The Valley Art Gallery, an artist’s cooperative, has been serving the valley since 1976. The goal of our founders forty plus years ago was to bring fine art to the Salinas Valley and the Central Coast. Many years later, Valley Art Gallery still brings the best in Steinbeck Country fine art to visitors and residents alike.
Where: 218 Main Street, Salinas (831) 422-4162

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Cabrillo College Gallery
As one of the largest college galleries in the Monterey Bay Area the Cabrillo Gallery hosts 6 exhibitions annually. With a focus on national and international artists, the gallery also hosts a very popular annual student exhibition.
Where: 6500 Soquel Drive (Library Bldg. #1002), Aptos (831) 479-6308
When: Mon-Fri 9-4, Wed & Thurs 6-8

Eloise Pickard Smith Art Gallery
The first gallery on the UCSC campus, The Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery, was named after the wife of the first Provost of Cowell College, Page Smith. Eloise was an artist, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to head the California Arts Council and also an outspoken proponent of the arts, the gallery’s main focus has been art of the Monterey Bay region.
Where: UCSC Cowell College (831) 459-2953
When: Tues 3:30-5, Wed 12-5, Thurs 3:30-7, Fri & Sat 12-5

Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
An energetic laboratory on the UC Santa Cruz campus, the gallery brings the direct experience of contemporary art to a broad cross-section of the public, representing a range of methods, media and cultures.
UCSC Porter College (831) 459-3606

Museum of Art & History
Special exhibitions explore art forms from modern to contemporary with themes ranging from traditional to cutting edge explorations of the digital world. The outdoor sculpture garden is a rooftop gallery for the Museum’s collection in granite, bronze and clay and offers a unique view of the coastal mountain range including Loma Prieta. Free First Friday of each month / extended hours to 9:00 pm
705 Front Street, Downtown Santa Cruz (831) 429-1964

Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery
The Pajaro Valley Arts Council Gallery presents rotating contemporary visual art exhibitions showcasing the diversity and talent of our regional artists. Visit our exceptional outdoor sculpture garden at Sierra Azul Nursery located at 2660 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville Free Admission – Donations appreciated
37 Sudden Street, Watsonville (831) 722-3062

R. Blitzer Gallery
2801 Mission St, Santa Cruz (831) 458-1217

Santa Cruz Art League
One of the oldest art organizations of the west, the Santa Cruz Art League creates an environment for the various stages of the creative path; to network , find inspiration and support. SCAL provides exhibits, performances and educational programs for all ages. Approximately fourteen art exhibitions a year. Free admission.
526 Broadway, Santa Cruz Eastside (831) 426-5787

Mountain Art Center
Our Gallery features a wide variety of fine arts and crafts all handmade by local artists. Paintings (oils, acrylics, watercolors, digital), Jewelry, Ceramics, Textiles, Glass, Wood, Basketry and more! Free admission & parking.Art Classes for all ages, Free music and art Events year-round
9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond (831) 336-3513

Art of Santa Cruz
Art of Santa Cruz is a display and sales venue featuring the work of almost 150 Santa Cruz County fine artists and craftspeople. Free admission & parking.
Located in the Capitola Mall

Tannery Arts Center
This 8.2-acre campus offers 28 working studios, home to 55 artists, and 8 art cooperatives. Exhibitions, classes, dance, music, drama, workshops, visual, literary, and performing arts. Open to the public – Studios Open 1st Friday each month (6 – 9 p.m.). Free admission & parking
1050 River Street, Santa Cruz (831) 621-6226

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MONTEREY COUNTY

Custom House Monterey
At one time, the Custom House presided over Mexico’s primary port of entry on the Alta California coast. It was here that Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the American flag in July 1846, claiming over 600,000 square miles of territory for the United States. This building is recognized as the oldest government building in California. It is State Historic Landmark #1. 20 Custom House Plaza (831) 649-7118

Molera Ranch House Big Sur
Once a part of the El Sur land grant, the Molera Ranch House was the home of the ranch foreman. The restored home gives visitors a glimpse into Big Sur’s rich past. The museum includes displays and artifacts about Big Sur pioneers, authors, artists, and the coast’s rich flora and fauna. Andrew Molera State Park, 45500 Highway 1

National Steinbeck Center Salinas
A memorial museum dedicated to the author John Steinbeck. 1 Main St. (831) 796-3833

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Pacific Grove
Exhibits, lectures, Science Saturdays, citizen science, youth events. 173 Forest Ave, (831) 648-5716

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Agriculture History Project Museum, Watsonville
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. Watsonville (831) 724-5898

Aptos History Museum, Aptos
Collection of local artifacts, photographs, and information.
7605 Old Dominion Court (831) 688-1467

Capitola Historical Museum, Capitola
410 Capitola Rd.(831) 464-0322

Quail Hollow Ranch, Felton
Tour the home of the founders of Sunset magazine. Park, recreation areas.
800 Quail Hollow Rd. (831) 335-9348

Rodgers House, Watsonville
Built in the 1870’s and moved to its current location at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in 1998. National landmark.
2601 East Lake (at the Fairgrounds) (831) 724-5671

San Lorenzo Valley Historical Museum, Boulder Creek
Preserving and sharing the history of the San Lorenzo Valley.
12547 Highway 9 (831) 338-8382

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Downtown Santa Cruz
Artifacts from the mission.
144 School St. (831) 425-5849

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Eastside
1305 East Cliff Dr. (831) 420-6115

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Santa Cruz Westside
Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum opened its doors in June 1986 as the first surfing museum in the world.
701 West Cliff Dr. (831)420-6289

Soquel Pioneer & History Association, Soquel
Collection in the Porter Memorial Library.
3050 Porter St.

Wilder Ranch State Park Santa Cruz Westside
Preserved ranch house, barns and equipment from another era.
1788 Coast Rd.

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Museums & Art Galleries

Museums & Art Galleries

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