EXHIBITIONS
NOW OPEN
NOW OPEN
SPECTACLE: Rare and Astonishing Photography by National Geographic: Enter a world of wonder through the lens of the legendary National Geographic photographers. Spectacle is a stunning collection of breathtaking, large-scale images capturing some of the most extraordinary moments on Earth—from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of humanity's spirit.
A DAY WITH DAVID BOWIE: Step into the orbit of one of music’s most iconic figures. This intimate photographic exhibition explores David Bowie’s essence and artistic energy through rare images, featuring moments captured by Christine de Grancy during Bowie’s time with Brian Eno and the artists of Gugging. A tribute to imagination, rebellion, and reinvention.
A TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS & COMMUNITY: A heartfelt exhibit honoring the bravery of firefighters, paramedics, and community heroes who stood on the front lines during the devastating LA fires. This moving installation pays tribute to their strength, courage, and the enduring spirit of the communities they protect.
Past
Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors
Monsters are real and they are closer than you think.
Explore the origins and evolution of monsters in this immersive exhibit. Come face-to-face with fearsome creatures that have prowled our imaginations through the ages.
Sept 13, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025
Past
ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON: The Exhibition
Ever seen a dreamy place in real life and thought, ‘That totally belongs in a Wes Anderson film’? An Instagram sensation & best-selling book brought to life, Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is an IRL exploration of real-life locations from all 7 continents through the lens of Wes Anderson’s iconic aesthetic. After a huge success in Seoul, Tokyo and London, Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition makes its way to Los Angeles!
May 15 - August 18, 2024
Past
THE FANS STRIKE BACK
An exhibition unlike any other in the galaxy, The Fans Strike Back® gives fans of the universe’s most famous saga an up-close and personal look at one of the most extensive private Star Wars collections found between Las Vegas and Tatooine. Showcasing hundreds of unique collectables, sculptures, life-size figures, lightsabers, blasters and more, The Fans Strike Back® takes guests on a journey to the resistance as well as to the dark side.
October 5, 2023 - January 7, 2024
ELEPHANT PARADE
In celebration of World Elephant Day on August 12, the SANTA MONICA ART MUSEUM in collaboration with the worldwide exhibition Elephant Parade®, is proud to announce a selection of handcrafted five-foot-tall elephant sculptures from the creative minds of entertainment icons including Katy Perry, Tiésto, Lily Tomlin, Khloé Kardashian, Cesar Millan and Oliver Benjamin.
August 12 - September 22
LOOKING WEST
Looking West brings together 20 artists working on the West Coast, inviting them to exhibit a diverse array of work concerned with with how we look at each other, our world, and the act of art-making.
February 17 - July 21, 2023
WHAT IS AN ART MUSEUM?
December 17, 2022 - February 16, 2023
We opened our doors with intentionally blank walls as a “blank space” and invited artists to begin using the space immediately. Over the course of a few months, exciting regional artists helped us define “What is an art museum?” and who we want to be by using our 7,000 sq/ft space to exhibit their work and hold conversations as we evolved.