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Museums and galleries in Monterey

7 museums and galleries in Monterey, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Museums and galleries in Monterey

  1. See

    Cooper Molera Adobe

    An adobe from 1827 which now houses a small museum, a garden, cafe, restaurant and event venue. Formerly the site was part of the Monterey State Historic Park but now is owned by National Trust for Historic Preservation. The ground floor museum exhibit is open on weekends but the rest of the museum is closed due to COVID.

    Sat Sun 10AM-4PMfree

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    Custom House

    Oldest government building in California and first designated California Historical Landmark. First floor is a small museum and gift shop.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

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    Maritime Museum of History

    Showcases exhibits that revolve around Monterey's history as a port, and the history of both seafaring and commercial fishing, from the whaling era to the present day.

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    Monterey Museum of Art

    It has two locations. The 559 Pacific Street location, across from Colton Hall, has eight galleries, with both permanent and rotating exhibitions. The La Mirada building is one of Monterey's Mexican-era adobes. Located at 720 Via Mirada, near Monterey Peninsula College, it has four galleries, plus great views of Monterey Bay. Admission is $10, with $5 admission for students and military. One Thursday a month, the Pacific Street location hosts "Art After Hours," with free admission, light appetizers and drinks.

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    Pacific House Museum

    Offers detailed displays on local history and Native American life.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree

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    Presidio of Monterey Museum

    Gives the history of the Presidio of Monterey from pre-history through the War on Terror.

    Sat-Sun noon-4PMfree

  7. See Not mapped

    Heritage Center Museum

    Located in the Parish Offices Building east of the cathedral is a small museum which contains part of the Junipero Oak. Closed due to COVID.

    Sun 10AM-noon 1-3PMfree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Monterey (CC BY-SA 4.0).