There’s so much to see at Santa Cruz Area Museums, and during the month of October, the Santa Cruz Museum Partnership is making it easy to visit your favorites--or discover a totally new spot--by offering free or reduced admission to many of them. Simply pick up your Museum Month Pass TODAY at Wonderland Toys in Aptos or at other locations sponsored by First5 and start exploring the fun during Santa Cruz County Museums Month!
The Capitola Historical Museum offers a new, major annual exhibition on the history and art of the area. The museum also provides rotating exhibitions at the Capitola Library and maintains extensive collections of Capitola related photographs and artifacts. The museum grounds include a furnished 1907 Beach Cottage and an early 20th century Bath House.
Admission is alway free. Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive a free Capitola sticker.
Capitola Historical Museum
410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
831-464-0322
Through groundbreaking, national-caliber art exhibitions and social justice initiatives, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences (IAS) creatively educates students and the public about urgent issues impacting our society with innovative approaches to art and equity. The IAS features state-of-the-art galleries, a screening room featuring curated programs of short, experimental films, and an event space for performances and lectures.
Admission is alway free. Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive a free IAS button, sticker and/or postcard.
Institute of the Arts and Sciences
100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-502-7252
Located just steps away from the ocean and Santa Cruz Wharf, the Sanctuary Exploration Center features state-of-the art exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the sanctuary and its incredible underwater environment. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's remarkable marine environment as well as their personal role in protecting one of our nation's underwater treasures.
Admission is alway free. Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive a 15% discount in the gift store and a sticker giveaway for kids.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
35 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-4181
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.
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive free admission.
Pajaro Valley Arts Council Gallery
37 Sudden Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
Sierra Azul Nursery
2660 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076
831-722-3062
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive free admission.
San Benito County Historical Society
The Wapple House Museum
498 5th Street, Hollister, CA 95023
San Benito County Historical Park
8300 Highway 25, Tres Pinos, CA 95075
831-635-0335
The San Lorenzo Valley Museum operates two galleries in buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Boulder Creek and Felton. The galleries host permanent and temporary exhibitions including national and California traveling exhibitions, and locally curated history, natural history, and contemporary art exhibitions, often in partnership with other institutions.
Admission is alway free. Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive 15% discount in the museum store and be entered into a drawing for the book "Albert's Ashes: A Peacock's Tail" by Jacquelyn Hendricks.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum
Grace Episcopal Gallery
12547 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery
6299 Gushee St, Felton, CA 95018
831-338-8382
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. We have approximately fourteen art exhibitions a year.
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive free admission.
Santa Cruz Art League
526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-426-5787
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery provides learning support during early childhood and elementary years – especially in language, gross and fine motor development, science, art, technology, and math. We create experiences that allow children to learn through social interaction, skill-building, observation, and experience. Come play to learn with us at the county’s only museum space 100% devoted to children and their caregivers.
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive half-off admission.
Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
1855 41st Ave C-10, Capitola, CA 95010
888-424-8035
Located in the oldest building in Santa Cruz, a restored adobe, exhibits feature California Indians and life during the Spanish Mission period. Park store sales support education in the parks.
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive free admission and make your own park button.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Visitor Center
144 School Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-5849
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is a thriving community gathering place in downtown Santa Cruz. The MAH offers a full slate of art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, educational programs, plus collaborative cultural events that uplift our Santa Cruz community. They welcome your next visit!
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive a 10% discount in the gallery store.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-429-1964
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has connected people to the wonders of nature for over 100 years. We highlight the region’s diverse plant, animal, and human communities from the shoreline of Monterey Bay to the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. We strive to connect people with nature and science to inspire stewardship of the natural world through educational programs and exhibits focused on the natural and cultural history of our region.
Museum month guests with a Museum Month Pass will receive free admission.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-420-6115
The Santa Cruz County Museums Partnership, is a collaborative association of non-profits, that promotes local art, natural and cultural history organizations to both visiting tourists and residents.