The Santa Monica Historical Society Museum (SMHSM) recently celebrated the lease signing for its future permanent home as part of the Santa Monica Public Library complex at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The new 5,000-square-foot facility, located around the corner at 1350 7th Street, is expected to open to the public in mid-2007. 

A $5 million capital campaign for the build-out and operation of the new museum was launched in September 2006. To date, the campaign has raised nearly $500,000. SMHSM continues to turn to the city's residents and business owners for support. Leading the museum’s fundraising efforts are Jean McNeil Wyner, chair of SMHSM’s board of directors, and Bob Gabriel, chair of the museum’s Permanent Home Committee. Contributions will be honored on the Wall of Legacy, a permanent fixture in the new museum. To contribute, or for more information, the public may call (310) 395-2290 or visit www.santamonicahistory.org.

Noted local Santa Monica architect Kristina Andresen was chosen by the museum’s board of directors to design the new museum’s space and displays. Born and raised in Santa Monica and active in community affairs, Andresen has worked for many high-profile clients in her career, including several in the entertainment area such as MGM, Disney Feature Animation, Lorimar Studios, Todd-AO studios, Telepictures and Liberty Livewire Studios, as well as several post-production and recording facilities. Her firm also has designed many technology-intensive facilities, including education buildings, laboratories, galleries and museums. 

"Santa Monica is my home, and I am proud to be contributing to the preservation of its unique and colorful history through my work for the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum," said Andresen.  "The museum and its exhibits will enable our children and future generations to have a greater appreciation and respect for the City of Santa Monica’s beautiful beaches and terrain, its stunning architecture, its wealth of art and artifacts, and its remarkably diverse culture," she added.

"Kristina has done a terrific job ensuring that the museum will be a user-friendly, state-of-the-art facility, and that it will not only be informational, but also stimulating and thought-provoking," said Louise Gabriel, president/CEO of the museum. "We expect it to attract many visitors and serve as a starting point for a wondrous journey of discovery for visitors as well as long-time residents."

Featured at the new Santa Monica Historical Society Museum will be art exhibitions, a large research library, educational programs, children, senior and family events, expanded outreach programs, collection preservation.  The museum also will have online access to historical images and many artifacts, documents and textiles and images that have been donated to the museum from private collectors and residents of Santa Monica. 

The museum's goal is to provide public access to its extensive collections through interpretive exhibitions, on- and off-site programs, and through archival research services for youths and adults. To learn more about SMHSM, please call (310) 395-2290 or visit www.santamonicahistory.org.

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