Dia de los Muertos at the Santa Monica History Museum

Join us for music, dance, and shared memories as the past and present unite in a powerful celebration of life and legacy.

Extended hours and free admission:
November 1st:  1:30pm to 5pm
November 2nd: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

The Santa Monica History Museum is excited to announce the return of a special pop-up exhibition in observance of Día de los Muertos, showcasing the creative talents of local school students from across Los Angeles. This heartfelt celebration invites the community to experience a night of culture, connection, and memory.

This immersive event goes beyond exhibition—it’s an invitation to reflect and remember. Students from local schools present altars, each honoring the memories and legacies of ancestors, family, and friends. The evening will be filled with vibrant energy with student mariachi and special performances culminating in the symbolic opening of the portals that welcome the spirits of the departed back into our world.

Visitors are encouraged to participate by adding photos of their loved ones to the altars, making this event a collective expression of remembrance and celebration.

Día de los Muertos is a time when the veil between worlds grows thin, allowing us to reconnect with the loved ones who have shaped us. The museum invites the community to share in this joyous and reflective moment—where culture, history, art, and emotion intersect.