New Exhibit Opening
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The Santa Monica History Museum is excited to announce it will display an exhibition of rare material about the Santa Monica Pier from the early 20th century from Tuesday, November 5, 2019, through Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Santa Monica History Museum at 1350 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
On November 5th, the Santa Monica History Museum invites you to join us for our newest exhibition, Santa Monica Pleasure Pier: A Look Back to 1917 from Today. The museum will present a series of rare historical photographs and artifacts that explore the transformation of Santa Monica’s now world-famous pier from municipal utility into the “Pleasure Pier,” the earliest iteration of today’s famous pier, from the turn of the century to early 1930s.
In 1916, Charles Looff opened his “Pleasure Pier” – a hub for family entertainment and relaxation, from amusements to musical performances to picnics. In 1917, Mr. Looff prepared an elaborate “Prospectus Book” to entice investors. This detailed book, now in the collection of Stephen Raul Anaya, offers an intriguing glimpse into life in Santa Monica in 1917. The book includes rarely seen photographs, drawings for proposed structures, and some of the confidential financial information presented to potential investors. The Museum will display the original book and a full-size facsimile for visitors to review, as well as large reproductions of featured images alongside the contemporary photographs compiled by author Michael Murphy and photographer Jens Lucking that merge the past and present in an original and enlightening way.
The exhibit is a companion to Murphy’s award-winning book of the same title (released on October 12), available in the museum’s gift shop. In addition to the material about the 1917 pier, the exhibit will feature historical photos and ephemera from the museum’s permanent collection to give visitors a taste of life in Santa Monica from the turn of the century to the 1930s.
The museum, and this exhibit, are open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays noon to 8:00 PM, and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays. General admission for adults is $10.00 ($15 for 2 adults) and $5.00 for seniors & students. Veterans, active-duty military, children 12 and under, and Santa Monica History Museum members receive free admission. Please direct questions to John Klopping, Museum Manager, at (310) 395-2290 or info@santamonicahistory.org.