Monrovia Historical Museum

Have you visited the Museum lately?

Whether you’re an old-time Monrovian or a new transplant, an Angeleno or an out-of-towner, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of our exhibits and the depth of our stories. Come see us on Thursdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
We will be CLOSED on May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend).

In addition to our new Diversity Exhibit, unveiled during our well attended 30th Anniversary event last November, we also have a brand-new exhibit on “Lost Businesses of Monrovia.” If you have a photo of a business in Monrovia that is no longer here, we invite you to bring it to the museum, and we can feature it in our display!

Also currently on display is a rotating exhibit by local artists in partnership with MAFA (Monrovia Association of Fine Arts). Our featured artist is John Parker, whose formal training began right here in our city's Monrovia High School! Through the direction of the late Dorothy Clemmons, he learned to develop and refine his talent. John's work has been recognized by many organizations, including a Bank of America Achievement Award, Rotary Craft Award in Oil Painting, First Student "One Man Art Show" at CalPoly San Luis Obispo, only to name a few. Come see his work on display in our west wing, framed and ready for sale!

Other Monrovia Events Affecting the Museum:
May 21 - Monrovia Days
> monroviadays.org (museum booth participation)

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Review our "General Information" page for Covid-19 protocol information and holiday closures. Keep up with our latest news on our Facebook page.

Overview

Front view of Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia, California, March 2023

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The Monrovia Historical Museum occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool, known as the "Plunge." The former dressing rooms now comprise our two exhibit wings, covering more than 8000 square feet.

The Historic Monrovia Wing introduces the Monroe Family and the town they helped establish, including the famous Pottenger Sanatorium and the Pacific Electric Red Car. Exhibits in this wing depict life in Monrovia in the early 1900s, including faithful reconstructions of a turn-of-the-century kitchen and parlor, a 1907 classroom tribute to Monrovia's early grade schools, a diversity exhibit, and an interactive police department exhibit.

The Historic Collections Wing includes a Natural History section showcasing unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays. This wing also includes our special collections of vintage telephones and cameras, an exhibit dedicated to Monrovia's fire department, military service men and women, and much more.
Docent-led tours are available.

The Monrovia Historical Museum Foundation acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Kizh-Gabrieleño People.