Exhibitions at the MAH

Take an inspired break among art outdoors. Explore outdoor sculpture – and the surrounding Santa Cruz vistas – from the museum’s permanent collection in this quiet rooftop space.

Explore the important contributions, impact, and history of the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Cruz County.

Growing Community through Learning Gardens.

Honor the legacy of Roy and Frances Rydell and the creativity of Santa Cruz County in an exhibition featuring the 2024-2025 Rydell Visual Arts Fund recipients, María Isabel LeBlanc, Shirin Towfiq, Louise Leong, and Christian Rex van Minnen.

Calling all ceramic artists and lovers of clay creations! This exhibition will honor the deep legacy of ceramic art in Santa Cruz County and the broader Northern California, while celebrating the new community of ceramists producing amazing work.

Photo: Stan Welsh, Smile, 2025. Clay and glaze with gold luster glaze, 32 x 18 x 12"

In celebration of the MAH’s 30 year anniversary, this exhibition will highlight some of the artwork and artifacts from our permanent collection. Also artist Joshua Moreno will create a site specific installation inspired by the MAH’s historical archives.

Image: Sam Jablon, Vicousss, 2023. Oil on linen. Collection of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Gift of Max Werner

Sharing the beauty of plants can inspire greater protection of California’s unique flora, which has been cared for by California’s Indigenous people for millennia.

Photo: Linnea Gullikson, Rosa Californica

Ready to level up your video game knowledge? American arcades have been around since the dime museums and amusement parlors of the 19th century.

A crocheted cotton yarn sculpture from artist Ashley V. Blalock.

A pop up exhibit that bridges the gap that often exists in our minds between art and science.

A pop up exhibit that explores the connections between climate tipping points, and how we can care for each other and the environment.

A temporary exhibition of two new sculptures by internationally-renowned artist Michael Whiting located in our Sculpture Garden!

A pop up exhibit highlighting surf history in Live Oak.

A pop up exhibit with artwork inspired by birdwatching in the area, as well as Live Oak history that makes it inviting for our feathered friends.

An exhibit highlighting 50 years of Santa Cruz Guitar Company's history and impact.

The “HERstory” display is inspired by the popular annual HERstory event hosted each year at the MAH to kick off Women’s History Month. HERstory celebrates the important women of Santa Cruz County—past, present, and future.