The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (the MAH) was founded in 1996 to inspire new ways of thinking through the cultivation, exhibition, interpretation and intersection of contemporary art and history.  The MAH’s exhibitions, curricula, and public programs bring together diverse audiences to engage more deeply with each other, fostering critical discourse about our past and present in fun, educational ways.

The MAH achieves its mission by:

• Presenting art and history exhibitions that are educational, inspiring, engaging and highlight the rich and vibrant cultures that live in our community
• Collaborating with community partners to further our reach across the California Central Coast and Greater Bay Area
• Maintaining a permanent collection and archives of contemporary art and historical artifacts and making these assets more accessible to visitors, educators, and students
• Stewarding the land and programs, and hosting school groups and tours around Davenport Jail and Evergreen Cemetery
• Stewarding the Kincentricity Garden in partnership with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
• Serving as the cornerstone of Downtown Santa Cruz through our Abbott Square location and ensuring this space is a vibrant town square