Santa Monica, a beachfront city in western LA County, located on Santa Monica Bay, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and surrounded by Los Angeles on its other sides.
Santa Monica blends oceanfront energy with high-impact arts, performance spaces, history, and public culture outreach, making it a creative incubator that young makers actually live, work, and dream in. This city isn’t just about sunsets. It boasts over 170 murals, world-class galleries, artist residencies, theaters, museums, and cultural institutions that keep the arts alive both on the street and in the studio. From experimental performance labs and coast-inspired exhibitions to theater stages and creative workshops, Santa Monica is built for creative exploration.
Explore a sampling of studio labs, public art, performance venues, and libraries in Santa Monica below.
- Santa Monica Public Library: Free access to books, digital tools, maker-friendly events and study spaces. 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | (310) 458-8600 | library@santamonica.gov | Instagram
- Camera Obscura Art Lab: Historic art center with community arts programming and exhibitions. 1450 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | (310) 458-2239 | culture@santamonica.gov
- Virginia Avenue Park: Community park with library branch, teen center, and creative events. 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404 | (310) 458-8688 | vap@santamonica.gov | Facebook
- Highways Performance Space & Gallery: Experimental performance space centered on new works, music, and spoken word. 1651 18th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404 | (310) 453-1755 | admin@highwaysperformance.org | Instagram
- 18th Street Arts Center: Historic arts venue hosting concerts, theater shows, and cultural gatherings. 1639 18th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404 | (310) 453-3711 | admin18@18thstreet.org | Instagram
Find more local news and events like performing arts events in Santa Monica Mirror.
Hometown Heroes: Notable creatives hailing from Santa Monica
- Singer-songwriter-producer Teena Marie
- Actor-comedian-musician Jack Black
- Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante
- Actor-screenwriter-producer Larry David
- Photographer Helen K. Garber
- Michelin-starred culinary artist Josiah Citrin
