The Monterey History & Art Association at Stanton Center is located next to Old Fisherman's Wharf near the Waterfront Parking Lot. This museum has outstanding exhibits well worth visiting. They also have special events, too. Their hours are Thursday - Monday from Noon to 4 pm More details are at montereyhistory.org. Here's just a few of their exhibits:

Bounty of the Sea

Bounty of the Sea tells the fascinating story of the Italian Fishermen and Festa Italia in Monterey. 

Event produced by the Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula and Festa Italia. This captivating exhibit is a collaborative endeavor featuring written and photographic contributions from diverse communities.

Explore the rich tapestry of Monterey’s fishing heritage, spanning from indigenous fishing practices to the contributions of Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, and Sicilian/Italian fishermen. Immerse yourself in the colorful stories of Festa Italia, the Western Flyer Foundation, and the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, all of which have left an indelible mark on the region’s fishing traditions.

Through a compelling collection of artifacts, photographs, and narratives, this exhibit offers a profound journey into the history, cultures, and innovations that have shaped Monterey’s enduring connection to the sea. Discover the evolution of fishing practices, the resilience of fishing communities, and the vital role they play in preserving the Monterey Bay’s maritime heritage.

Kazuhiko Sano

Adjacent to Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront Parking Lot,  a fascinating new exhibit opens on August 3rd at Monterey History and Art at the Stanton Center, showcasing the extraordinary illustrations of Kazuhiko Sano (1952–2011) in the Visiting Artist Gallery. Known for his iconic works like the Return of the Jedi poster and the Frank Sinatra U.S. stamp, Sano blended fine art and popular culture with unmatched skill. Born in Tokyo and later based in San Francisco, Sano left a lasting legacy through his work for National Geographic, Scientific American, and exhibitions around the world. Museum hours are Thursday through Monday from noon to 4 pm,

Opens August 3, 2025

Jo Mora: Cartographer

July 2024 – June 2026

Monterey History and Art Association’s Stanton Center and Theater has an outstanding exhibit, “Jo Mora: Cartographer,” the largest collection of Jo Mora’s Cartes ever displayed. Twenty-two cartes created by beloved artist Joseph Jacinto Mora (1876-1947) are now on display, including Mora’s “Seventeen Mile” carte, which has recently been re-dated to 1935. Highlights of this exhibit, curated by MHAA Board Member, Scott Gale, in association with Jo Mora expert, Peter Hiller and historian Neil Hoteling, also include four versions of the carte, “Evolution of the Cowboy,” and three versions of the “Yosemite” carte (black and white and two color). The exhibit will run through August 31, 2025. 

For children, a Scavenger Hunt sheet can be obtained at the Stanton Center reception desk. The Scavenger Hunt asks kids to find mermaids, a giant pumpkin and other fun images in the cartes. Kids who compete in the Scavenger Hunt will receive a prize.

Exhibit Catalog

Steinbeck in Monterey

January 24 – December 14, 2025

The City of Monterey was Steinbeck’s stomping ground through his childhood and into his thirties. Here, he had some of the foundational experiences of his life that appear in his writing, again and again. This exhibit explores the interplay between living and writing. 

On the Waterfront: The Chris Shake Collection

"On the Waterfront: The Chris Shake Collection" will include 40 large framed historic photos of the Monterey Waterfront in honor of Old Fisherman's Wharf's 180th Anniversary. 

November 1, 2025 - January 25, 2026