The Museum of History and Culture La Jolla (MHC La Jolla) celebrates the history and culture of this region along the water’s edge through interdisciplinary programs, exhibitions, and research that challenge expectations. It balances contemporary and historic perspectives to create understanding and connection.
In our Wisteria Cottage galleries, the museum provides high quality, rotating exhibitions that explore the rich culture of La Jolla and interpret history for contemporary audiences. Our education programs include a variety of adult and youth learning opportunities throughout the year. The archive consists of photographs, postcards, architectural drawings, and oral history recordings; plus collections of local newspapers, street and land use files, and business and personal documents. These resources are available to the public at our Office and Research Center. Our mission includes consulting with the City of San Diego regarding historic preservation of properties in La Jolla.
Our public outreach programs include two annual community events. In May of each year, we present the Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla for visitors from throughout San Diego County and beyond to view private gardens in the community. In October of each year, we celebrate the unique architecture of La Jolla with our annual La Jolla Modernism Home Tour followed by Architecture Week.
Visit MHC La Jolla the second Sunday every month for our FREE FAMILY DAY EVENTS!
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Current Exhibition
Scientific Art of Historic Preservation
September 26, 2026 – January 31, 2027
The Scientific Art of Historic Preservation explores the hidden processes behind saving historic places. Through material analysis, architectural investigation, conservation techniques, and stories from preservation specialists, the exhibition reveals how historic buildings act as physical archives of craftsmanship, trade, design, and community life.
Using Wisteria Cottage alongside regional and national examples, the exhibition invites visitors to see preservation not simply as restoration, but as discovery: peeling back layers of paint, wood, plaster, and history to better understand the people and ideas that shaped the built environment.
Curated by Heather Crane, AIA
Guided Walking Tours
Join us for historic walking tours of La Jolla and experience its unique history, architecture, landscape and more with MHC La Jolla Historian, Carol Olten.
Visit Museum of History and Culture La Jolla
Address:
Wisteria Cottage | 780 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA
92037
Phone:
(858) 459-5335
Hours:
Wisteria Cottage Galleries
Wednesday - Sunday
Noon - 4 p.m.
Office & Research Center
Monday - Friday
10 AM to 4 PM
Website:
780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA
