The Maritime Museum of Monterey can trace its origins as far back as 1931, when Amelie Elkinton, then curator of Monterey’s old Mexican-era Custom House, dreamed of a waterfront maritime museum. The Monterey History & Art Association first began its own quest for a waterfront museum in 1966. But the need became more pressing in 1970, when Adele Knight, widow of MHAA member and former Association president Allen Knight, donated her late husband’s extensive maritime collection to the Association.

The first Maritime Museum of Monterey opened in 1971 as the Allen Knight Maritime Museum, housed in the basement of the Monterey Museum of Art on Calle Principal. After extensive planning and fundraising, the new Maritime Museum of Monterey and History Center opened its doors on October 31, 1992.

Today the Maritime Museum holds almost 6000 artifacts, over 50,000 photographs, and 6000 books and papers in the collection. The 580 glass prisms of the historic Fresnel lens from the Point Sur Lightstation illuminate the Maritime Museum and its seven exhibit areas, from the Rumsien/Ohlone Indians and Spanish explorers, to the USS Macon and war in the Pacific, to Monterey’s era as the sardine capital of the world. 

The Allen Knight Collection

The Allen Knight Collection formed the core of the Monterey History & Art Association’s Maritime Museum.

Knight’s fascination with the sea had begun in his early childhood growing up in Carmel and San Francisco, when he heard stories about his grandfather’s experiences sailing around the Cape Horn bound for the California gold fields. In 1918, Knight signed on as an able-bodied seaman aboard the ship Falls of Clyde, an adventure that lasted only three months yet sparked an interest in everything nautical that stayed with him the rest of his life. By 1960, Knight’s collection included 9000 photographs, 250 logbooks, scores of ship registers going back to 1839, and 30 ship models.

The first Maritime Museum of Monterey opened in 1971 as the Allen Knight Maritime Museum. It was housed in the basement of the Monterey Museum of Art on Calle Principal but it was generally agreed the location was temporary until a new waterfront site could be found. In 1982, the Monterey City Council approved a proposal for a new museum to be built on the Custom House Plaza – but the city could not provide all the funds needed for construction.

Although it took the MHAA almost 10 years – and a $1 million dollar gift from Virginia Stanton – on July 15, 1991, ground was broken for the new museum. On October 31, 1992, the newly christened Maritime Museum of Monterey and History Center opened its doors.

Facility Rental

Bring your event to Monterey in style!

Monterey History & Art Association possesses some of Monterey’s loveliest and most historic buildings, as well as one of the largest museum spaces in Monterey. Most are open to visitors, so everyone can appreciate them, but three are also available to rent for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, meetings, business retreats, dinners and receptions.

The Maritime Museum is located near Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. The museum is within walking distance of several major hotels and adjacent to a large public parking lot, making it particularly popular for corporate events and receptions. The Stanton Center Theater offers lecture-style seating for 100, as well as a small stage, projection equipment, and lighting.

A fully operating lamp from Point Sur Lighthouse is the focal point of the Museum, which comprises two story of maritime history. The 400-square-foot lobby makes a great dance floor, with an overhead bridge that’s the perfect place for a jazz trio or DJ. It can seat 150 guests in the upstairs museum or accommodate 500 for a ‘strolling dinner’ between buffet stations. The open-air deck looks out over Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay, and Custom House Plaza.

The Maritime Museum is suitable for everything from intimate dinners for 60–120 people (depending on current exhibits) to receptions for 400. The property has a kitchenette and prep room, and easy access for caterers, decorators and photographers.

The rental fee includes a facility supervisor who remains on-site for the duration of the event.  Docent may be requested for an additional fee.

5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey

Available 7 days a week from 5pm until midnight.

• Theater and Lobby: $1000 (maximum number of guests: 100)
• Lobby and Museum: $1500 for groups of 250 or less ($3 per person for each additional guest)
• Theatre, Lobby and Museum: $1800 for groups of 250 or less ($3 per person for each additional guest)
• Community Room: $50 per hour (includes kitchen)
• Required deposit: $350/$700
• Call Sharon Halvorson at 831-372-2608 ext. 29 or email shalvorson@sbcglobal.net