City Museums / Presidio of Monterey Museum

Presidio of Monterey Museum

Explore Monterey's military history from the Spanish Empire to the present day.

The Presidio of Monterey Museum exhibits lead visitors through Monterey's various stages of military development from the indigenous period which highlights the area's native populations; through the Spanish and Mexican periods; and up to present day. Because of the important role of the military in Monterey between 1902 and today, the majority of the museum is dedicated to the development of the Presidio as a training base.

The Museum and Lower Presidio Historic Park were created by a partnership between the City of Monterey and the Presidio of Monterey. While the Monterey Peninsula is known for its significant cultural treasures, the Presidio of Monterey is not so well known for the history of human presence on the site for the last 7,000 years. To find out more about the history of the Lower Presidio and plans for development of the Lower Presidio Historic Park, see the

Lower Presidio Historic Park Master Plan below:

 

Museums and Cultural Arts Mission Statement:

We share Monterey's stories, serving as places of learning, inspiration and engagement with our history and heritage.

Presidio Museum exterior
Cavalry photograph

Location and Hours

The Presidio of Monterey Museum is located on Corporal Ewing Road in Lower Presidio Historic Park. The Park is open to the public and free parking is available. Map and Directions
Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Phone: (831) 646-3456 / Fax: (831) 646-3917
Address: Presidio of Monterey Museum
Corporal Ewing Road, Bldg. 113
Monterey, CA 93944
Email: Presidio of Monterey Museum

Exhibits

Presidio of Monterey Museum exhibits include:

  • A mural of a Native American woman greeting visitors at the museum's entrance, recalling the indigenous peoples who called the historic Presidio site home long before it became a strategic military location.
  • Year On a Cavalry Post video presenting life on the Presidio of Monterey in 1938. The views of the Bay and surrounding areas show how Monterey and the Peninsula looked prior to the rapid growth following World War II.
  • Photos of the people who are part of the Presidio are scattered throughout the museum. Most show the common soldier as he worked and lived.
  • A life-size horse and lieutenant depicts the Presidio that is clearest in the memories of long-time residents of Monterey. All the tack and the officer's uniform are original for the period between World War I and II. The saddle is a 1928 McClellan.

 

Presidio Museum interior with cavalry horse exhibit