UPDATE May 1, 2023: Colton Hall Museum IS NOW OPEN THU - SUN, 10 AM to 4PM Presidio of Monterey Museum Re-Opened October 30, 2021

Thanks to the special efforts of the City of Monterey's Museums & Cultural Arts Chair Bill Wojtkowski, Artifacts Specialist Jordan Leininger, and a group of dedicated volunteers, the Presidio of Monterey Museum reopened its doors on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10 a.m. after 595 days of closure. Museum hours will be Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entrance fee. Located in the Lower Presidio Historic Park, the exhibits in this jewel of a museum 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 the present day. Because of the important role of the military in Monterey between 1902 and today, the majority of the exhibits are dedicated to the development of the Presidio as an army training base.

The Presidio Museum of Monterey is located in the Lower Presidio Historic Park, one of the least visited historic parks in the area. Hidden in plain sight, the park is situated above Lighthouse curve in downtown Monterey. Visit the park for its spectacular views of Monterey Bay and Harbor, and stop at the museum to learn why historians have called this area, "The most historically significant site on the West Coast." For more information please call (831) 646-5648, or email museumpt@monterey.org.

Pacific Biological Lab Tour - SIGN UP FOR A TOUR
Take a journey through Monterey’s storied past with a tour of Pacific Biological Laboratories. The Lab is located at 800 Cannery Row, just a block from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Lab Docents share the big story of this unassuming building. Once a small family dwelling, it played a pivotal role in the life and work of marine biologist Ed Ricketts, his friendship and collaboration with author John Steinbeck, their circle of friends, and the "PBL Members" who bought the Lab in the mid-1950s and founded the Monterey Jazz Festival. Tours of the Lab are free of charge and last one hour. Advance reservations are required. Donations to help sustain the service are welcome.

Interpretation of the history of the Pacific Biological Laboratories may be suitable for children 10 years of age or older. The City of Monterey is committed to safe public attendance in its facilities. Protective face coverings are recommended for all, regardless of vaccination status, except for persons under two years old, and persons with a medical condition that prevents wearing a mask.