Founded in 1883 out of Pacific Grove’s Chautauqua movement, this museum is among the first generation of natural history museums in the United States. Built from local specimen collecting, it evolved through independent management, city ownership in 1917, and the opening of its current building in 1932. Its exhibits focus on the California Central Coast, especially Monterey County wildlife, plants, geology, and cultural history. Notable features include a life-size gray whale sculpture, an extensive bird collection, monarch butterfly interpretation, and a native plant garden. Through its wildflower show and community science and education programs, it remains an active center for regional nature study.