The following was a submission from the Pier Corp.
In celebration of the City of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and The Georgian Hotel present “OUR PIER: Moments From A Century at the Santa Monica Pier,” a landmark photo exhibition honoring the Santa Monica Pier’s enduring cultural, civic, and architectural legacy. The exhibit opens Thanksgiving weekend to hotel guests and visitors, and officially debuts with an elegant reception on December 2, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., at Gallery 33 inside The Georgian Hotel.
Curated in partnership with the Santa Monica History Museum, the exhibition offers a captivating time capsule of over a century of transformation—placing the iconic Pier at the heart of Santa Monica’s evolution from a seaside village to a globally recognized cultural destination.
A Visual Journey Through Time
Featuring 20 to 25 curated archival photographs, immersive wall text, period artifacts, and musical ambience, the exhibit takes visitors through themed eras of the Pier’s 150-year history:
· Four themed gallery walls
o The People’s Pier
o Heart of Beach Culture
o A Stage for Pop Culture
o Preservation and Reinvention
This multi-sensory exhibit invites visitors to experience the Santa Monica Pier as a living chronicle—connecting past, present, and future.
A Partnership Between Icons
“The Santa Monica Pier and The Georgian Hotel are both icons in their own right—symbols of beauty, culture, and resilience,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian of the Santa Monica Pier. “This exhibit honors the Pier not only as a place of joy and nostalgia, but also as a mirror of the city’s evolution.”
By hosting the exhibit inside Gallery 33, The Georgian Hotel—known for its striking Art Deco architecture and deep cultural roots—provides a refined and intimate setting that underscores the historical and artistic significance of the collection.
Opening Reception and Special Events
The exhibit opens for hotel guests and visitors beginning November 27, 2025, (Thanksgiving weekend), with an official opening reception scheduled on December 2, 2025. Special events throughout the run include:
· Pier Historian Talks with Jim Harris on the Pier’s origins, resilience, and cultural moments.
· Community Fundraising Receptions benefiting Santa Monica Pier’s cultural and educational programs.
· Private Dinners and Donor Nights hosted by The Georgian Hotel.
The exhibition is open through the New Year, with a potential expanded presentation planned for summer 2026 at the Santa Monica History Museum.
This project was made possible in part with 150th Anniversary Microgrant support from the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, in addition to sponsorships by The Gordon Family Playland Arcade, among others.
The Georgian Hotel is located at 1415 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401.
While many enjoy the magic of free events at the Pier, few realize that it’s made possible by Santa Monica Pier Corporation—a nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
About Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for every visitor. Through impactful, location-specific programming offered year-round, SMPC ensures that the Pier remains a vibrant, world-class destination that is accessible to all. For more information on happenings at the Pier, please visit santamonicapier.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, or Threads.
About Gallery 33
Gallery 33 at The Georgian Hotel is a new Santa Monica-based contemporary art gallery focusing on emerging and established, local and international artists. The newly established art space takes pride in presenting specially commissioned exhibitions from historical and cultural institutions. This thoughtfully arranged gallery aims to shine a spotlight on a diverse array of international artists, galleries, museums, cultural institutions, artifacts, collectibles and more on a rotating quarterly basis. Please visit, www.thegeorgian.com/gallery33.
About The Georgian
Steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, The Georgian first opened in 1933 and became one of Los Angeles’ most iconic hotels. Under the development of BLVD in partnership with ESI Ventures, The Georgian will re-launch in spring of 2023, offering a rare glimpse into Old Hollywood and nostalgic California history, with interiors by London and Los Angeles-based boutique design firm, Fettle. The Georgian will offer 84 guest rooms, including 28 suites. The property will also offer an oceanview terrace restaurant and lobby bar; a basement Italian steakhouse and bar; in addition to a gym, gallery space and a library. Please visit, www.thegeorgian.com.
Author
About The Author
