SANTA MONICA, CA, March 11, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- History combines effortlessly with the contemporary in an explosion of defining cultural moments in Santa Monica. This city knows how to maintain the legacy of its past and simultaneously embrace the present, keeping it relevant for future generations. Art, culture, and lifestyle flourish in what is fast becoming a metropolis for artistic and intellectual cultural innovations. Visitors and residents alike can experience the wealth of events and openings taking place in this exuberant city. Whether you are an art, theater or history buff or you just want to soak up some of the laid-back sophistication of Santa Monica's cultural scene, there is truly something for everyone.
Santa Monica Pier Centennial Celebration: For something distinctly Santa Monica, hang out at the Pier as birthday festivities hit the city in celebration of the Pier's approaching centenary '100 years in the past, 100 years in the future'. This once in a lifetime celebration will pay homage to memorable moments from the Pier's past yet also look towards the future of this familiar and well-loved landmark. In 100 years the essence of what the pier represents has not changed and it still has an important role in defining the cultural landscape of Santa Monica.
The community continues to gather here for concerts, events and activities, for fun days out set against the magnificence and beauty of the bay and the mountains. A season of events planned in the lead up to the centennial celebration on September 9 2009 are set to be spectacular with something different and exciting taking place each month. From the fresh works of budding artists to an extravaganza of buskers, theater troupes, mime artists and musicians, a special father's day fishing derby and a dedicated kids fun day. These are just some of the many experiences to absorb. Prepare to be rocked! it's going to be big, bold and definitely a bit brash.
History In the Making: History buffs should be sure to visit the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum this fall as it settles into its new permanent home at the Santa Monica main library. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this new 5000 sq ft space now featuring a main lobby research library, temporary gallery, permanent gallery, wall of legacy paying homage to the Museum's donors, staff space and retail area. Immortalizing the city's cultural heritage, the mission of the museum is to collect and preserve the history and memorabilia of Santa Monica Bay. Different types of exhibits are planned in four smaller galleries such as In the Headlines, A Town at Work, A Town at Play and In the Arts, all of which will be hands-on interactive with touch screen maps showing past and present images dedicated to these aspects of life in Santa Monica.
Step (or Cycle) into the Past! The streets of Santa Monica are alive with history and culture as you can see for yourself with Perry's Legends Beach Bike Tour, the perfect way to spend a couple of hours in Santa Monica. Led by a fabulous guide who takes you on a journey through the history of Santa Monica, you get to see where surfing, skateboarding and beach volleyball were born. You can visit the 100-year old pier, ride along the beach and pedal past homes of Hollywood's biggest stars. You will also take in Muscle Beach, the Venice canals and plenty of other points of along the way. On request they will customize tours to include brunch, lunch or pub stops, special occasion themes, and more.
Downtown Walking Tours Of Santa Monica cover more than 130 years of Santa Monica history, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated cultural hub it is today. In approximately two hours and six blocks you will experience the city's diverse architectural heritage including designated landmarks such as: The 1875 Rapp Saloon, The Majestic Theatre, The Keller Block (a wonderful example of Romanesque Revival Architecture), The Builders Exchange, The Bay Cities Guaranty Building, (an Art Deco landmark with its signature clock-tower,) and the El Miro Theater, a creation that became the centerpiece for the revitalization of the old mall into the Third Street Promenade.
Beach Chic Living at The Annenberg: High style hits the Californian coast next spring when the Annenberg Community Beach House opens its doors in April 2009. This new beach club is a five -acre oceanfront property that is currently being restored from its former glory as a prime 'Gold coast' hotspot to become a popular public hangout.
The property was developed originally by William Randolph Hearst for the actress Marion Davies as an elegant 110-room mansion in the 1930s. In an effort to preserve an important piece of Southern Californian history, the beach house project has been made possible through a generous gift from the Annenberg foundation and in partnership with California State Parks and the City of Santa Monica.
Exciting highlights include the restoration of the only two remaining original structures, the historic pool and guesthouse, together with new innovative developments to create a public visitors center with an entry pavilion; pool house; beach volley ball and tennis courts and a cafe. The unique location of a public pool right on the PCH is set to be hugely popular and therefore guests are encouraged to reserve space ahead of time as entry will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
No membership will be required and the Club will be open from 10am - 6pm June through September for public use. October through May the site will be booked for private events.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is a non-member, non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a premier travel destination. For travel and accommodation information please call (800) 544-5319 or (310) 319-6263; or email info@santamonica.com; or write Santa Monica Visitor Center, 1920 Main Street Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Official Santa Monica Maps, Visitor Guides, Corporate Guides, Art Trek, Design District, Big Blue Bus and Historical Landmark Maps are available at all Santa Monica visitor service locations and can be mailed upon request. To reduce our environmental footprint, some of these materials can also be downloaded or ordered from our website at http://www.santamonica.com
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