Doors Open California 2026

View Original Period Artifacts from Two Santa Monica Landmarks

Santa Monica Conservancy and Annenberg Community Beach House host special exhibitions at Doors Open California 2026
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SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – Throughout September, the California Preservation Foundation invites the public to Doors Open California 2026, a month-long, statewide celebration of historic architecture, design, and cultural heritage.

On September 26 and 27, the celebration comes to Santa Monica, highlighting two historic landmarks: the Historic Shotgun House and Marion Davies Guest House. This year, in addition to docent-led tours held at each site, Santa Monica Conservancy and Annenberg Community Beach House are offering special exhibitions exclusive to Doors Open.​

The  Shotgun House, built in 1897, housed generations of Santa Monicans for over a century, and was so beloved by community members that it was saved from demolition. On-site, Santa Monica Conservancy hosts permanent exhibitions about the history of Ocean Park, including historic photos of Shotgun House tenants living in the bungalow. During Doors Open, visitors can view original samples of period-era wallpaper that were found in the walls of the Shotgun House during its rehabilitation in the 2010s.

Just under three miles from the Shotgun House, on the California Coast, stands the Marion Davies Guest House at the Annenberg Community Beach House. The Guest House structure and marble-edged pool are the only surviving remnants of an opulent estate demolished in the 1950s that featured a 110-room Georgian Revival Mansion, designed by architect Julia Morgan, and built for actress Marion Davies by publisher and politician William Randolph Hearst. For the first time, attendees will examine historic Beach House artifacts on exhibit, including original wood floor detail, historic wallpaper, ephemera, and a personal item belonging to Marion Davies: her handkerchief. For parking information when visiting the Marion Davies Guest House at the Beach House, please visit here or call Guest Services at (310) 458-4904.

No purchase is required to visit either Santa Monica site. Just stop by during active hours on Saturday, September 26, or Sunday, September 27. The Shotgun House at 2520 Second Street will be open from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. The Marion Davies Guest House at 415 Pacific Coast Highway will be open from noon to 4 pm.

Attendees who wish to purchase an all-access pass to the 70+ additional historic sites participating in the statewide Doors Open California celebration may do so at https://californiapreservation.org/doca/.

About Santa Monica Conservancy
The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s historic places and cultural heritage. Through walking tours, educational programs, and community events, the Conservancy helps foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the stories that shape Santa Monica.