Monrovia Historical Museum

FREE MUSEUM!
Who knew there was so much history for a little city.
It’s only open a few hours 2 days of the week. Check the days and times.
Lots of interesting things to see and read. My kids enjoyed looking and playing with all the phones.

This is a lovely Museum and a great day trip from L.A. The Museum is really interesting and has many interesting items to keep adults and children enthralled and happy. I especially liked the collection of telephones and a WWII Uniforms and personal histories of the people who served and donated clothing and objects that are in mint condition. I also really enjoyed the fact that it’s not too big and intimate enough as to allow one to take their time and ask questions as they explore the many interesting exhibits. And, it’s located in a beautiful park so it’s a fun place to bring the kids. I highly recommend taking the time to discover this gem of a Museum.

Monrovia, California is among the oldest cities in Los Angeles County and has experienced growth, hard times, renewal and now boast a thriving community. It is fitting then that a city who has been witness to the evolution of the San Gabriel Valley should have a museum that showcases this history. That is what the Monrovia Historical Museum offers and what it lacks in space (it is not a very big building) it makes up for in inventive displays and a knowledgeable staff who staff who are passionate about the exhibits, peoples and unique stories of the area.
I truly found myself immersed in the uniqueness of the exhibits. From the history of Monrovia’s name-​sake, the little known fact that McDonald’s saw its first store here, Upton Sinclair’s residence (which I’ve photographed) to President Clinton’s visit in the 1990s, I found myself engrossed in the many ways the city has made its mark in history.
I have not visited many other small town historical museums. Often because they are very small and house very little. But I highly recommend that you take the time to visit Monrovia’s repository of history and take the tour. You will not be disappointed. The price of admission is a simple cash donation should you choose to give one and any amount you provide will be worth it.
I have attended a few social events and gatherings at the museum and I was also very happy with its service. Other reviewers have made comments about the facility in this capacity and I tend to agree with them.
My focus is on the history and how this special place triumphs as a museum.

We just had my granddaughters wedding reception at Monrovia Historical Museum this past Saturday. This is a great venue for weddings/​reception or any special occasion event! The courtyard is beautiful especially if you are planning a summer evening affair! You’ll have plenty space to spread out and decorate until our hearts content! I estimate this venue could easily accomodate 200 – 250 people! This place is one of the city of Monrovia’s best kept secrets! It’s located in a residential neighborhood. The YMCA is on the corner of the nearest cross street and there is a nice park next door to the museum! The foyer is very nice and provides two restrooms for the men and two for women! The facility fees are fairly reasonable compared to other venues we researched! For the most part our coordinator, Rebecca was helpful but sometimes slow in returning phone calls which is why I only gave four stars. The other reason for only four stars is because the kitchen has no stove! I’m not sure why that is, unless it has something to do with a restriction the city or musuem has in place. We catered our own food so not having a stove was a small challenge! It didn’t appear that the applicances were checked prior to our event because the refrigerator needed a scrubbing! Nonetheless, its a great venue! Their staff was very friendly and attentive on the day of our event! Couldn’t have ask for a nicer group of people for onsite assistance! Would definitely recommend and use this venue again!

We got married here on labor day wkend and had a blast!
We were working on a miracle budget, bc you see. we had no budget at all. which forces you to get creative! I looked into places that were not known for having weddings bc the minute you attach the word wedding to something, the minute the prices skyrocket! We didn’t want to settle and we knew we could have what we wanted if we were just smart about it. Thus the journey of research for the perfect vendors began. There were a few specific must-​haves that were important for us when considering a venue:
1. could fit 300 ppl
2. was outdoors (we live in sunny SoCal, why not enjoy it!?)
3. allowed you to bring your own catering (no point in paying $ 100/​plate)
The MHM had all this! and the rental fee was ridiculously affordable compared to most places. We paid $ 2180 plus $ 500 refund. So all in all $ 1680.
The inside is a small community museum that who would know even existed?! its next to a neighborhood park and in a residential area so it can be easy to pass up. The courtyard is pleasantly lined with light wrapped trees and foliage that it doesn’t need much decorating but one is allowed the freedom to personalize it they way they’d want. the maximum is 300 people but there was so much room, the tables & chairs were spaced out nicely with tons of room left to roam around. There’s a bridal changing area, 2 restrooms for men & 2 for the women and a kitchen for the caterer. Penny Arroyo and her staff were amazingly helpful, accomodating and really worked with us to help make every detail of our day special. We had the wedding of our dreams without breaking the bank! I highly recommend this venue!
Btw, all my vendors rocked so if you want some suggestions on everything from flowers, cake, tables/​chairs/​linens, day of coordinator, caterer etc, hit me up and i’d be happy to share. You’d be surprised at how much you can save when you put in the effort to research :)
update: i forgot to add this a while back. after my original review was written, i might deduct ½ a star because it took Penny a while to get back to me regarding my $ 500 deposit. I had to keep following up and we played phone/​email tag for a while. I don’t know how it is for everyone else since i’m still the only reviewer, but my advice is although this venue overall is great, stay on top of your deposit and don’t expect it back so soon.
Another thing, eversince my wedding, I have continued my passion for weddings full-​time and have started my own wedding planning/​coordinating company, inspired by our own coordinator who was largely responsible for helping our special day flow smoothly. I have since coordinated numerous successful weddings and look forward to helping you have the wedding of your dreams as well! Please message me if you’re interested, here are the links to my business Unilocal page:
and wedding blog: