About the Ojai Valley Museum
The Thomas Aquinas Church, re-built in 1919VISITOR INFO
The Museum is open
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
10 am - 4 pm
3rd Fridays 10 am - 7 pm
130 West Ojai Avenue
Free maps and other info are available Tuesday - Sunday in our Visitor Center
Suggested donation: $5 for adults, $1 for children 6-18
Free: Current Members, kids under 6, NARM members
Free all day on the 3rd Friday of the month, 10 am - 7 pm
Use our parking lot on Blanche, behind the museum.
Contact us to schedule a school or group tour.
Mail: PO Box 204, Ojai 93024
(805) 640-1390
When people visit the Ojai Valley, they want to know what makes it special. The Ojai Valley Museum helps them understand what a unique place this is by sharing the valley's history, art, and culture. Both visitors and residents learn about local stories, people, places, and events.
Founded in 1966, the Ojai Valley Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We collect and exhibit art, artifacts, photographs, and paper ephemera relating to the history, art, and culture of the Ojai Valley. We operate a museum, research library, and visitor center.
Museum History
The museum moved into the former St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in 1996. This is the museum's third location. The original church burned in 1917 and was rebuilt by architects Mead and Requa in the Mission Revival style.
Edward Drummond Libbey considered the structure the "crowning achievement" of his beautification project in Ojai. The building, owned by the City of Ojai, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The Ojai Valley Museum acknowledges the trusted place museums hold in our culture. Honoring that trust, we are committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and integrity throughout our organization and everything we do. All are welcome at the museum. We respect diverse experiences, values, and perspectives. We endeavor to share multiple viewpoints and voices throughout our exhibitions and programs, highlighting the history, art, and culture of the Ojai Valley.
We acknowledge that the museum is located within the unceded ancestral land of the Chumash, and we are dedicated to honoring and preserving their culture and history by documenting and sharing their story.
Our Facilities
The Wilson Gallery is the former chapel of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. It's the perfect place to start, or expand, your knowledge of the Ojai Valley. It features small exhibits on various local history topics, and a featured local artist.
Our rotating Main Gallery typically changes three times per year. We feature original exhibitions on various local history topics, showcase valley artwork, and highlight the Ojai Valley's culture.
A Chumash Interpretive Garden is behind the building, surrounding our patio and parking lot. You'll find many plants important to the local Chumash community. As with any garden, it's constantly changing.
OVM for Kids
In addition to fun Ojai artifacts, the Wilson Gallery features the Sespe Wilderness diorama. Families love the diorama!
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary experience every Third Friday at the Ojai Valley Museum. Bring your kids for exciting craft projects, live entertainment, and endless fun. Don't miss out!
Calling all local educators! Discover a captivating educational experience at the Ojai Valley Museum. Book your field trips now and ignite curiosity in your students.