Museum of Ventura County

Our story began with a doctor and a cabinet of curiosities.

In the late 1800s, local Ventura physician Dr. Cephas Bard began collecting historical objects connected to the region. His eclectic collection became the foundation of the museum that opened in 1913. Over the next century, the museum changed names, moved locations, and grew with the community it served. What began as one man’s collection is today the largest repository of Ventura County history, with more than 180,000 objects, documents, photographs, and works of art.

The Museum of Ventura County is the guardian of our region’s history, preserving the past while finding new ways to share it. We engage participants in meaningful experiences with history, art, culture, and each other, exploring universal themes that resonate across generations and backgrounds.

We aspire to spark curiosity, foster compassion, and create connection through programs and exhibits that are bold, inclusive, innovative, and fun.