Leaders of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History have plans to renovate and expand. (Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History)
Last updated: June 2025
Location: 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
The museum is on the north side of East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, between Pilkington and Mott Avenues and across from Seabright State Beach.
Status
- An online community meeting was held June 25, 2025 to discuss the project and permits for development. The project will also require hearings at the Santa Cruz Planning Commission and Santa Cruz Historic Preservation Commission.
- An application to renovate and expand the Museum of Natural History was submitted in February 2025.
Developer
Leaders of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and City of Santa Cruz are leading the project.
Project description
A plan calls for restoration of the historic Carnegie Library building, and a remodel and expansion of non-historic parts of the building.
An approximately 5,000-square-foot expansion would include:
- New community room.
- New lobby.
- Offices.
- Restrooms.
- Collections storage.
The project also aims to improve accessibility in adjacent Tyrrell Park, maintain the learning garden there and rebuild the amphitheater in the same location.
Developer
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz is advancing the project.
A renovation and expansion is proposed at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
A new community room, lobby and offices are proposed. (Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History)
Plans include a rebuild of the Tyrrell Park amphitheater, pictured here in June 2025. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
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