If you want to learn more about the history and culture behind one of Ventura County's most distinctive communities, a visit to the Ojai Valley Museum is a great place to start. Located in downtown Ojai, the museum explores the people, places, art, architecture and events that have helped shape the Ojai Valley.
The museum is housed in a historic building on West Ojai Avenue and offers visitors a combination of local history exhibits, changing art exhibitions, educational programs, community events and information about the Ojai area. For visitors searching for things to do in Ojai, California, the museum provides an opportunity to experience a different side of the valley beyond its shops, restaurants, galleries, trails and scenic surroundings.
Where Is Ojai Valley Museum?
Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 West Ojai Avenue in downtown Ojai, California. Its location makes it easy to include with a day of exploring the downtown area.
The museum also operates a visitor center where travelers can obtain information about Ojai and the surrounding area. The visitor center is located at the corner of Ojai Avenue and Blanche Street.
A Historic Ojai Landmark
The museum itself is part of the story. The building was originally constructed as St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1917 and was rebuilt in 1918 in the Mission Revival style by architects Frank Mead and Richard Requa.
The building became the home of Ojai Valley Museum in 1996. It is owned by the City of Ojai and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The building is connected to the dramatic architectural transformation of Ojai during the early 20th century. Edward Drummond Libbey and architects Frank Mead and Richard Requa helped establish the Spanish-influenced architectural character that remains one of the defining features of downtown Ojai.
Discover the History of the Ojai Valley
Ojai's history extends far beyond the development of its present-day downtown. The valley is located within the ancestral homeland of the Chumash people, and the museum's historical resources recognize the importance of Indigenous history to the region.
The Ojai Valley Museum traces the area's story through different periods, including its Chumash heritage, the Spanish and Mexican eras, the development of ranchos, the settlement of the community that was once known as Nordhoff, and the transformation of the area into the Ojai visitors know today.
The museum's history resources explain that the name Ojai comes from the Chumash word "awha'y," associated with a Chumash village in the Upper Ojai Valley. The museum also documents archaeological discoveries and the long history of Chumash communities throughout the region.
Chumash Heritage in Ojai
Understanding Ojai's history means recognizing the Chumash connection to the valley. The Ojai Valley Museum acknowledges that its facility stands on the unceded ancestral land of the Chumash and incorporates Indigenous history into its educational and interpretive work.
Visitors can also explore the museum's Chumash Interpretive Garden, located behind the building. The garden includes plants that are important to the local Chumash community and provides another way to connect the area's natural landscape with its cultural history.
Museum Exhibits and Galleries
Ojai Valley Museum features both local history and art. Its Wilson Gallery occupies the former chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and presents smaller exhibits covering subjects related to Ojai's history along with featured work by local artists.
The museum's Main Gallery features rotating exhibitions that typically change several times a year. Exhibitions can focus on local history, Ojai's culture or the work of artists connected to the region.
Because exhibitions change, visitors who have been to the museum before may find something new during a return visit. Checking the museum's current exhibition calendar before heading to Ojai is a good way to see what will be on display.
A Museum for Families
Ojai Valley Museum also offers experiences for younger visitors. The museum's Wilson Gallery includes a Sespe Wilderness diorama, while children's activities are incorporated into some community programs and Third Friday events.
The museum also offers educational opportunities for local schools and can arrange field trips and group visits.
Third Friday at Ojai Valley Museum
One of the museum's recurring community events takes place on the third Friday of each month. On Third Friday, the museum is open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The evening portion of the event, generally from 5 to 7 p.m., features a special activity that can vary from month to month. Depending on the schedule, visitors may find an exhibition reception, art demonstration, craft activity, live music or another community program. The museum also lists complimentary refreshments as part of the evening event.
Third Friday can be an especially convenient time to visit if you are already spending an evening in downtown Ojai.
Historic Ojai Walking Tours
For visitors who want to explore Ojai beyond the museum's walls, the Ojai Valley Museum offers guided walking tours of historic downtown Ojai during its walking-tour season.
The tours focus on Ojai's architecture, people, places and important events. According to the museum's current schedule, walking tours take place Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. from November through June. Tours generally last between 60 and 90 minutes, and museum admission is included in the tour fee.
The museum currently lists walking tour admission at $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–17 and museum members. Reservations are generally not required for individual visitors, although groups of six or more should make arrangements in advance.
Ojai Valley Museum Admission
Admission to Ojai Valley Museum is based on a suggested donation. The museum currently lists the suggested donation at $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 through 18.
Children under 6, current museum members and members of the North American Reciprocal Museums program can enter free. Admission is also free for everyone throughout Third Friday hours.
Ojai Valley Museum Hours
The museum is currently open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the third Friday of each month, it remains open until 7 p.m.
Because museum schedules and special events can change, visitors should confirm hours and exhibition information before making a trip.
Parking at Ojai Valley Museum
Visitors arriving by car can use the museum's parking lot on Blanche Street behind the museum. The downtown location also makes the museum convenient to combine with other Ojai attractions and businesses.
What Makes Ojai Valley Museum Worth Visiting?
Ojai is known for its scenery, arts community, outdoor recreation and distinctive downtown architecture, but understanding the area's history adds another dimension to a visit. Ojai Valley Museum brings many of those stories together in one location.
A museum visit can help explain why the city's architecture looks different from many other Southern California communities, how the area developed over time, and the importance of the Chumash people and their longstanding connection to the valley.
The museum is also relatively easy to add to a downtown Ojai itinerary. Visitors can explore the museum, walk through nearby historic areas, browse local shops and galleries, and enjoy restaurants and other attractions within the surrounding downtown district.
Plan a Visit to Ojai Valley Museum
Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 West Ojai Avenue in Ojai, California. Regular museum hours are currently Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Third Fridays.
The current suggested donation is $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6–18. The museum can be reached at 805-640-1390.
For current exhibitions, events, walking tours and visitor information, check the Ojai Valley Museum's official website before your visit.
Explore Ojai's History
The Ojai Valley Museum offers visitors a chance to look beyond Ojai's picturesque scenery and discover the history that helped create the community. From Chumash heritage and early California history to the architecture of downtown Ojai and the area's modern arts and cultural scene, the museum provides an informative introduction to the valley.
Whether you are a longtime Ventura County resident, planning a weekend in Ojai or looking for interesting things to do in Ojai, California, the Ojai Valley Museum is a worthwhile stop for learning more about the community and the people who have shaped its history.
Published September 25, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)