Camera Obscura Art Lab
Art center · Santa Monica
1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Permanently Closed
Highlights
Step into this hidden gem in downtown Santa Monica, where an 1898 optical device reveals magical views of the world outside—totally free and endlessly fascinating.
"Given to the city in 1907, this giant pin-hole camera lets you watch the beachfront outside “live” from inside a pitch-black room. Using a periscope, it projects the palm trees, activity on the beach and, sadly, the traffic onto an oval white screen. Mirrors reflect images from 360 degrees, with the image guided by an old captain's wheel. It’s a cool, nostalgic thing to do while walking around palisades park or the pier. Go on a crisp, sunny day for the best images." - TRÜF
·
Jun 11, 2024
"If the door is locked, knock on the wooden dutch door to the right. Leave your driver’s license at the office and in return you will receive a key to the camera obscura at the top of the stairs. It’s housed in a midcentury park building that is also an art and culture center offering classes and events. Inside a small room you will find a large white disk in the center and a wheel that allows you to steer the lens and mirror contained in the turret above, projecting an image onto the disk of whoever and whatever happens to be passing by outside. The camera obscura is believed to be among the earliest optical inventions, theoretically dating back at least to the ancient Greek era. Academics believe camera obscura devices may have been used by Renaissance painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci to project live images onto canvases to help them paint, and in Victorian and Edwardian times they became a popular seaside attraction in both Europe and the US. Such was the case with the Santa Monica Camera Obscura: Built in 1898 by Robert F. Jones, and given to the city in 1907, the camera spent almost 50 years documenting life on the Santa Monica beach. In 1955 the mechanism was installed in the nearby Adult Recreation Center, now a City-run art lab. Many images of the popular beach community throughout the years are on display to compare to the current view. Once such a common beachside attraction, there are now only a handful of functional public camera obscuras in the US. Just a quick walk from the pier the Santa Monica Camera Obscura remains a little known treat for those interested in photography, 19th century mechanics, or spying on oblivious beach-goers." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
·
Nov 5, 2022
"If the door is locked, knock on the wooden dutch door to the right. Leave your driver’s license at the office and in return you will receive a key to the camera obscura at the top of the stairs. It’s housed in a midcentury park building that is also an art and culture center offering classes and events. Inside a small room you will find a large white disk in the center and a wheel that allows you to steer the lens and mirror contained in the turret above, projecting an image onto the disk of whoever and whatever happens to be passing by outside. The camera obscura is believed to be among the earliest optical inventions, theoretically dating back at least to the ancient Greek era. Academics believe camera obscura devices may have been used by Renaissance painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci to project live images onto canvases to help them paint, and in Victorian and Edwardian times they became a popular seaside attraction in both Europe and the US. Such was the case with the Santa Monica Camera Obscura: Built in 1898 by Robert F. Jones, and given to the city in 1907, the camera spent almost 50 years documenting life on the Santa Monica beach. In 1955 the mechanism was installed in the nearby Adult Recreation Center, now a City-run art lab. Many images of the popular beach community throughout the years are on display to compare to the current view. Once such a common beachside attraction, there are now only a handful of functional public camera obscuras in the US. Just a quick walk from the pier the Santa Monica Camera Obscura remains a little known treat for those interested in photography, 19th century mechanics, or spying on oblivious beach-goers." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
·
Nov 4, 2022
"Camera Obscura, Santa Monica. Given to the city in 1907, this giant pin-hole camera lets you watch the beachfront outside “live” from inside a pitch-black room. Using a periscope, it projects the palm trees, activity on the beach and, sadly, the traffic onto an oval white screen. Mirrors reflect images from 360 degrees, with the image guided by an old captain's wheel. It’s a cool, nostalgic thing to do while walking around palisades park or the pier. Go on a crisp, sunny day for the best images."
Los Angeles
·
Mar 16, 2022
Mor Ghermezi
Google
First of all, it's free, so there's no reason not to check it out. But it's also really cool and you can turn the viewfinder and the table to get different views and play with the focus.
Diana Pascual
Google
Super cool spot. Highly recommend. Expect to spend 10-15 minutes in the actually room.
Daniel Larsh
Google
It's a phenomenal piece of history. If you have young kids, or if you're a photo enthusiast, or if you're one of the homeless people in the nearby Palisades Park.. I think everyone can find appreciation in Camera Obscura, and the community arts center. Phenomenal piece of history. Don't be afraid to walk in! The camera obscura is upstairs!
Vincenzo Sclafani
Google
It's a really cool place that gives you the idea of how a camera lense works. You need to close the door, steer the wheel and adjust the table top and it's so cool I actually thought It was some sort of magic trick but it reflects what happens on the outside, people and moving car or moving palms included. Free and a cool one to do
Melanie Galuten
Google
This place built in 1899 is so cool I can't even believe it! You don't need a very long time to see it. My 13-year-old and his friend just loved it. They couldn't believe what they were saying was in real time.
Susan Kuliak
Google
This was a special stop, that seemed like it was not visited by many people. You need to enter the art center to see it. The camera is a great way to explore this scientific phenomena, and a unique way to view the outdoor landscape of Santa Monica. The images appear magical and dreamlike.
Bucko Force
Google
Beautiful historical building and beautiful people who run it. Wonderful community building facility offering a plethora of classes and workshops. We took an olfactory arts class there, making some amazing perfume and having a wonderful time we will never forget. Look out Coco Chanel!
Christopher M. Volpe
Google
Cool old school hidden gem in downtown Santa Monica
Andrew G.
Yelp
Place didn't seem to be open when we came by. It was also surrounded by homeless. It smelled a bit offensive.
Nadine C.
Yelp
Exploring Santa Monica...
The first time I was here with Jules Y., I didn't know to go inside the building and proceed upstairs.
This time, I went to Camera Obscura with adventurous Alana. With our curiosity and some bravery, we passed the unusual people who were hanging out on the sidewalks of Santa Monica. The nice gentleman inside gave us directions (after we signed in with our hometown) and we found the dark room with the interactive camera.
The periscope was facing the Santa Monica pier and its parking lot. We tilted the table and turned the wheel to adjust and focus the view. It's quite an amazing experience! I'm glad that we checked it out!
If I lived in the area, I might take an art class here. We had free street parking in a pleasant beach community!
Scott B.
Yelp
So this place has been on my "old wacky sh$t in Los Angeles" radar for years now. I wasn't actually sure what it was about, but from what I understand, it's one of those things that's been around forever, so that's really why. On past visits to the Santa Monica Pier I've tried to stop in here, but they've been closed. So on this trip, when I found they were open, I was quite happy.
I entered and looked around. It seems to be an art place? Like I could sit down and do an art at one of the many tables they've got around. I guess they've also got local artists that put their stuff here for people to look at. I asked about the camera thing. I think I actually even said it like that. "There's supposed to be a camera.....thing? Somewhere around here?" Nice lady behind the table asked me to sign in, and then directed me to go that-a-way, through that door, then up the stairs to see it. Um....ok.
So I went that-a-way, through the door, up the stairs and then saw a door that led into a pitch black room. When that last door shut, It was dark. Way dark. I fumbled with my phone to find the flashlight to figure out where the room began and ended so I wouldn't smash my face on something. I switched off the light and began to examine the dark room.
In the middle was a circular table of sorts. I then looked at it more carefully. There was an image on the table. The image was of just outside, and it was a moving image. People in the picture walked past without a care in the world. Probably not even aware that I was watching them. I marveled at it and read the informational paper I was given about it.
From what I understand, the "camera" was built at the end of the 1800's to increase tourism to Santa Monica at the time. It was based on a theory that was originally thunk up by Aristotle way back in the day. The first functioning examples were built in the 1600's. This particular one moved around a few times and was eventually placed in it's current location in the 50's.
I guess the principal is this: A lens collects light from a place, and then it reflects and puts the light (now somehow in the form of an image) on a table in a dark room. It's a neat lil example of science and light and stuff.
If you go online you can even find how to make a pretty decent example of these things out of a shoebox.
So ya. This thing is way freakin cool! If you're ever on your way to the pier and want to stop in before doing your pier stuff. Check it out! It really doesn't take that long, and it's a great example of a really old idea. Check the hours though. I was there on a Wednesday and they closed at 3pm. So ya. Check the hours. But thank you Santa Monica Mayor of the 1800's for building it to attract tourists. It took a while, but I eventually got here.
For More Reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_obscura
Paul L.
Yelp
From Wikipedia: 'A camera obscura (Latin for "dark room") is an optical device that led to photography and the photographic camera. The device consists of a box or room with a hole in one side. Light from an external scene passes through the hole and strikes a surface inside, where it is reproduced, inverted (thus upside-down), but with color and perspective preserved.'
The Camera Obscura has been on my list of places to visit since I moved to LA. I forgot all about it, though, until I stayed at the hotel across the street. If you have 15 minutes, it's worth a look. (If you don't have the time, Griffith Observatory has a camera obscura, too.) This second floor darkened room has a metal wheel that viewers can turn to see a live panoramic view of the surrounding area. The disappointment is that trees outside obscure much of the view and the reproduced scene is hazy at best. It's a cool bit of primitive mechanics that is probably best served as a tool to explain the history of photography to children.
Joan W.
Yelp
Located randomly at a senior center in Santa Monica the Camera Obscura is free however one needs to sign in and leave their ID up front.
This is a great activity for a photography or film student to check out early century photography but other than that the Camera Obscura is interesting for about 5 minutes. The one in SF is better, you don't need to use some creaky wheel to move the frame because it rotates on its own as well as it's located in a cute picture-worthy camera house. Then again the one in Santa Monica is free.
Good addition to doing the whole tourist Pier/Promenade/ SM beach thing.
Gloria H.
Yelp
I had no idea this was here, I just drove by and noticed it, did a quick yelp search and lo and behold I'm instantly compelled to turn the car around and visit.
The building itself is right off the entrance to the Santa Monica piers, and it's a large building labeled 'Camera Obscura.' You really can't mess the building.
The trick is getting inside. We spent five minutes waking in circles trying to figure it out. In the end we decided to go into the main entrance of the senior center to ask someone. As it turns out, that was the way in. The nice lady at the desk didn't ask us to leave an ID or anything and directed us up the stairs into the camera obscura room.
This is a free, interesting, unique attraction. There's absolutely no reason why you shouldn't check this out if you're in the area. It took all of ten minutes and my group of three (one from LA) were all very pleased we happened upon it.
You just kind of have to see it to appreciate it.
Jennifer H.
Yelp
I am so glad I took a few minutes out of the day to stop in at the Camera Obscura. I wasn't really sure what to expect - but I was glad I visited.
The idea behind the Camera Obscura is that it's an optical device that projects an image of its surroundings on a screen. This object surroundings just happen to be the Santa Monica park and beach. The Camera Obscura in its earliest form led to the eventuality of photography.
Everyone is correct about trading your drivers license for the key to the room at the top of the stairs. The only thing that wasn't mentioned is that the window where you do this is inside the Senior Center to the right, at the far end of the room.
There's no rush to get in and get out, you're able to take as much time as you'd like to appreciate the simple wonder of the enlarged image of the outdoors displayed on the disc in the center of the room.
I made a video and put it on YouTube so you can get an idea of what to expect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l805kpRN7lE
Jasmine Y.
Yelp
Have been wanting to come visit for ages, but never had enough time during my 90 minute free parking windows to come. However, I made it here this past week and it was lots of fun!
It is right along Ocean Blvd, on the ocean. It is free and it is a fun little activity for all ages. The 360 view was perfect on this cloudless sunny day. You get to see along Ocean Blvd, north and west to see the mountain view and the ocean view as well. Great little gem :)
Definitely recommend stopping by!
Whitney G.
Yelp
Now that's a pretty picture!
Discreetly located next to a senior center (and very easy to miss at first glance because it's nothing fancy) I've been coming to the Camera Obscura for nearly 10 years now.
I was first introduced to it by my photography teacher in high school and it's a great space to remind ourselves to slow it down, be present, and absorb our nearby surroundings.
It's right next to the beach, which is ideal for it's actual purpose. I would highly recommend that everyone experience this unique space just once.
Don't prepare to be "Amazed" or anything but enjoy an opportunity to appreciate the beginnings of modern photography.
Parking: There are some meters near by
J B.
Yelp
The Camera Obscura is a hidden gem that is also the real crown jewel of the Santa Monica Pier area. It has limited hours, but includes weekends, so you can easily spy on the tourists walking along the sidewalk outside for free! ;P
I've seen both tourists and local residents alike stop in, either by accident or because they read about it somewhere. I always overhear the locals talk about how they lived here so long, but only just became aware of the camera.
Also in the same location is the 1450 Ocean art studio that offers crafting and other creative classes (e.g., dance, writing, scrapbooking) to the public at really inexpensive rates. The staff and volunteers are super friendly, and I've seen people just pay the still-cheap drop-in rate to attend a class.
It's these kinds of places that create a real sense of community within a large, bustling city.
Michael C.
Yelp
Incredible hidden gem in the middle of Palisades Park. I have walked past this building countless times and never knew there was anything inside.
After browsing Yelp, I came across the 16 review, 4.5 star Camera Obscura listing. The reviews didn't do it justice and neither did the pictures. When I walked in I was greeted by a middle-aged woman who explained directions to the camera, what we would see, and how to use it. After walking up a set of narrow stairs in the back of the building, we reached a door. After opening the door and looking inside there was a large lit up table in the middle of a pitch black room.
I closed the door and looked at the table and saw that it was actually view of what was above us. The "Captain's Wheel" allows you to maneuver the camera and pan left and right giving you a full view of Ocean Boulevard, the park, and even the pier.
Pro tip: Go around sunset to get an incredible view out of the camera
Bob S.
Yelp
I am amazed at all the hidden gems that are found in plain site (sic) in LA. The Camera Obscura is one of those hidden gems, not because of anything earth shattering, but because of its unique place in obscura history.
From the Santa Monica Conservancy, courtesy of Marcello Vavala:
About the Camera Obscura:
The camera obscura (Latin for dark chamber) is an optical device and is one of the inventions that led to modern photography. The earliest mention of this device was by the Chinese philosopher Mo-Ti (5th century BS). He formally recorded the creation of an inverted image formed by light rays passing through a pinhole into a darkened room. He called this darkened room a "collecting place" or the "locked treasure room".
In the 19th century, with improved lenses that could cast larger and sharper images, the camera obscura flourished at the seaside and in areas of scenic beauty. Inside Santa Monica's Camera Obscura, visitors can rotate an old ship's wheel to operate the roof-top revolving turret. The turret houses a mirror that acts as the "lens", reflecting a live image from Ocean Avenue outside onto a table inside. The SM camera obscura was built in 1898 by Robert Jones, nephew of SM city founder Senator John P. Jones and originally was located on the boardwalk at the beach. The city bought it in 1910 and moved it to its current site housed in the senior recreation center.
About the Senior Recreation Center:
This mid-century modern building that opened in 1955 was designed by noted local architect Weldon J. Fulton. The exterior is Palos Verdes stone cladding, combined with glass walls, sloping roof forms, projecting canopies, exposed rafters and large cursive signage slanting upwards. The Center and Camera Obscura are contributing features to the historic and cultural significance of Palisades Park, recently designated a historic landmark.
If you are in Santa Monica enjoying the sights, this might be something to add to your list as there are only two left in CA, this one in Santa Monica and one in San Francisco. Set aside your blackberry and ipod and take a peak into history when the Camera Obscura was cutting edge technology.
Mb M.
Yelp
Take the watercolor class from Tim Kitz; he is an amazing teacher! I learned more from him in a few hour class than I did in a recent two day workshop from someone else. You can drop in for a single class for $35. So much fun and I'm now practicing the same piece over and over playing with brush strokes and all the tips he gave us. Small wonderful group too! Don't miss!! Wish they had classes starting at 6 weekdays or at 4 on weekends to fit the Santa Monica lifestyle more.
Would also like to see more art classes . Thanks! Mary (sf and Santa Monica)
SaboCatGirl S.
Yelp
I absolutely love Camera Obscura. Maybe it's because I'm a loner and this place is usually empty. Or perhaps it's because I am fascinated with watching people do every day people things. Whatever it is, this place rocks.
The camera obscura is located in the santa monica senior center. To get access you'll need to leave your ID with the attendant as collateral for the keys to the room upstairs. Take the keys, make the quick trip up the stairs and unlock the door to a darkened room. In the center of the room there is a 4 foot disk that has images projected onto it from outside. There is a steering wheel type contraption that will allow you to take a 360 degree look around the area.
It's certainly not base jumping, but it is still fun, and it's free! I always thought it was a fun thing to do on a day time date instead of just spending all your time at the pier or the 3rd street promenade. it's a nice break from all the people running around santa monica.
Dina B.
Yelp
This is a really cool way to pass 30-60 minutes if you're ever by the Santa Monica beach. Hidden inside the Senior Center, entrance is free if you drop off your ID card at the front desk in exchange for the key.
I gave it three stars because it's important not to go in with high expectations. I went thinking it would be interesting but not great, and ended up loving it. You get much more than you would expect considering it's free!
Definitely check this out.
Heath R.
Yelp
Every city of note needs a good Camera Obscura. And the one in Santa Monica is especially cool -- you get a view of some interesting architecture on the edge of town, and then you get a view of the ocean! Absolutely beautiful.
It can be a little scary in the darkened room by yourself, so be sure to take a friend -- and if you can avoid it, don't get stuck being the guy who spins the wheel to make the reflector rotate. People not manning the wheel can move around the display to see the reflected image right side up. (If you get the wheel, you see it upside down, sideways, etc.) But seriously, share; take your turn.
We didn't have to leave our IDs with the attendant. She opened it for us and then left. Visit once yourself, visit with a child, visit with out-of-town guests who have a penchant for the out-of-the-norm.
One of the neatest things I've seen in a long time.
Michelle P.
Yelp
Who knew that this little gem of an antique boutique public educational experience was right here in Santa Monica for FREE? #PamperedByPaul knew! We went here on a date/outing last Saturday after lunch and before Last Available Seats performance (of Raiders of the Lost Ark), and it was so cool. You go to the senior center, show your ID, sign in, get a key, walk up the stairs and enter a VERY dark room. The captain-like sailor wheel turns it and you can see Santa Monica surrounding area projected on the flat surface. It's basically like being inside a camera. Apparently, artists used to use these types of rooms to help with painting and light and perspective. Very cool and definitely earned my adored #nerd points today. *Don't tell them I told you this, but it is so dark in here and if you are alone, it's a great place to make out. They may come knocking on the door eventually, but it's another great aspect of Camera Obscura! Go! Tell your neighbors!
Valley G.
Yelp
Such an amazing hidden gem in Santa Monica. I walked past this building over the years without giving it a second thought. Then one day my friend suggested we visit. They offer all sorts of classes and have the unique camera obsura. A must see if you are in the area!
Racer X.
Yelp
There are a lot of fun things to do at the Pacific Palisades Senior Center in Santa Monica other than peeing in your pants. Take Camera Obscura for example. It's been there forever, but no one ever goes in because, well, it's been there forever. Do yourself a favor and go in, so you can tell all your friends how you stood in this dark stuffy room and looked at images of the outside scenery projected onto a four foot disk in the middle of the room. At the turn of the century, this was state of the art entertainment. Now it's just something free to do that beats the hell out of watching anything with Dane Cook in it.
Howard S.
Yelp
I live in Santa Monica and visit the "scura" once every few years. I can spend hours in there so my wife never wants to go with me. I know I need a life. This is a must-visit for everyone, young and old, big and tall etc. And it's free so what more can you ask for? It's near the pier and there's a bathroom nearby.
Have fun!
Hollywood Howie 9/10