Monterey County Gives

We provide a safe learning space where curiosity grows, community comes together, and stories come alive by offering free admission for Monterey County residents and affordable programs for all.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History strengthens Monterey County with an intentional commitment to removing barriers and inspiring visitors of all ages to deepen their understanding of environmental conservation, strengthen scientific literacy, and celebrate the rich cultural traditions that shape our region. From free admission to free Science Saturdays, we welcome everyone to discover, explore, and connect with the natural and cultural heritage that makes Monterey County extraordinary. Help us Open the Doors to Discovery and ensure that every museum visit offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and steward this remarkable place.

Opening Doors to Discovery…

Donate to MCGIVEs

From 11/12 - 12/31, your year-end gift will get a pro-rated match for donations up to the first $75,000!

Our Big Idea

In 2025, we made great impacts to the community by:

  • Taking over 3,500 middle through high school students outside to explore their local watersheds and adding it to a 25-year dataset

  • Inspired over nearly 4,000 kids to care about the natural world through onsite field trips with bus scholarships for teachers

  • Preserved over 70,000 objects held in the public trust

  • Offered multiple monthly free and low-cost events for everyone to come and enjoy

  • Created bilingual learning spaces that welcomed everyone

  • Helped imperiled monarch butterflies and black oystercatchers by assisting studies and contributing to a 30-year dataset

  • Brought wonder to over 5,000 Monterey County residents at outreach events

More than that, we showed up and showed out for everyone in Monterey County with the message that the natural and human worlds are interlinked, and care that starts in community spreads to our world. In 2027 we want to take this message further and reach even more people by continuing to update exhibits and museum spaces, increasing our outreach impact, and finding new ways to engage, educate, and create space for our community members. Thank you for helping us make a big impact in Monterey County and beyond!

Donate to MCGIVEs

Thank You to Our 2026 Challenge Donors for Making Our Work Possible!

  • Craig & Mary Noke

  • Geva Arcanin & Tom Greer

  • Generous Anonymous Donors

  • Gloria and Michael Ipson

  • Jim & Christine

  • Judy and Tom Wills

  • Ken Wysocki & Gilda Gonzales

  • Lucy G. Moore

  • Marsha McMahan Zelus Fund of the CFMC

  • Matt & Jessica Denecour

  • Megan and Richard Dole

  • Pacific Grove Museum Of Natural History Board of Directors

  • Paul Meredith

  • Rick McGarrity and Helen Ogden

  • Susan Wolfe

  • Tama & Jack Olver

  • Vicki Pearse

Watch a quick video about what makes our work special!

“For several decades, we have visited Pacific Grove several times a year and always try to spend some time in the PG museum. We just returned last week from a family visit with our grandson and all he can say is WOW. Over the years we’ve seen you upgrade the garden and change the big display spaces. To us, this is a whole different museum with over 400 birds, really great models of the Chinese community, a world-class hands-on kids exploration area, and as always, a great staff. Thank you!”

- Jesse Walden, Berkeley, CA