The San Mateo County History Museum is in Redwood City, inside the landmark 1910 County Courthouse. Its long-term exhibitions use interactive experiences to trace San Mateo County’s history, and the courthouse itself is part of the visit.
- Location: 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Typical hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Admission: $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and students; children age 5 and under enter free
The museum and its historic courthouse setting
The museum occupies the 1910 County Courthouse, a historic Redwood City landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Glenn Allen in Roman and Renaissance revival styles, it opened as the Temple of Justice on July 4, 1910.
Look up to see the stained-glass dome, then take in the mosaic tile floor. The museum moved into the courthouse in 1998, after the building no longer met modern court needs. The courthouse setting gives the museum a direct connection to the county’s civic history.
What can you learn about San Mateo County?
The museum’s long-term exhibitions explore San Mateo County’s history from its original Native American inhabitants to the present, with interactive experiences along the way. Topics include local innovation, African American history, work and migration, nature, politics, law enforcement, sports and life in California.
For a separate local museum outing, the Hiller Aviation Museum exhibits and visit planning covers another area attraction.
For a more focused look at the courthouse and local history, Courtroom A hosts the Courthouse Docket, a monthly series of lectures, presentations and reenactments. Family programs include crafts, activities and demonstrations; adult programs include local-history presentations and hands-on workshops. Program offerings can change, so check the official site before you go.
What are the museum’s hours, admission and access details?
Last admission is at 3:45 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and students; children age 5 and under are admitted free. The museum also participates in free and reduced-admission programs.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
An accessible lift is on the right side of the museum’s front steps. If you need an alternative entrance, call 650-299-0104. For current hours, admission details and access arrangements, check the official site before you go.
How do you get to the museum from San Carlos?
The museum is about a 5-minute drive from San Carlos Inn for a museum visit, at 2200 Broadway. It is in Redwood City, not San Carlos, so set your destination to the museum’s street address when planning the trip.
Redwood City station is two blocks from the museum. If you drive, the museum’s directions identify the Jefferson Garage and Marshall Street Garage as parking options; each offers the first 1.5 hours free. The County Garage is free on weekends and evenings. Parking terms can change, so confirm current details before setting out.
The San Carlos neighborhood guide covers the city where the inn is located.
FAQs
Where is the San Mateo County History Museum?
It is at 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063, inside the historic County Courthouse.
Is the museum in San Carlos?
No. The museum is in Redwood City, a separate city from San Carlos.
What is the last admission time?
Last admission is at 3:45 p.m. on the museum’s regular Tuesday-through-Sunday schedule.