The Hart museum will remain closed until further notice. The County approved a motion to begin negotiations to transfer ownership of William S. Hart Park and Museum to the City of Santa Clarita. Learn more.

The latest news about the Hart

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) are a public-private partnership between the non-profit Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Foundation and the County of Los Angeles. On July 12, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to begin negotiations with the City of Santa Clarita in order to transfer ownership of William S. Hart Park and the William S. Hart Museum to the City. The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have managed the Museum and collection since the 1960s on behalf of L.A. County and, pending successful negotiations approved by the Board of Supervisors and other required governmental agencies’ approval of the transfer, will work closely with L.A. County and the City of Santa Clarita to develop plans for a smooth transition. The Hart Museum remains closed at this time. 

William S. Hart Museum Transition

On June 13, 2023, the City of Santa Clarita reviewed the feasibility analysis of assuming ownership and operations of William S. Hart Regional Park from the County of Los Angeles and directed staff to move forward in pursuing the transfer of ownership.

The Hart Museum park and mansion were gifted to the County by William S. Hart in 1948. The Los Angeles Museum of History and Science operated the Hart Museum from 1958–1962. The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation operated the Hart Museum until 1987 when the management of the museum came back to the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. 

While NHMLAC cannot say when the transfer process of the Hart Museum will be finalized, we wanted to provide an updated Q&A for curious guests and visitors.

Any media inquiries should be referred to the NHMLAC Communications Department at press@nhm.org.