The Hart Museum remains closed. Los Angeles County has approved a plan to transfer the William S. Hart Museum and Park from the County to the City of Santa Clarita.

The Latest News About The William S. Hart Museum

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) is a public-private partnership between the non-profit Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Foundation and the County of Los Angeles. 

On August 6, 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a plan to transfer the William S. Hart Museum and Park from Los Angeles County to the City of Santa Clarita. On May 13, 2025, the Los Angeles County Superior Court accepted the petition to transfer ownership, a significant step in concluding the transition. With the Superior Court’s approval, the City of Santa Clarita is hoping to begin operations in summer 2025. NHMLAC is still the caretaker of the now-closed Hart Museum and our commitment to the safekeeping of this historic and culturally significant site remains a priority until the transfer is completed. 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. Hart’s collection—the personal belongings, cowboy memorabilia and Western art of the silent film legend—was bequeathed to the County of Los Angeles by William S. Hart. 

The County took possession of it in 1957, and it was put in the care of NHM History Department. It was transferred to L.A. County Parks and Recreation in 1962, then returned to NHM History in 1988. In 1991 it was moved to NHM Education before being transferred back to History in 2000. While NHMLAC cannot say when the transfer process of the Hart Museum will be finalized, we wanted to provide answers for curious guests and visitors.

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

When will the Hart Museum reopen?

The Hart Museum may be able to reopen once the transfer has been completed and the collections’ new stewards are in place.

How long will the transfer take?

The timing of the transfer has not yet been determined. The City of Santa Clarita will work with Los Angeles County representatives on next steps.

Why is the Hart Museum being transferred from Los Angeles County to the City of Santa Clarita?

The City of Santa Clarita will be able to operate the Hart Museum in a much more efficient and effective manner due to the museum’s location and history. NHMLAC and Los Angeles County have been honored to own, steward and maintain the Hart Museum over the years and look forward to its continued success and improvements under the direction of its new owners.

Who can I talk to if I have questions or concerns about the transfer?

For any questions, please contact Gina Ender at L.A. County 5th District at 213.974.5555 or Kenneth W. Striplin, City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita, at 661.259.2489.