Stanton Center

The Stanton Center overlooks Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey on the Monterey Peninsula of California. The Stanton Center is also known as the Monterey Maritime Museum and History Center. The museum has many objects relating to maritime history and Fisherman's Wharf.

One of the main exhibits is the 8 foot tall Fresnel lens. This lens was once in the original Point Sur Lighthouse. The lighthouse still stands about 20 miles to the south of Monterey on the Big Sur Coast. The lens as part of the museum is a 4330 pound collection of glass prisms. The prisms amplify lights with different beams of color, allowing the light to be cast 23 nautical miles.

Stanton Center has a 400 square foot lobby with a dance floor, overhead bridge, and access to the outdoor patio. Also among the center is the Stanton Center Theater for performances. The theater has 100 seats, a stage, projection equipment and lighting. As the museum it offers more than just exhibits. Throughout the year they have many events, performances, and gatherings to get Monterey residents interested in history.

The Stanton Center Museum section is opening in 2011 after a renovation. Casa Serrano and Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library are also part of the center.