Fall 2026

MY Museum Nears a 30-Year Milestone B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S C hildren visiting the Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum) can explore a two-story treehouse, build with sandcastle blocks, practice their putting, and pilot a fire trucO. 7ince opening as a .unior 0eague proNect in , the nonprofit facility has expanded to nine galleries and more than hands on e\hibits. %round , local and out of town fami - lies enjoy the museum each year, including past visitors now bringing their own children. “I don’t think we realized the generations that we would touch over the past almost 30 years,” says MY Museum Executive Director 0auren Cohen. Along with activities inspired by local nature and industry, the downtown Monterey museum offers weeOly programs that provide affordable access to crafts, gymnastics, music and more, and its ;heelie 1obilee delivers fun to camps and festivals. %s 1= 1useum approaches its 30th anniversary, including nearly 20 years on Washington Street, the team is planning gallery updates and additions like new climbing and bubble e\hibits. “We’re making real impact in the communi- ty,² Cohen says. ±Childhood has changed a lot over the past and years. ;e’re here for the long haul.² For more information, visit www.mymuseum.org. In September and October, 10% of proceeds from Montrio, 8arpy´s and Rio Grill to go orders benefit MY Museum through Coastal Roots Hospitality’s Pick It Up–Pay It Forward program. SHORT CUTS NEIGHBORS Executive Director Lauren Cohen at MY Museum. Nearing its 30th anniversary, the museum has entertained generations of locals and visitors alike. 94 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 Photo: Kelli Uldall