MMA presents approximately twenty exhibitions annually. These include thematic exhibitions selected from the permanent collection, presentations of local artists and major traveling exhibitions from other institutions. In addition to the museum's exhibitions, it presents educational programs that reach thousands of area youth annually, docent programs, classes, lectures and workshops, and exhibition tours. MMA aims to provide greater accessibility to the entire community with two ongoing events. On Free Family Fun Days typically on the first Saturday of the month, the Museum is free for all between 11 am and 3 pm, and offers hands-on art activities for the whole family. On First Fridays, the museum is free between 5 pm and 7 pm and welcomes the public to enjoy the gallery spaces, live music, and an art activity. Additionally, the Museum holds its annual Block Party [https://www.montereyart.org/support/the-block-party/, a free daylong arts festival that draws over 4,000 people to downtown Monterey, in April; and
Iluminado a monthlong seasonal celebration of unity, creativity, and wonder in January/December. Central to
Iluminado are art installations that invite community participation and evolve throughout the month. Other local institutions, including
Monterey Peninsula College,
Monterey Institute of International Studies, the
Defense Language Institute and
California State University Monterey Bay frequently use the museum as a resource for classes. The Museum also offers school tours to local elementary through high school students throughout the academic year. == Permanent collections ==