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Museum membership guide
Top 41 Cultural locations in California
byShiry
Live update: Updated February 15, 2022Copy link
Copy link1. The California Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
ShiryThe California Museum educates visitors on the Golden State’s history and unique influence on the world through ideas, innovation, the arts and culture. Through interactive exhibits and engaging programs, the Museum inspires visitors to make their own mark on history
2. Sonoma County Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Museum of Sonoma County engages and inspires our diverse community with art and history exhibitions, collections, and public programs that are inclusive, educational, and relevant.
3. Maturango Museum of the Indian Wells Valley
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryFounded in 1962, the Maturango Museum is an important educational and cultural resource in Ridgecrest, California. In addition to the exhibit galleries, which feature the natural and cultural history of the Upper Mojave Desert, the Museum sponsors many programs and tours, including tours to the world-famous Coso petroglyphs. The museum also has an art gallery that sponsors 6 shows throughout the year. The Museum is an information center for Death Valley, the Northern Mojave Desert, and the Highway 395 and 178 corridors. We are open every day 10-5, excluding major holidays.
4. Asian Art Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Asian Art Museum holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world holding 18,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. With Asia as our lens and art as our cornerstone, we spark connections across cultures and through time, igniting curiosity, conversation, and creativity. Asia is not one place. The ideas and ideals that we call Asian are countless and diverse. Some of the works we display pre-date written history. Others were recently created. Many have connections to works from other continents and other millennia. We explore these links, provoking discovery, debate, and inspiration.
5. Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded to preserve, explore and promote the history, heritage and culture of the Island and the greater Newport Beach community.
6. Blue Line Arts
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
7. Bowers Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 50 NARM locations in California
8. Campbell Museums
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Campbell Museums are a City of Campbell owned and operated Museum organization with two museum sites. The historical museum and the Ainsley House.
9. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryCasa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente, California is south Orange County’s major cultural institution. We are enhanced by our location in a Spanish Colonial Revival registered historic landmark. Casa Romantica has developed a reputation for wide-ranging cultural programming, including music, art, dance, theater, horticulture, and a lecture series that bring international talent to south Orange County.
10. Catalina Island Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryLocated in the new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building, the Catalina Island Museum offers residents and visitors the island’s only access to art, history and culture.
11. Chinese American Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
12. Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe mission of CCC is to elevate underserved communities, and give voice to equality through education and contemporary art. With over five decades of experience, CCC simultaneously promotes community engagement as well as cutting-edge contemporary art of international significance. Their work is based in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the City’s open and public spaces, and other art institutions.
13. Chinese Historical Society of America
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Chinese Historical Society of America Museum is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of the social, cultural and political history and contributions of the Chinese in America.
14. di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Shirydi Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a catalyst for transformative experiences with contemporary art of Northern California. The nonprofit art center, located in the heart of Napa Valley, presents dynamic, rotating exhibitions as well as educational programs for all ages. Additionally, di Rosa maintains a permanent collection of notable works by artists living or working in Northern California from the mid-twentieth century to the early twenty-first century, highlighting a story of experimentation of the artists of the region. Collection artists include Robert Arneson, Joan Brown, Enrique Chagoya, Bruce Conner, Judy Dater, Jay De Feo, Roy De Forest, Viola Frey, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Mildred Howard, Robert Hudson, Paul Kos, Manuel Neri, and many others. A wide range of styles, media, and subject matter provides an overview of the creative energy and freedom to experiment that characterize this region of California.
15. Doug Adams Gallery, Center for the Arts and Religion, at the Graduate Theological Union
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryCARe’s Doug Adams Gallery presents exhibitions that examine themes of religion and spirituality, broadly defined. Three exhibitions each year and related public programming offer opportunities for learning, reflection, and enjoyment for Graduate Theological Union students, faculty, and staff, and for the wider community.
16. Fullerton Arboretum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryFullerton Arboretum is a 26 acre botanic garden on the campus of California State University. The garden hosts two museums: Heritage House, an 1894 Eastlake Victorian Cottage fully restored with docent guided tours and the Orange County Agricultural & Nikkei Heritage Museum. The arboretum’s living collections include plants from every region of the world displayed in their native topography. Fullerton Arboretum is a Level IV Arboretum, the highest accreditation possibly, one of just 180 Level IV arboreta worldwide.
17. Fullerton Museum Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Fullerton Museum Center (FMC) presents the best in multidisciplinary exhibitions and educational programs in the areas of history, science, art and humanities. The main goals of FMC are to present exhibitions and activities which stimulate dialogue, promote critical and creative thinking, and serve as vehicles to learn about ourselves and our world.
18. GLBT Historical Society/GLBT History Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryOften referred to as San Francisco’s “queer Smithsonian,” the GLBT Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that houses one of the world’s largest collections of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical materials. The GLBT History Museum in San Francisco’s Castro District—a project of the GLBT Historical Society—is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. The museum currently features a long-term exhibition, “Queer Past Becomes Present,” as well as changing exhibitions in the Front Gallery and Community Gallery.
19. International House Davis
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryInternational House Davis (I-House) connects people, experiences, and perspectives within a global framework. We strive to provide meaningful engagement with our region’s diverse communities and the broader world through collaborative programs that are inclusive and accessible. Founded in 1981, I-House is an independent 501(c)3.
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 5 locations in Davis
20. Japanese American National Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThrough history and art exhibitions, an expansive resource and research center, family programs and video presentations in its one-of-a kind Pavilion, share a uniquely American story at the Japanese American National Museum, part of the Little Tokyo Historic District. From initial immigration in the late 1800s to the unconstitutional incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, the National Museum celebrates the triumph of democracy over discrimination – for all Americans – yesterday, today and for generations to come. Visitors can learn origami or visit the award-winning Museum store.
21. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryLA Plaza de Cultura y Artes – LA Plaza – celebrates the past and inspires the future by sharing the untold stories about the history, culture, values, and traditions of Mexican, Mexican American, and all Latinos in the founding and continuing evolution of Southern California. We do this through compelling and culturally enriching exhibitions, educational programs, and public programming. We’ve welcomed visitors since 2011.
22. Los Altos History Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySince 2001, Los Altos History Museum has provided a welcoming center for visitors of all ages to learn about local history and engage in hands-on educational activities. Located in one of the few remaining apricot orchards of Santa Clara Valley, the Museum houses several exhibit spaces, including an outdoor agricultural exhibit, and offers award-winning exhibitions, community programs, and an idyllic garden setting for weddings.
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 48 places in California for History
23. Maidu Museum and Historic Site
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Maidu Museum & Historic Site offers a unique cultural haven for families and individuals who want to experience the life ways and culture of the Nisenan Maidu who called this location home for thousands of years.The outside trail wanders through the Historic Site and offers visitors a chance to see the lasting cultural landmarks via hundreds of bedrock mortar holes and deeply carved petroglyphs. The museum houses interactive exhibits, displays and an art gallery showcasing contemporary California Indian art. The museum offers public tours every Saturday at 10am. Group guided tours are offered Monday-Friday, by reservations.
24. Marin History Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryFounded in 1935, the not-for-profit Marin History Museum celebrates the traditions of innovation and creativity of the people of Marin County. The collection includes historic artifacts and documents that relate to the history of Marin County and consists of some 20,000 artifacts and more than 200,000 historical photographs.
25. Mission Inn Foundation and Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Mission Inn Foundation preserves, interprets, and promotes the cultural heritage of the Mission Inn, Riverside, and the surrounding southern California communities through its museum services, educational programs, and outreach activities.
ALSO FEATURED IN:Top 14 Historic Site locations in California
26. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art. MOLAA expands knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American art through its collection, ground-breaking exhibitions, stimulating educational programs and engaging cultural events.
27. Museum of the African Diaspora
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is dedicated to sharing the art and stories of our common African heritage with audiences from around the world.
28. Museum of Ventura County
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
29. MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
30. Napa Valley Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryInterpreting the arts, culture, history and natural sciences of the world-famous Napa Valley, this museum features temporary and permanent exhibits, including the interactive exhibit California Wine: The Science of an Art and The Land and People of the Napa Valley. Among the NVM collections are over sixty 19th century watercolors of native California wild flowers and the extensive Henry Evans portfolio of botanical prints. Located on the verdant grounds of the historic Veterans Home of California, the Napa Valley Museum is an architectural jewel designed by Fernau and Hartman. Weekend Community Education Programs included in Museum admission. Docent tours and group rates are available upon request.
31. Oakland Museum of California
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to actively participate in the Museum as they learn about the natural, artistic, and social forces that affect the state and investigate their own role in both its history and its future. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage. visit: www.museumca.org
32. Patrick Ranch Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryPatrick Ranch Museum is located on a 28 acre ranch and 1870s Glenwood Mansion showcasing the agricultural history of Northern California.
33. Petaluma Arts Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryPetaluma Arts Center is a place for people to discover and contribute to the enriching and provocative power of the arts through programs, education, events, and eclectic exhibitions and performances.
34. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
35. Skirball Cultural Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Skirball Cultural Center is an educational institution in Los Angeles, California devoted to sustaining Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals. It has been open to the public since 1996.
36. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC)
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
37. Tenderloin Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
38. The Gamble House
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
39. The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
40. The Paley Center for Media
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRecommended this place!
41. USC Pacific Asia Museum
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryUSC Pacific Asia Museum is the only Museum in Southern California dedicated to furthering intercultural understanding through the arts and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The Museum’s collection consists of over 14,000 objects spanning China to Australia and Iran to Hawaii.
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