The best museums in Berkeley in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Berkeley, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Berkeley, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Berkeley.

Looking for the best museums in Berkeley? These are the best ones:

  1. UC Botanical Garden1

    UC Botanical Garden

     Berkeley, CA
    The University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a sprawling 13.7 ha botanical garden situated on the University of California, Berkeley Campus. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of plant species in a serene and educational environment.
  2. Bancroft Library2

    Bancroft Library

     Berkeley, CA
    The Bancroft Library, located centrally on the campus of the University of California - Berkeley, is the main library for special collections. It is conveniently situated diagonally opposite Sather Tower, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  3. Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive3

    Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

     Berkeley, CA
    The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a unique combination of an art museum and a film archive, located at the University of California in Berkeley. It offers a diverse collection of art and film, making it a fascinating destination for art and film enthusiasts. The museum's collection includes over 22,000 works of art, ranging from Chinese paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties to contemporary art pieces.
  4. University of California Museum of Paleontology4

    University of California Museum of Paleontology

     Berkeley, CA
    The University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) is a unique destination for those interested in the history of life on Earth. Located on the campus of the University of California in the Valley Life Sciences Building, the museum offers a glimpse into the world of paleontology and the rich fossil record that it studies.
  5. Museum of Vertebrate Zoology5

    Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

     Berkeley, CA
    The Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ) is a zoological museum that is situated on the campus of the University of California. It is housed in the Valley Life Sciences Building. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the diverse collection of vertebrates that the museum has to offer.
  6. Essig Museum of Entomology6

    Essig Museum of Entomology

     Berkeley, CA
    The Essig Museum of Entomology, located at the University of California at Berkeley, is a research museum dedicated to terrestrial arthropods. It is a unique place where visitors can explore the fascinating world of insects and other arthropods.
  7. Regional Parks Botanic Garden7

    Regional Parks Botanic Garden

     Berkeley, CA
    The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, situated in Berkeley, California, spans an impressive 40,000 square meters. This expansive garden is home to a diverse range of plant species native to the state of California, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the state's rich botanical heritage.
  8. Lawrence Hall of Science8

    Lawrence Hall of Science

     Berkeley, CA
    The Lawrence Hall of Science, located in Berkeley, California, is a public science center that provides a variety of services and resources. It offers hands-on science exhibits that allow visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts and phenomena. The center also designs curriculum and provides professional development resources, as well as after-school science resources for students of all ages.
  9. 9

    Hearst Museum of Anthropology

     Berkeley, CA
    The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology is situated in Berkeley, California, on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in anthropology and the rich history of human cultures. The museum is named after Phoebe Apperson Hearst, who was a significant patron of the museum.
  10. 10

    Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

     Berkeley, CA
    The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, previously known as the Judah L. Magnes Museum until 2012, is a museum located in Berkeley, California. It is dedicated to Jewish history, art, and culture. The museum was founded in 1961 and has since been a significant repository of Jewish artifacts and manuscripts.

All museums in Berkeley