All ancient art museums to visit in California

Step back in time with the fascinating collections of 36 ancient art museums in California. Marvel at artifacts, sculptures, and relics from ancient civilizations that tell the story of human history.

Do you have a fascination with ancient history and art? These are the top ancient art museums in California:

  1. The Getty Center1

    The Getty Center

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Getty Center, situated in Brentwood, a district in the west of Los Angeles, serves as the headquarters of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Since 1997, it has been home to the majority of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection. This makes it a significant location for those interested in exploring a vast array of art pieces.
  2. De Young Museum2

    De Young Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The M.H. de Young Museum is one of two museums in San Francisco that are part of the overarching Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The other museum is the California Palace of the Legion of Honor located in Lincoln Park. These two museums together offer a comprehensive experience of fine arts in the city.
  3. The Getty Villa Museum3

    The Getty Villa Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Getty Villa, located in Pacific Palisades, is one of the two sites of the J. Paul Getty Museum. This site is dedicated to the museum's antiquities collection, offering visitors a chance to explore a vast array of ancient artifacts. The villa itself is a recreation of the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, providing a unique backdrop for the museum's collection.
  4. Legion of Honor4

    Legion of Honor

     San Francisco, CA
    The Legion of Honor, originally known as the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, is an American art museum that was inaugurated in 1924. It is situated in the city of San Francisco, California. This museum is a part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and is a significant cultural landmark in the city.
  5. Hearst Castle5

    Hearst Castle

     San Simeon, CA
    Hearst Castle is a grand palace that was commissioned by the press magnate William Randolph Hearst. The architect behind this magnificent structure was Julia Morgan. The castle is located near San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. It offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and is a significant landmark in the region.
  6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art6

    Los Angeles County Museum of Art

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, often abbreviated as LACMA, is a prominent museum located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other notable landmarks, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  7. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco7

    Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco, was inaugurated in 1966. This was made possible due to a generous donation from Avery Brundage, a patron who continued to contribute to the museum even after its establishment. This historical context adds to the rich heritage of the museum, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city.
  8. Huntington Library8

    Huntington Library

     San Marino, CA
    The Huntington Library, situated in San Marino, California, is more than just a library. Founded by Henry E. Huntington, it serves as an educational and research institute. Apart from its extensive library, it also boasts an art collection that includes English figures and 18th-century French furniture. Additionally, it is home to beautiful botanical gardens, making it a diverse destination for tourists.
  9. Asian Art Museum9

    Asian Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Asian art. It boasts over 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some of which date back as far as 6,000 years. This extensive collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Asia through its art.
  10. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum10

    Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

     San Jose, CA
    The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (REM) is situated in the Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors interested in ancient Egypt. The museum is part of the Rosicrucian Park, providing a serene and educational environment for all ages.
  11. Museo Italo Americano11

    Museo Italo Americano

     San Francisco, CA
    The Museo ItaloAmericano, also known as the Italian American Museum, is a cultural institution located in San Francisco, California. The museum's primary focus is on Italian-American history, art, and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the Italian-American experience through a variety of exhibits and collections.
  12. Crocker Art Museum12

    Crocker Art Museum

     Sacramento, CA
    The Crocker Art Museum, located in Sacramento, California, holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in the city. It was established in the year 1885 by Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker and his wife Margaret Crocker. The museum was named after Edwin's brother, Charles Crocker.
  13. Santa Barbara Museum of Art13

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, also known as SBMA, is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California. This museum, which was established in 1941, is a significant cultural landmark in the city. It offers visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections from different periods and regions.
  14. USC Pacific Asia Museum14

    USC Pacific Asia Museum

     Pasadena, CA
    The USC Pacific Asia Museum is an Asian art museum situated at 46 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore Asian art and culture.
  15. Hammer Museum15

    Hammer Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Hammer Museum, also known as the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center or UCLA Hammer Museum, is an art museum located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California. It is operated by the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture of the University of California. The museum was founded by Armand Hammer, the then CEO of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation, in November 1990.
  16. Timken Museum of Art16

    Timken Museum of Art

     San Diego, CA
    The Timken Museum of Art, established in 1965, is a fine art museum located at 1500 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. It is conveniently situated close to the San Diego Museum of Art, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts.
  17. Mingei International Museum17

    Mingei International Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The Mingei International Museum is a public institution dedicated to the collection, conservation, and exhibition of folk art, craft, and design. As a non-profit organization, the museum's mission is to preserve and showcase the 'art of the people', a concept that is deeply rooted in its name, Mingei, a term coined by Japanese scholar Dr. Sōetsu Yanagi.
  18. Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive18

    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.
  19. San Diego Museum of Art19

    San Diego Museum of Art

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego Museum of Art, located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is a fine arts museum that boasts a broad collection. The museum is particularly known for its strength in Spanish art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  20. Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College20

    Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College

     Claremont, CA
    The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, colloquially known as the Benton, is a recent addition to the art scene in Claremont, California. It was completed in 2020, taking the place of the Montgomery Art Gallery. This new museum offers a fresh perspective on art and a new destination for art enthusiasts.
  21. Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum21

    Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum

     Santa Rosa, CA
    Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a public community college located in Santa Rosa, California. It also has an additional campus in Petaluma and centers in surrounding Sonoma County. This makes it a significant educational institution in the region, offering a variety of programs and services to students and the community.
  22. Martial Arts History Museum22

    Martial Arts History Museum

     Glendale, CA
    The Martial Arts History Museum, located in Burbank, California, is a unique institution in America dedicated to the history of martial arts. It provides an in-depth look into the evolution and impact of various martial arts forms, making it a fascinating destination for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
  23. De Saisset Museum23

    De Saisset Museum

     Santa Clara, CA
    The de Saisset Museum boasts a collection of nearly 10,000 art pieces and historical artifacts. This includes the work of early Californian artist and university alumnus Ernest de Saisset, as well as a significant collection of California mission artifacts. These collections provide a rich insight into the history and culture of the region.
  24. 24

    Haggin Museum

     Stockton, CA
    The Haggin Museum, located in Victory Park in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California, serves as both an art museum and a local history museum. It provides a unique blend of cultural and historical exhibits, making it a significant destination for those interested in both art and the local history of the region.
  25. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum25

    Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

     Palm Springs, CA
    The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, located in Palm Springs, California, is a cultural and historical institution that focuses on the Cahuilla people of the Coachella Valley. This museum provides an in-depth look into the history and culture of the Cahuilla people, offering a unique perspective on the indigenous people of this region.
  26. Usc Fisher Museum of Art26

    Usc Fisher Museum of Art

     Los Angeles, CA
    The USC Fisher Museum of Art boasts a diverse collection that spans various forms of media, including painting, prints, drawings, photography, and sculpture. The works in the collection range from the 15th to the 21st centuries, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the evolution of art over the centuries.
  27. Bowers Museum27

    Bowers Museum

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Bowers Museum, situated in Santa Ana, California, is an art museum that boasts a permanent collection of more than 100,000 objects. This vast collection spans various regions and periods, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the world of art and culture.
  28. Fowler Museum28

    Fowler Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Fowler Museum typically hosts between three to six art exhibitions at any given time. In addition to its role as an exhibition space, the museum also serves as a venue for a variety of cultural events. These include lectures on cultural topics, musical performances, art workshops, family programs, and festivals among others. This wide range of activities makes the museum a vibrant and dynamic place for visitors of all ages and interests.
  29. California Society of Pioneers Museum and Library29

    California Society of Pioneers Museum and Library

     San Francisco, CA
    The Society of California Pioneers is a historical organization that was established in 1850. It is dedicated to the study and enjoyment of California's art, history, and culture. The society was founded by individuals who arrived in California before 1850 and has been thriving under the leadership of their direct descendants. It serves its members, the academic community, and the public.
  30. 30

    Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery

     Claremont, CA
    Scripps College is renowned for its beautiful campus, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most picturesque in the United States. The campus is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places, further emphasizing its architectural and historical significance.
  31. Jesse Peter Museum31

    Jesse Peter Museum

     Santa Rosa, CA
    The campus of Santa Rosa Junior College is home to several attractions that may interest tourists. These include a Planetarium, the Robert F. Agrella Art Gallery, Summer Repertory Theatre, and the Santa Rosa Junior College Museum. Each of these offers unique experiences and insights into various fields of study and culture.
  32. 32

    The Mexican Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Mexican Museum, located in San Francisco, California, was established to showcase the aesthetic expression of the Latino, Chicano, Mexican, and Mexican-American communities. This institution serves as a platform for these cultures to display their artistic contributions and heritage, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.
  33. 33

    Roslin Art Gallery

     Glendale, CA
    The Roslin Art Gallery, situated in Glendale, California, is a unique space dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Armenian folk art. This gallery provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Armenia through its diverse collection of folk art.
  34. 34

    Haldan Art Gallery

     South Lake Tahoe, CA
    Run by a local community college, this gallery boasts quite remarkable exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art.
  35. 35

    Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA)

     San Bernardino, CA
    The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, also known as RAFFMA, is an art museum situated on the main campus of the California State University in San Bernardino, California. This museum is a part of the university and serves as a cultural hub for the region, offering a variety of art collections and exhibitions.
  36. 36

    Vincent Price Art Museum

     Monterey Park, CA
    The Vincent Price Art Museum, also known as VPAM, is situated at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, California. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum is named after the renowned American actor Vincent Price, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its history.