Contemporary art museums in California

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.

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.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, also known as SFMOMA, is a significant modern art museum and a landmark in the city of San Francisco. It was established in 1935, making it the first museum on the West Coast dedicated solely to 20th-century art. This historical significance adds to the museum's appeal for tourists interested in modern art and the cultural history of San Francisco.

The Broad is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Named after its primary financiers, Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city. It showcases a diverse range of contemporary art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.

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.

Visit the large San Diego community of 200 artists and their studios. See, touch and feel the arts or participate in the intriguing workshops.

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.

The Norton Simon Museum is an art museum situated on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. It was initially opened as the Pasadena Art Institute in 1922, focusing on 19th-century American and European art. The museum has undergone several transformations and name changes over the years, with a significant focus on modern and contemporary art.

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, also known as SVMA, is an art museum situated in the beautiful city of Sonoma, California. The museum was established in 1998 and since then, it has been a significant cultural hub in the region, showcasing works by regional, national, and international modern and contemporary artists.

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is a contemporary arts center located in San Francisco, California. It is a multi-disciplinary institution that celebrates local, national, and international artists. The center features visual art, performance, and film/video, providing a platform for diverse communities in the Bay Area.

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.

The Oakland Museum of California is a highly regarded institution in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore art, history, and natural sciences. Located between Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland, the museum houses over 1.9 million objects, including fundamental works of art, historical and ethnographic objects, natural specimens, and photographs.

The new complex of the M.H. de Young Museum was completed in 2005. The building was designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron from Switzerland and Fong & Chang from San Francisco, and it was opened to the public on October 15, 2005. The modern architecture of the museum is a sight to behold in itself, adding to the overall experience of visiting the museum.

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.

The International Art Museum of America (IAMA), previously known as the Superb Art Museum of America, is situated at 1023 Market Street, nestled between 6th and 7th Streets in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This location is easily accessible and is in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring San Francisco.

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.

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.

The Cartoon Art Museum, located in California, is a unique institution that focuses on the art of comics and cartoons. It holds the distinction of being the only museum in the Western United States that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting all forms of cartoon art. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and fans of cartoons and comics.

MOLAA is situated in downtown Long Beach, California. The museum is housed in a modern structure designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rosen. It features four galleries, a contemporary project space, and an outdoor sculpture garden. These spaces provide a diverse and dynamic environment for visitors to explore and appreciate Latin American and Latino art.

Sonoma State University is a public institution situated in Rohnert Park, a city in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Established in 1960, the university is part of the California State University system. It serves as an educational hub for thousands of students and offers a variety of academic programs.

Southern Exposure, also known as SoEx, is a non-profit arts organization and alternative art space that was established in 1974. It is located in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. This organization is dedicated to supporting emerging artists and fostering a vibrant art community.

The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is located in downtown San Jose, California. It is a museum that focuses on modern and contemporary art. The museum was founded in 1969 and has since been a significant part of the city's cultural scene. It is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists.

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.

Craft Contemporary, previously known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, is a non-profit, non-collecting arts museum situated on the Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. This museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary craft, making it a unique institution on the West Coast of the United States.

The Museum of the African Diaspora, also known as MoAD, is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of San Francisco, California. It is specifically located at 685 Mission St., nestled within the vibrant Yerba Buena Arts District. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique cultural experience amidst the bustling city life.

The Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego is situated in the historic district of Balboa Park. This location not only provides a beautiful setting for the museum but also places it in the heart of a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy the museum's exhibitions and then explore the surrounding park, which is home to many other cultural institutions and attractions.

The Palm Springs Art Museum, previously known as the Palm Springs Desert Museum, is a renowned art museum and performance hall situated in Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a diverse range of art exhibitions and performances.

The Humboldt Arts Council (HAC) is the official arts council of Humboldt County, California, USA. It is located within the Morris Graves Museum of Art (MGMA). The council is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1966 and incorporated in 1971. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for artists, developing arts education, and making the arts accessible through innovative and multicultural programs.

Craft Contemporary, previously known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, is a non-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary craft, making it a unique destination for those interested in this specific art form. It does not have a permanent collection, instead focusing on rotating exhibitions that showcase the work of various artists.

The Riverside Art Museum is located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its cultural and artistic relevance. The museum is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of art, history, and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Monterey Museum of Art, also known as MMA, is an art museum situated in the beautiful city of Monterey, California. Established in 1959, the museum has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over six decades. It offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the art of California from the 19th century to the present day.

The Triton Museum of Art, situated at 1505 Warburton Avenue in Santa Clara, California, is a contemporary art museum. It is a significant destination for art enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of contemporary art pieces.

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.

The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Latino arts. Established in 1977, it is situated at 2868 Mission Street in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, California. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists interested in exploring the rich Latino culture and arts scene.

The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment, also known as The MADE, is a unique museum located in Oakland, California. It is dedicated to the world of digital art and gaming, offering fully playable gaming exhibits. This allows visitors to not only view but also interact with the exhibits, providing a unique and immersive experience.

The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is recognized as one of the most comprehensive sculpture parks in the United States. This distinction makes it a significant destination for those interested in sculpture and art in general.

Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) is a contemporary arts space that centers on the Chicano and Latino experience and history. It is situated in the SoFA district at 510 South First Street in San Jose, California. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore and understand the rich cultural heritage of the Latino and Chicano communities through various forms of art.

Barnsdall Art Park is situated in the East Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. The park is easily accessible from Hollywood Boulevard, which provides parking and access to the arts buildings. This location makes it a convenient destination for tourists who are exploring the Hollywood area.

The Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation is a non-profit arts foundation situated in the Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles, California. This location is on North Carolwood Drive. The foundation is home to a collection of modern and contemporary artwork displayed in a unique 'living with art' house museum context.

The Palo Alto Art Center, located at 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto, California, is a multi-purpose center that is open to the public. It offers a variety of art activities suitable for all ages. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a beginner, the center provides a space for you to explore and engage with art.

The UCR/California Museum of Photography boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These collections are diverse, covering a broad spectrum of photographic arts, history, and technology. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of exhibits showcasing different aspects of photography.

The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is a unique art museum located in Glendale, Los Angeles County. The museum's primary focus is on neon tube art, showcasing a variety of pieces that utilize this vibrant and dynamic medium. Visitors can expect to see a range of exhibits, from rare old neon signs to contemporary works related to neon light.

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.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, located in Ojai, Ventura County, southern California, is a former Catholic chapel that now serves as the city's museum, research library, and historical society. This historic building offers visitors a chance to explore the city's rich history and culture.

The Mills College Art Museum, located in Oakland, California, serves as both a museum and an art gallery. It offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary art pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the art scene in the region.

The Headlands Center for the Arts is a unique destination located in the scenic Marin Headlands in Marin County, California. The center is housed in a campus of military buildings that have been artistically renovated, providing a unique blend of history and creativity. This location not only offers a glimpse into the world of contemporary art but also allows visitors to explore the rich history of the area, which was once a military installation.

The Social and Public Art Resource Center, also known as SPARC, is a non-profit community arts center located in Venice, California. This center hosts exhibitions, sponsors workshops and murals, and advocates for the preservation of Los Angeles area murals and other works of public art. It is a hub for community programs and artist spaces, making it a significant location for those interested in the arts.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, also known as ICA LA, is a contemporary art museum located in Los Angeles, California. It was formerly known as the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA). The museum showcases the work of local, national, and international contemporary artists, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.

The Long Beach Museum of Art is situated in the scenic Bluff Park neighborhood of Long Beach, California. This location on Ocean Boulevard offers visitors not only a rich cultural experience but also a chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the area.

The Laguna Art Museum, founded in 1918, is an art museum located in Laguna Beach, California. It is situated high on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. This location offers visitors not only a chance to explore a vast collection of contemporary and modern art but also to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art is situated in the heart of Bakersfield, California, specifically in Central Park. The museum's location is easily accessible, being on the corner of 19th St. and R St. This central location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The Oceanside Museum of Art, a fine arts museum, is situated at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, California in northern San Diego County, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich art culture of southern California.

The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art is located on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. This art gallery is a part of the university and is open to the public for viewing. It is a place where art from around the world is exhibited, with a special focus on art from California.

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.

The New Children's Museum, located in downtown San Diego, California, is an arts-based institution dedicated to fostering imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in children and families. This is achieved through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. The museum provides a unique platform for children to interact with and explore contemporary art, stimulating their creativity and critical thinking skills.

The Armory Center for the Arts, located in Pasadena, California, is a non-profit community arts organization. It offers a variety of arts education programs and hosts contemporary art exhibitions. This makes it a great place for tourists who are interested in the arts to learn and explore.

The Institute of Contemporary Art San José, also known as ICA, is a nonprofit art center and gallery that was established in 1980. It is situated in the SoFA District of Downtown San Jose, California. This location is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, making it a fitting home for the ICA.

The Fresno Art Museum, located in Fresno, California, is a hub for various forms of art. The museum's collection is diverse, encompassing contemporary and modern art, as well as Mexican and Mexican-American art, and Pre-Columbian sculpture. This wide range of art forms provides a comprehensive view of different cultures and periods, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The UCR/California Museum of Photography (CMP) boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These diverse collections cover a wide range of photographic arts, history, and technology. This information is beneficial for tourists who are interested in photography and want to explore a broad spectrum of photographic works.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, also known as MAH, is a nonprofit educational institution that was established in 1996. It is situated in the heart of Santa Cruz, California, specifically in the downtown McPherson Center. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as MarinMOCA, is a contemporary art museum located in Novato, California. Established in 2007, the museum has since been a hub for contemporary art enthusiasts and artists alike. It is conveniently located in the United States, making it accessible for both local and international visitors.

The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is a renowned art museum situated in the business district of Newport Center in Newport Beach, California. The museum, which was established in 1918, has a rich history and has grown to become a significant cultural institution in the region. It is known for its extensive collection of contemporary and modern art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

MOLAA is situated in downtown Long Beach, California. The museum is housed in a modern structure designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rosen. It features four galleries, a contemporary project space, and an outdoor sculpture garden, providing a diverse range of spaces to explore and appreciate Latin American art.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) is a contemporary art museum located in Los Angeles, California. It was formerly known as the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA). The museum showcases the work of local, national, and international contemporary artists, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.

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.

The Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, established in 1998, is a renowned contemporary art center located in San Francisco, California. It is an integral part of the California College of the Arts, contributing to the vibrant arts scene of the city.

The Museum of Sonoma County, also known as the Sonoma County Museum, is a non-profit organization situated in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, California. This museum is a significant cultural destination in the region, offering a rich blend of art and history through its diverse collections and exhibitions.

The Maturango Museum, situated in Ridgecrest, California, is renowned for its guided tours of the Coso Rock Art District, which is located on the China Lake Naval Weapons Station. These tours provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the area.

The American Museum of Ceramic Art, also known as AMOCA, is situated in Pomona, California. Established in 2003, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to the exhibition of both historic and contemporary ceramic art. The museum boasts a permanent collection of 10,000 objects and also hosts temporary rotating exhibitions, providing a comprehensive view of the ceramic art world.

The New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), previously known as the Museums of Los Gatos, is a public non-profit institution dedicated to art and history. Established in 1965, the museum is conveniently located in the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Los Gatos, California. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.

The Art, Design & Architecture Museum, previously known as the University Art Museum, is situated on the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in Goleta, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum within the vibrant academic environment of UCSB.

Destination Crenshaw is a unique open-air museum currently under construction in Los Angeles, California. Spanning 1.3 miles along Crenshaw Boulevard, the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of African Americans. Once completed, it will offer visitors a rich and immersive experience of African American heritage.

Exhibits on various topics including art and technology are scattered through the airport building.

The Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater, also known as REDCAT, is a contemporary arts center located in downtown Los Angeles, California. It is situated within the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex and is dedicated to innovative visual, performing, and media arts. The center is interdisciplinary, meaning it encourages and facilitates collaboration between different artistic disciplines.

The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, situated in the Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles, California, is a hub for the arts and artists of Southern California. The gallery provides a platform for the region's artists to showcase their work, making it a great place for tourists to get a taste of the local art scene.

Located in a university campus, this center specializes in promotion of cultural variety of California through various art forms.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art is situated at Chapman University in Orange, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of California through its art. The museum is a part of the university, which adds an educational aspect to the visit.

A museum devoted to showcasing contemporary craft and design. Its exhibitions are primarily focused on everyday usage of design.

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.

The Filipino American Museum, also known as FAM, was a mobile museum based in New York City. It was known for its programming that showcased Filipino American arts, music, and culture. This unique museum offered a platform for the exploration and celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Filipino Americans.

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.

Enjoy the variety of photographic styles in this collective gallery of fine art photographers. The workshops are enriching.

Established in 1964, this center promotes and displays works of local artists and organizes workshops and happenings for the public.

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

This venue is not only a museum presenting Californian art and culture but also a meeting place for people during various events.

Established in 1987, this museum promotes works of young artists and also encourages their creativity. They organise various projects.

Have a break from all the wine tasting and enter the extraordinary property filled with large pieces of contemporary art scattered all over.

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.

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.

Interested in local art? Then this gallery is for you! Wanting to purchase an art piece or just having a look - no matter what you seek, definitely pop in.

Unique exhibition space with a very vibrant concept. Definitely do not miss out on this place if you're interested in the contemporary art.

Organising several events a year, this gallery is actually one of the largest in the area. Exhibitions are international.