All film museums to visit in California

Discover the world of cinema at 38 film museums in California. These museums celebrate the art and history of filmmaking, from classic movies to modern blockbusters.

Are you a movie buff looking to dive into the world of film? These are the top film museums in California:

  1. The Hollywood Museum1

    The Hollywood Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Hollywood Museum is situated in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on North Highland Avenue. This location is easily accessible and is a significant part of the Hollywood history, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  2. Legion of Honor2

    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.
  3. USS Pampanito3

    USS Pampanito

     San Francisco, CA
    The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a historic submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific War during World War II. It is now a museum ship located at Fisherman’s Wharf in the port of San Francisco. Visitors can explore this Balao class submarine and learn about its history and the role it played during the war.
  4. The Walt Disney Family Museum4

    The Walt Disney Family Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Walt Disney Family Museum, also known as WDFM, is an American museum dedicated to showcasing the life and legacy of Walt Disney. It is situated in The Presidio of San Francisco, which is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This location not only offers a rich historical context but also provides a scenic backdrop for visitors.
  5. Madame Tussauds San Francisco5

    Madame Tussauds San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    Madame Tussauds San Francisco is a renowned wax museum situated in the vibrant area of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California. This location is known for its bustling atmosphere and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The museum offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with lifelike wax figures of famous personalities.
  6. SS Jeremiah O'brien6

    SS Jeremiah O'brien

     San Francisco, CA
    The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is typically docked at Pier 45 in the Port of San Francisco, California, where it is open for public viewing. It holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining ships that participated in Operation Overlord on D-Day during World War II. This makes it a unique and tangible piece of history that visitors can explore and learn from.
  7. Yerba Buena Center For the Arts Gallery7

    Yerba Buena Center For the Arts Gallery

     San Francisco, CA
    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.
  8. Children's Creativity Museum8

    Children's Creativity Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Children's Creativity Museum, located in Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California, is an interactive museum designed for children aged 2–12 years. It provides a unique and engaging environment where children can explore and express their creativity through various interactive exhibits and workshops.
  9. The Contemporary Jewish Museum9

    The Contemporary Jewish Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) is situated in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. This non-collecting museum is located at 736 Mission Street at Yerba Buena Lane. It is a unique institution that does not maintain a permanent collection, but instead curates and hosts a broad array of exhibitions each year in collaboration with other institutions.
  10. Gamble House10

    Gamble House

     Pasadena, CA
    The Gamble House, also known as the David B. Gamble House, is a significant architectural landmark located in Pasadena, California. This house is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Greene and Greene firm, who designed and built it in 1908-1909 for David B. Gamble of the Procter & Gamble company.
  11. Sony Pictures Studio Tour11

    Sony Pictures Studio Tour

     Culver City, CA
    Sony Pictures Studios, located in Culver City, Los Angeles County, is a filming studio dedicated to both film and television productions. It is managed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and serves as the production hub for Columbia Pictures and TriStar Pictures studios. This studio has been the birthplace of numerous shows and series, making it a significant part of the entertainment industry.
  12. Cartoon Art Museum12

    Cartoon Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    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.
  13. Fleet Science Center13

    Fleet Science Center

     San Diego, CA
    The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a renowned science museum situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX dome theater, all in one place. The museum is known for setting the standard for major science museums worldwide, being the first to combine these elements.
  14. Hollywood Heritage Museum14

    Hollywood Heritage Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Hollywood Heritage Museum, also known as the Hollywood Studio Museum, is a museum that was established on December 13, 1985. It is dedicated to the early days of Hollywood cinema and is located not far from the Hollywood Bowl. The museum is housed in Hollywood's first film studio, the Lasky-DeMille Barn, named after its former tenants, Jesse L. Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille.
  15. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures15

    Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Saban Building, previously known as the May Company Building, is a renowned example of Streamline Moderne architecture. This architectural style is characterized by its emphasis on curving forms, long horizontal lines, and sometimes nautical elements. The building is also recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, a designation that acknowledges its significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the city. Since 2021, the Saban Building has been the home of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, making it a key destination for film enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  16. Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive16

    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.
  17. 17

    Museum of Flying

     Santa Monica, CA
    The Museum of Flying primarily focuses on the history of aviation, with a particular emphasis on Donald Douglas and the Douglas Aircraft Company. The exhibits showcase the significant contributions of these entities to the development of aviation in Southern California. Visitors can learn about the pioneering work of Donald Douglas and his company, which played a crucial role in shaping the aviation industry.
  18. Skirball Cultural Center18

    Skirball Cultural Center

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Skirball Cultural Center houses a museum that hosts a variety of activities. These include regularly changing exhibitions, film events, music and theater performances, comedy shows, family activities, and literary and cultural programs. The diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, making it a versatile destination for visitors.
  19. The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum19

    The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

     Huntington Beach, CA
    The International Surfing Museum, located in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of surfing culture worldwide. It's an ideal destination for those interested in the sport and its history.
  20. The MADE20

    The MADE

     Oakland, CA
    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.
  21. Italian American Museum of Los Angeles21

    Italian American Museum of Los Angeles

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, also known as IAMLA, is situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California. It forms a part of the El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, adding to the rich historical significance of the area. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and ongoing contributions of Italian Americans and Italians in Southern California and the United States.
  22. The Tech Interactive22

    The Tech Interactive

     San Jose, CA
    The Tech Interactive, located in downtown San Jose, California, is a science and technology center that provides a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education resources. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities, participate in labs, and take on design challenges. The center's focus on interactive learning makes it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the world of science and technology.
  23. Martial Arts History Museum23

    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.
  24. Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana24

    Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana

     San Jose, CA
    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.
  25. Centro Cultural De La Raza25

    Centro Cultural De La Raza

     San Diego, CA
    The Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in Balboa Park, San Diego, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, promotion, and education of Chicano, Mexicano, Native American, and Latino art and culture. The center supports and encourages the creative expression of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
  26. Oceanside Museum of Art26

    Oceanside Museum of Art

     Oceanside, CA
    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.
  27. Whalers Cabin27

    Whalers Cabin

     Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    The Whalers Cabin, nestled in the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, is a historic building that offers a glimpse into the past. Located just four miles south of the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, this cabin is a significant part of the area's cultural history. It was built in the 1850s to accommodate Japanese and Chinese fishermen and has since been transformed into a museum.
  28. American Radio Archives And Museum28

    American Radio Archives And Museum

     Thousand Oaks, CA
    The American Radio Archives, located within the Thousand Oaks Library in Thousand Oaks, California, is home to one of the largest collections of radio broadcasting in the United States and globally. This extensive collection offers a unique insight into the history and development of radio broadcasting, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in this aspect of media history.
  29. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures29

    Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

     Beverly Hills, CA
    The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located in Los Angeles, California, is a significant destination for film enthusiasts. The museum was inaugurated on September 30, 2021, and is the first major American museum dedicated entirely to the art, science, craft, business, and history of film. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of cinema, exploring its history and impact on society.
  30. Los Angeles Maritime Museum30

    Los Angeles Maritime Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is a non-profit institution situated at Sixth Street at Harbor Boulevard in the San Pedro community of Los Angeles, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region.
  31. FIDM Museum31

    FIDM Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The FIDM Museum is situated on the ground floor of the Los Angeles campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. It is home to a vast collection of over 12,000 items, including costumes, accessories, and textiles dating from the 18th century to the present day. The collection also includes film and theater costumes, providing a unique insight into the history of fashion and design.
  32. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum32

    Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

     Fremont, CA
    The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is situated in the historic district of Niles, within the city of Fremont, California. The museum is housed in the Edison Theater, a century-old Nickelodeon movie theater. This location is just half a block away from the former site of the Niles Essanay Studios, where famous silent film stars like Broncho Billy and Charlie Chaplin made films in the 1910s.
  33. Paley Center for Media33

    Paley Center for Media

     Beverly Hills, CA
    The Paley Center for Media boasts a collection of 75,000 television and radio programs, making it a significant repository of media history. The museum attracts an annual attendance of 100,000 visitors, demonstrating its popularity and the interest in its collections. Visitors can explore a wide range of programs, from classic television shows to radio broadcasts, providing a unique insight into the evolution of media.
  34. California Surf Museum34

    California Surf Museum

     Oceanside, CA
    The California Surf Museum, situated at 312 Pier View Way in Oceanside, California, is a dedicated space for the preservation and display of a wide range of surfing-related items. These include surfboards, surf art, memorabilia, surfing equipment, photographs, magazines, videos, and more. This comprehensive collection provides a deep insight into the history and culture of surfing, making it an interesting visit for anyone interested in this sport.
  35. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood35

    Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

     Burbank, CA
    The Warner Bros. Museum, also referred to as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Archive, holds a unique position as the only studio museum in Burbank, California's film industry. It is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and contributions of Warner Bros. to the world of cinema.
  36. 36

    Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater

     Los Angeles, CA
    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.
  37. 37

    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.
  38. 38

    Women's Museum of California

     San Diego, CA
    The Women's Museum of California (WMC) is a nonprofit institution situated in San Diego, California. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting women's history. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the significant contributions of women throughout history and their impact on society.