Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in California:
1The Getty Center
Los Angeles, CAThe 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. 2De Young Museum
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 3San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 4Legion of Honor
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 5Spanish Village Art Center
San Diego, CAVisit the large San Diego community of 200 artists and their studios. See, touch and feel the arts or participate in the intriguing workshops. 6Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Los Angeles, CAThe 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. 7Norton Simon Museum of Art
Pasadena, CAThe 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. 8Eames House
Los Angeles, CAThe Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8, is a significant architectural monument located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. The house is situated at 203 North Chautauqua Boulevard, in close proximity to the Pacific coast. This location offers visitors a unique blend of architectural history and scenic beauty. 9Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Sonoma, CAThe 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. 10Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 11Oakland Museum of California
Oakland, CAThe 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. 12Museo Italo Americano
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 13Crocker Art Museum
Sacramento, CAThe 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. 14Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Santa Barbara, CAThe 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. 15USC Pacific Asia Museum
Pasadena, CAThe 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. 16Cartoon Art Museum
San Francisco, CAThe 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. 17Museum of Latin American Art
Long Beach, CAMOLAA 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. 18San Jose Museum of Art
San Jose, CAThe 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. 19Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs, CAThe 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. 20Humboldt Arts Council
Eureka, CAThe 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. 21Riverside Art Museum
Riverside, CAThe 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. 22Monterey Museum of Art
Monterey, CAThe 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. 23San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego, CAThe 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. 24Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
Los Angeles, CAThe 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. 25De Saisset Museum
Santa Clara, CAThe 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. 26Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation
Los Angeles, CAThe 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. 27UCR ARTS - California Museum of Photography
Riverside, CAThe 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.- 28
Haggin Museum
Stockton, CAThe 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. 29Mills College Art Museum
Oakland, CAThe 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. 30Social and Public Art Resource Center
Venice, CAThe 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. 31Long Beach Museum of Art
Long Beach, CAThe 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. 32Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Beach, CAThe 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. 33Bakersfield Museum of Art
Bakersfield, CAThe 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. 34Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside, CAThe 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. 35Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
Malibu, CAThe 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. 36Usc Fisher Museum of Art
Los Angeles, CAThe 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. 37California Museum of Photography
Riverside, CAThe 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. 38Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Santa Cruz, CAThe 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. 39The Hess Collection
Yountville, CAGreat winery with an impressive collection of modern art. Worth visiting! 40Orange County Museum of Art
Newport Beach, CAThe 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. 41MOLAA - Museum of Latin American Art
Los Angeles, CAMOLAA 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. 42Museum of Sonoma County
Santa Rosa, CAThe 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. 43American Museum of Ceramic Art
Pomona, CAThe 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. 44New Museum of Los Gatos
Los Gatos, CAThe 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. 45Art, Design & Architecture Museum
Santa Barbara, CAThe 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.- 46
Hilbert Museum Of California
Orange, CAThe 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. - 47
The Mexican Museum
San Francisco, CAThe 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. - 48
Roslin Art Gallery
Glendale, CAThe 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. - 49
Haldan Art Gallery
South Lake Tahoe, CARun by a local community college, this gallery boasts quite remarkable exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art. - 50
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
San Fernando, CAThis venue is not only a museum presenting Californian art and culture but also a meeting place for people during various events. - 51
MOAH - Lancaster Museum of Art and History
Lancaster, CAThis museum is an interesting combination of art and history exhibitions. It mainly focuses on the period after World War II. - 52
Vincent Price Art Museum
Monterey Park, CAThe 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. - 53
Cabrillo Gallery
Aptos, CAOrganising several events a year, this gallery is actually one of the largest in the area. Exhibitions are international.