All profession & craft museums to visit in California

Discover the skills and trades that have shaped societies at 24 profession and craft museums in California. These museums highlight the history and techniques of various professions and crafts.

Are you interested in the art of craftsmanship? These are the must-visit profession and craft museums in California:

  1. Boudin Bakery1

    Boudin Bakery

     San Francisco, CA
    Boudin Bakery, located in San Francisco, California, is renowned for its sourdough bread, which is trademarked as "The Original San Francisco Sourdough". This bakery has a rich history and is recognized as the oldest continually operating business in the city. The sourdough bread is a unique product of Boudin Bakery, making it a notable spot for tourists interested in local cuisine.
  2. Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum2

    Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    Good Vibrations is a corporation based in San Francisco that specializes in the sale of sex toys and other erotic products. The company was established in 1977 by Joani Blank, a sex therapist and educator. It was the first sex-positive and women-friendly store in the United States, aiming to provide a sex-positive and woman-centered alternative to the adult bookstores of the time.
  3. Children's Creativity Museum3

    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.
  4. Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial4

    Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial is situated at a historic location, Old Engine Co. No. 27, also known as Fire Station No. 27, on Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. This location is not only a museum but also a memorial, offering a unique blend of history and tribute to the brave firefighters of Los Angeles.
  5. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park5

    Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

     San Diego, CA
    The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is situated in the historic heart of San Diego, California. This area is not only a state park but also a protected national site. It offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, making it a significant location for those interested in history and culture.
  6. Los Angeles Police Museum6

    Los Angeles Police Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles Police Museum, located in the Highland Park section of Los Angeles, is housed in the city's oldest surviving police station. This historic building, which was built between 1925 and 1926, has been designated as a Historic Cultural Monument and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Los Angeles Police Department, from its inception to the present day.
  7. Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco7

    Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (CCC) is a community-based, non-profit organization that was established in 1965. It is located in the Hilton San Francisco Financial District, specifically at 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, California. The center serves as a hub for Chinese culture and heritage, offering a variety of programs and activities to the public.
  8. The MADE8

    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.
  9. Martial Arts History Museum9

    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.
  10. African American Firefighter Museum10

    African American Firefighter Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The African American Firefighter Museum (AAFFM) is located in the historic Fire Station No. 30, Engine Company No. 30 in the South Los Angeles area. This fire station, which closed in 1980, has been transformed into a museum that celebrates the history and contributions of African American firefighters. The building itself is a piece of history, adding to the overall experience of the museum.
  11. International Printing Museum11

    International Printing Museum

     Carson, CA
    The International Printing Museum, located in the suburbs of Los Angeles, is home to one of the largest collections of antique printing presses in the United States. This extensive collection includes a replica Gutenberg press, the third oldest printing press made in America, and numerous Linotype machines. The museum's collection has grown significantly since its establishment in 1988, thanks to significant donations and acquisitions.
  12. Elverhøj Museum of History and Art12

    Elverhøj Museum of History and Art

     Solvang, CA
    The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, located in Solvang, California, is a unique institution that concentrates on Danish and Danish-American culture. This makes it one of the few museums outside of Denmark with such a focus. It provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Denmark and its influence on America.
  13. 13

    Firehouse Museum

     San Diego, CA
    A little gem, just perfect for families with kids. Learn about the history of firefightning through the museum's captivating exhibits.
  14. Craftsmanship Museum14

    Craftsmanship Museum

     Carlsbad, CA
    The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, also known as the Craftmanship Museum, is a unique institution situated in Carlsbad, California. This museum is dedicated to the collection and display of carefully crafted objects made from metal and wood. It is a place where visitors can appreciate the intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship of these objects.
  15. American Bookbinders Museum15

    American Bookbinders Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The American Bookbinders Museum, located in San Francisco, California, is a small, not-for-profit institution dedicated to the artistry, history, and craft of bookbinding. This unique museum provides an in-depth look into the intricate process of bookbinding, showcasing its evolution and significance throughout history.
  16. American Museum of Ceramic Art16

    American Museum of Ceramic Art

     Pomona, CA
    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.
  17. Big Bear Valley Historical Society & Museum17

    Big Bear Valley Historical Society & Museum

     Big Bear City, CA
    We are a historical museum focusing on the Big Bear Valley in Southern California. Located in Big Bear City, we cover the Valley's Native American, Mining, Logging, Filming and Recreational roots!
  18. Howe-waffle House and Medical Museum18

    Howe-waffle House and Medical Museum

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is a historical site located in Santa Ana, California. This Queen Anne style home, built in 1889, was the residence of Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, a pioneer in the medical field as one of the first female physicians in Orange County, California. She lived in this house until her death in 1924.
  19. Casa del Herrero - Historical House of the Blacksmith19

    Casa del Herrero - Historical House of the Blacksmith

     Montecito, CA
    The entire 11-acre site of Casa del Herrero, including the house, gardens, and various collections, is managed by the non-profit organization, the Casa del Herrero Foundation. The foundation's mission is to preserve the estate's historical and cultural significance. This includes maintaining the house and gardens, as well as preserving a vast collection of antiques, books, family sketchbooks, drawings, and horticultural records that provide a glimpse into the past.
  20. 20

    Spaulding Wooden Boat Center

     Sausalito, CA
    The Spaulding Marine Center, previously known as the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center, is a living museum located in Sausalito, California. This unique center offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the era when craftsmen and sailors used traditional skills to build and sail classic wooden boats on the San Francisco Bay. The center is a testament to the maritime heritage of the area, showcasing the art of wooden boat building and sailing.
  21. 21

    San Diego Police Museum

     San Diego, CA
    An often missed museum with an extensive collection of everything police-related. Entertaining and educative.
  22. 22

    The Don & June Salvatori Pharmacy Museum

     Sacramento, CA
    The museum showcases array of artifacts documenting the history of Pharmacy. Book guided tour in advance.
  23. 23

    San Francisco Fire Department Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    This small museum presents the history of San Francisco firefighters through various memorabilia including vintage fire engines.
  24. 24

    Burbank Police and Fire Museum

     Burbank, CA
    Admire the work of the police and the fire department in this museum! Tours are guided by qualified people.