Religion museums in California

Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a Catholic parish, is situated in the picturesque city of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, California. This historic mission was the second one established by Friar Junípero Serra in the territory of Alta California back in 1771. It stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

The Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, near Santa Clara, is a renowned site in American folklore. It is known for its reputation as a haunted house, which adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to its history. This reputation has made it a popular destination for tourists who are interested in the supernatural or simply want to explore a unique piece of American history.

The Holocaust Museum Los Angeles, also known as Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMH or LAMOTH), is situated in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. This location is easily accessible and is a significant part of the city's cultural landscape.

The San Diego Museum of Man, an anthropology museum, is situated in the historic buildings of the California Quadrangle, in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. This location offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

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.

The Clarke Historical Museum, located in Eureka, California, is home to the area's leading collection of California North Coast regional and cultural history. This collection provides a comprehensive insight into the rich history and culture of the region, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the area's past.

The Museum of Tolerance-Beit HaShoah, located in Los Angeles, California, is a multimedia museum that aims to explore racism and prejudice globally, with a particular emphasis on the history of the Holocaust. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of these significant historical events and their impact on the world.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park – Hollywood Hills is one of the six Forest Lawn cemeteries in Southern California. It is situated at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting spot for tourists to visit.

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.

The Chinese American Museum (CAM) is a significant cultural institution located in Downtown Los Angeles. It forms part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, a site that holds great historical significance. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and experiences of Chinese Americans in California, making it the first of its kind in Southern California.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district located in the oldest section of Los Angeles. This area was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and United States rule through most of the 19th century. The district was designated a state historic monument in 1953 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Autry Museum of the American West, located in Los Angeles, California, is a cultural institution dedicated to exploring the diverse history of the American West. Established in 1988, the museum offers a variety of exhibitions and public programs such as lectures, films, theater performances, festivals, family events, and music. In addition to these, the museum also engages in scholarship, research, and educational outreach.

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.

Mission San Buenaventura, located in Ventura, California, is a significant historical site. It was one of the nine mission towns personally established by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California. This mission offers a glimpse into the early history of California and the role of the Catholic Church in the region's development.

The Presidio de Santa Bárbara, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a historic site with a rich past. It was originally a military installation, constructed by Spain in 1782. The purpose of this establishment was to defend the Second Military District of the province. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's history and the Spanish influence on California.

The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, formerly known as the LeConte Memorial Lodge, is a significant structure located within Yosemite National Park in California, United States. This historic building, built in 1903 by the Sierra Club, is a prime example of Tudor Revival architecture and serves as a testament to the Club's mission. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is a notable point of interest for visitors to the park.

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.

El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district situated in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles. This district was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule for most of the 19th century. It was designated as a State Historic Monument in 1953 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Santa Cruz Mission, or Misión la exaltación de la Santa Cruz in Spanish, is a historical site founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1791. Located in Santa Cruz, California, the mission was named after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. This site offers a glimpse into the history of Spanish missions in California and the influence of the Franciscan order.

The California State Indian Museum is part of the state park system of California, United States. It is dedicated to interpreting and showcasing the diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of California. The museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the rich cultural heritage and history of the state's first inhabitants.

Mission Santa Inés, located in the present-day city of Solvang, California, is a historic Spanish mission founded on September 17, 1804. The mission was established by Father Estévan Tapís of the Franciscan order. It was strategically placed as a midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción to serve the Indians living north of the Coast Range and to alleviate overcrowding at the two aforementioned missions.

Monterey State Historic Park, located in Monterey, California, is a significant historical site that encompasses part or all of the Monterey Old Town Historic District. This district, declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970, includes 17 contributing buildings that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

Arden, also known as the Modjeska House, is a historic house located in Modjeska Canyon, California. It was designed by the renowned architect Stanford White. The house is significant as it is the only preserved home of Helena Modjeska, a Polish Shakespearian actress and patriot. The property is nestled in an oak forest along the Santiago Creek, providing a serene and picturesque setting for visitors.

Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Weaverville, California. This site is not just a state park, but also a functioning Taoist temple. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Chinese temple in California, making it a significant part of the state's cultural and historical heritage.

The Portuguese Historical Museum, located in San Jose, California, was inaugurated in 1997. It is a replica of the first permanent império, a type of religious and cultural building primarily found in the Azores. The original império was built around 1915 in San Jose's Little Portugal district.

The Bhagavad-gita Museum, also known as the First American Transcendental Exhibition (FATE), is a multimedia art museum situated in West Los Angeles, California. Established in 1977, it is dedicated to illustrating the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita and is owned and operated by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The museum is located near the border of Culver City, where a sizable Hare Krishna population resides.

Colton Hall, located in Monterey, California, is a government building and museum with a rich history. It was constructed between 1847 and 1849 by Walter Colton, who was the first alcalde, or mayor, of Monterey during the American Period. This historical building offers a glimpse into the early governance of the city and the state of California.

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town, San Diego, California. It was constructed to honor the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served in the United States Army's Mormon Battalion during the Mexican–American War of 1846–1848. This site provides a glimpse into a significant period in American history and the role of the LDS Church in it.

Sonoma State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Sonoma, California. This park is home to six significant sites: the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, the Blue Wing Inn, La Casa Grande, Lachryma Montis, and the Toscano Hotel. Each of these sites offers a unique glimpse into the rich 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 Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum is a historic house museum located in the City of Industry, California. It showcases the homes and private cemetery of the pioneer Workman-Temple family. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of one of the pioneering families in California's history, providing visitors with a rich and immersive experience of the past.

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park, located in California, United States, serves as an interpretive center for the Native American cultures of the Great Basin and surrounding regions. This museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich history and cultural diversity of these indigenous groups.

Mission San Antonio de Padua, located in Monterey County, California, holds historical significance as the third mission founded by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California in 1771. It was also the first mission to have a population greater than 1,000 converts, marking a significant milestone in the history of the mission.

Presidio Park, located in San Diego, California, holds significant historical value as it is the site where the first European settlements in the Western United States were established. The San Diego Presidio and the San Diego Mission were founded here in 1769, marking the beginning of European influence in the region.

The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) is a significant cultural hub in Oakland, California. It is dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Pacific Islander American arts and culture through various programs. The center is conveniently located in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland's Chinatown, just three blocks away from the 12th Street Civic Center BART station on Broadway. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) is a nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving and documenting the history of Hayward, California, and its surrounding communities. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the historical integrity of the area and provides a wealth of information about the region's past.

The Museum of Riverside, situated in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California, is a hub for regional history, Indigenous culture, and natural history. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area's past and present.

The Oroville Chinese Temple is a significant historical site located in Oroville, Northern California. It was constructed in 1863, serving as a community house for the Chinese population in Oroville. This temple provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of the Chinese community in the region.

The Mission San Fernando Rey de España, located in the northeast of present-day Los Angeles, California, was founded on September 8, 1797 by Fray Fermín Lasuen. This historical site offers a glimpse into the early Spanish colonial period of California's history.

In Glendale, there are three chapels: The Little Church of the Flowers, The Wee Kirk o’ the Heather, and The Church of the Recessional. These chapels are exact replicas of European chapels, offering a unique architectural experience for visitors.

The Merced County Courthouse, located at the intersection of W. 21st and N Streets in Merced, California, is a historic building that served as the county's courthouse from 1875 until 1975. This building, designed by A. A. Bennett, who also worked on the California State Capitol, is a unique example of Italian Renaissance design in the southern Central Valley. Its white plaster exterior, portico with a balcony on the south side, and a cupola atop the roof are reminiscent of a palazzo. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1975.

The Centinela Adobe, also known as La Casa de la Centinela, is a Spanish Colonial style adobe house built in 1834. It is one of the 43 surviving adobes within Los Angeles County, California. The house museum is operated by the Historical Society of Centinela Valley, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past and the rich history of the area.

The Museum of Creation and Earth History, located in Santee, California, is a facility that promotes young earth creationist views. It was opened by the Institute for Creation Research in 1992 at its original headquarters.

El Centro Cultural de México, located in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, is a volunteer-run space that focuses on transnational projects. These projects aim to connect residents with communities across Mexico through arts, culture, and social justice initiatives.

San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is a significant site located in California, United States. It covers the historic center of San Juan Bautista, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area. The park is a testament to California's period of Spanish and Mexican control, preserving a significant concentration of buildings from this era.

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, previously known as the Judah L. Magnes Museum until 2012, is a museum located in Berkeley, California. It is dedicated to Jewish history, art, and culture. The museum was founded in 1961 and has since been a significant repository of Jewish artifacts and manuscripts.