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Oakland Museum of California
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Neighborhood: Lake Merritt
1000 Oak St
(between 10th St & 11th St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-2200
1000 Oak St
(between 10th St & 11th St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 238-2200
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
51 reviews for Oakland Museum of California
Though not as known or as visited as the museums across the bay in San Francisco, the Oakland Museum of California is primary dedicated to the art, history, culture, and natural environment of California. I fully enjoy touring the exhibitions and collections depicting California's natural wonders, events, eras and people who have shaped the state as well as the art that Californians have produced since artist-explorers first ventured into the Yosemite Valley. It's a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the California!
The Oakland Museum of California is also architecturally interesting with its three-tiered blend of spacious galleries, terraces, patios, sculpture gardens and ponds. Currently the museum is undergoing a major renovation with an anticipated completion date of 2010. I can't wait to see the museum once all the construction is finished!
Besides its outstanding permanent exhibitions, the Oakland Museum of California at present is displaying one of its most worthwhile current exhibition entitled "The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present" which examines the overlooked history of African contributions in terms of art, food, music, and cultural traditions to Mexican culture. The exhibition features paintings, prints, movie posters, photographs, sculpture, costumes, masks, musical instruments, and other examples of art and popular culture.
The Oakland Museum of California is situated one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and a few blocks from highway 880. Parking is available in the underground garage as well as in the surrounding streets. Though regular admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (65 and over), $5 for students (youth and adults, with valid ID), and children under the age of six are free, the second Sunday of each month is free admission.
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Beautiful- modern designed structure. Love the Bear Statue by the Entrance. Museum is intuitively set up but under renovations right now- so you have to pay attention or you'll walk into a gallery under construction. Exhibits are focused on California art and artists. This museum is unique in the sense that it is funded by the community and or individuals interested in the preservation and representation of Art inspired and the history of California.
Restaurant had something for meat eaters, carb lovers and vegetarians. It overlooks their gardens. Nice work- Oakland.
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Damned liberal elitsts.
They think they're so much *better* than everybody else.
Damned museum-going, acupuncture-getting, four-year-college-attending, New-York-Times-reading, healthy-food-eating, NPR-listening, yoga-doing, wine-that-comes-in-a-bottle-not-a-box-drinking, immigrant-loving, America-hating liberals.
Why do they hate America so?
*contemplates blaming rap*
Don't they realize that in the Real America, people don't need to go to museums? Ain't nobody trying to see an exhibit on antique glass bottles when Schlitz still comes in a can. Ain't nobody trying to see an exhibit on religious artwork of Mexico, because this is AMURRICA! We believe in Jesus here, not HAYZOOS! And what's up with the gift shop, huh? Selling children's books about "accepting differences"? Well, we all know what THAT means. They even sell Obama bobble heads. Can you believe that? As a Real American, this makes me REALLY FRIGGING ANGRY. *clinging to my gun and my religion even harder* When I see one of them Obama bobble heads in the rear window of some pansy-ass's Prius, well, I tell you it makes me so mad I want to rip the Yosemite Sam mudflaps off my own Chevy Tahoe AND SHOVE THEM DOWN THAT BASTARD'S UNAMERICAN THROAT!!!
Like I said, them liberals think they're so much better than everyone else.
Or do they?
I love the Oakland museum and I've been here to see a few different exhibits. Most recently, however, I went with some family and friends to California Families Day at the Oakland Museum of California. My friend called me and told me about it the night before.
"It's called a day for ALL California families," she told me.
Well, we all know what THAT means, don't we?
*shakes head*
She went on to tell me that the day would feature free snow cones, music, magic, storytelling, and other activities.
She had me at "free snow cones". That, and the fact that my friend Asheba would be playing. He's an awesome musician/storyteller who plays fabulous Caribbean music, and even some traditional American tunes set to Calypso beats. He's a real good guy, even if he don't play any Lee Greenwood tunes. I mean, all that positive vibrations hoohaa is nice and all, but I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE!!! Oh well, I'll just have to pray on that.
This was really a special day. While the adults in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves as much as the kids at the event, the real joy was seeing the happiness in the eyes of the children. When the lady from the Oakland Public Library (that socialist organization) read to the kids from books like "King and King" and "It's Okay To Be Different", they were captivated. Not one of them giggled with discomfort at the idea of a boy mouse marrying another boy mouse. Nobody snickered or rolled their eyes at the pictures of two mommy pigs with their piglet. I was taken aback. Since when did kids become accepting of differences? Where was all the mockery, the pointing, the name-calling that would have undoubtedly occurred had my own childhood friends been exposed to such ideas at the same age? What had America come to?
It made me start to wonder...do these liberal folk really think they *themselves* are better? Or do they, rather, just hold the same conviction that my boyfriend Bill Maher has expressed repeatedly--that some *things*, independent of politics, religion, or personal opinion, are, quite simply and unequivocally,
just
plain
BETTER:
Knowledge is *better* than ignorance.
Courage is *better* than fear.
Diversity is *better* than homogeneity.
Inclusion is *better* than exclusion.
Families are *better* than orphanages.
Harmony is *better* than discord.
Love is *better* than hate.
As I looked about at the families at this event, I was reminded of what the Real America truly is: the proverbial melting pot. In addition, it is a nation fortified by pride--pride in its people, its families, and especially, its children. But as I watched these little happy munchkins as they sang and danced and laughed with their families of all different colors, sizes, and sexes, as I witnessed the palpable joy in their eyes, I felt tears well up in my own. Because, while I feel exceptionally proud to be part of this extraodinary little bubble we call the San Francisco Bay Area, I take with that pride the shameful grain of salt that, four months ago, the majority of my fellow Californians pulled a lever in a voting booth to condemn so many of these happy families because their love does not fit their own narrow, exclusive definition. And in the name of God, no less.
*sigh*
Anyway, thank you to the Oakland Museum and everyone who made this event possible. Thank you for giving us a day filled with all that is good in life. Thank you for providing a venue in which to showcase what is good, to showcase what is, indeed, better.
And thank you for reminding all of us who *really* loves America.
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I love this place.
But I do agree with the poster below me about the liberal elite. Why the hell are Obama bobble heads being sold there? I may be a Republican, but I can still appreciate art, I LOVE SCIENCE, and so on.
But I love the nature section. That was always my favorite section and still remains so. It is great inspiration for the krautrock metal I play.
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Friend & I went to the Oakland Museum of Calif for the Lunar New Year Celebration & Other Asian Traditions on Sun 1/25/09 from 12-5p which was Lunar NY Eve.
I had a coupon for 2-for-1 so instead of the $8 admission we paid $4 ea. I wish it was free. Don't go right now because their Art & History Galleries are Closed due to Renovations.
We could only see the exhibit "LA Paint" which is colorful, but no photos allowed in their.
On the program all around I saw these things:
Lion & dragon dances performed by Developing Virtue Secondary School
Got to try sample of the Thai soup by Somkid Prathnadi - they didn't go as printed on the schedule so I missed the beginning.
Saw a tiny bit of the Ping Pong Demo
Mochi pounding performed by Kagami Kai was cool w/ drummers. I didn't get to stay for the ending so couldn't sample it.
Book reading "The Year of the Ox" by Oliver Chin was pretty good, though they had technical difficulties and he actually had to read from his book.
Tea tasting from Numi Tea in Oakland was fine. Got a coupon for FREE pot of tea at their shop off Hwy 880.
I missed the parade at the end 4:30-5p - friend said was lame.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/8/2007
This is a good place to go if you are bored on the 2nd Sunday of every month because it's FREE… Read more »
This is a great museum and one of the most excellent works of architecture in the entire Bay Area. It was designed by Kevin Roche, the successor to Eero Saarinen. While its lacks the large gestures the Saarinen is known for, it has a subtle monumentality to it. It is defined not by its form, but by its integration with the landscape.
The terraced rooftop gardens are truly one of the best parks in Oakland, with great views of the Lake, an excellent collection of sculptures and lots of places to hide. Normally it is quiet and secluded, but it also plays host to all sorts of events like Day of the Dead and some concerts. One time I saw a troop of people doing some serious freestyle walking, with all sorts of jumps and rolls.
The inside is currently being renovated, which is for the best, even if I am somewhat skeptical about Mark Cavagnero's minimalist approach. The rough textured brutalism of the museum makes it what it is, and I don't think we need another standard issue white walled gallery space. But I definitely think it will help to reinforce the West entrance.
Either way, I will be really happy when the art gallery reopens. Their collection of Bay Area modernists like Richard Diebenkorn, Nathan Olivera, and Joan Brown is as good if not better than what they have in the DeYoung. The crazy little room with the model of the trailer by the power plant is amazing too!
I just want to add that if you are exploring the garden's the little gold rush area hidden in the northeast corner is hilarious and worth checking out.
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Oakland has a cool museum!
Went for the Birth of Cool exhibit, which was more than worth it.
They've got a little bit of everything here. I'll be back!
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Spent Fathers' Day here at the museum with cool Daddy-O, Stuart, & the Musk-A-Teers...it was way cool & I strongly urge all folks who are hip, bad, down with that, etc. to come check this show, "Birth of the Cool" out before it leaves town. There are so many amazing representatives of 50's furniture (Eames chairs galore!), paintings, sculpture, and music, music, music. It's hard to beat Dave Brubeck & Miles Davis...
There are listening stations for Dobie Gillis (with Maynerd G. Krebbs!) & I even got to glimpse the episode with Sandra Dee & a hunky teen-age Warren Beatty! Ooh! If that isn't eye-candy, I don't know what is! Then on to the Museum Garden...Shorty Fatz was there to discuss the bad ass bikes which are customized in his shop. Talk about low ride! I can't see peddling one of these magnificent creations all over hills & pot-holed city streets, but I CAN imagine cruising around a flat area looking like the slickest chick in town! The vintage hot rods & (my personal favorite) a Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk were displayed proudly for all to see.
This show is well worth a visit & even if this particular era is not your particular thing, there is new stuff, too in a separate portion of the main building. Very cool stuff. Don't miss it!
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We were given free guest passes to the museum, so I thought I would take advantage and visit. I came here on a Wednesday and Thursday. Both days had lots of school kids (field trips), but it was quiet enough to still enjoy the place. There were plenty of interesting exhibits. The restaurant had good food, but $8 for a BLT was a bit pricey in my opinion.
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Wow. Easy driving directions, easy parking, very convenient for public transportation and just a gorgeous facility. The docent tour for the Cowell Hall of California History was smooth, entertaining, intriguing and extremely insightful.
I experienced this wonderful space for the first time, as I chaperoned my niece's 4th grade class on a relatively quiet weekday. They'd been studying California History, so the Gold Rush displays brought much of their textbook photos and stories to life - it was refreshing to see 4th grade students so fascinated and eager to enhance their knowledge.
*The adult chaperones learned a few new things, too! (Did you know... A.P. Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in SF in October 1904 as an institution for the "little fellows" (the hardworking immigrants other banks would not serve). He expanded his Bank of Italy across CA, then across the nation - Bank of America)!
There were a number of other school tours at the museum. But, the facility is so well laid out that it never felt overwhelming or crowded. Huge, open interior and exterior expanses.
I was so impressed with the grounds, and the collections. I'm sincerely hopeful in visiting again, very soon, via public transportation (one block from the Lake Merritt Bart Station!). It's also comforting to know that if I decide to drive, I can conveniently park in the underground garage (one of the cleanest garages I've ever seen AND easily marked entrances into the museum).
We finished our docent tour early and spent the remaining hour exploring the Natural Sciences exhibit floor. Absolutely incredible exhibits, but having been somewhat obsessed with Osteology for over a decade, I have to agree with my niece's observation: "They hardly had any skeletons or bones. That's weird."
I was fascinated to read more about the architecture and the design concepts incorporated into the building, on their website. But, you really have to experience it to truly appreciate the space. This museum is truly a wonderful community space in downtown Oakland.
Some general info:
- Closed Mondays & Tuesdays;
- Wednesdays through Saturdays 10a - 5p / Sundays 12p - 5p;
- Admission: $8 Adults, $5 Seniors 65+ and Students, Free for children 6 and under; Checkout their website for group rates (non-profits and schools) *Oakland school groups are free;
- First Friday of each month open until 9p;
- Wells Fargo Free Second Sundays!
- Membership rates vary: http://www.museumca.or...
- restaurant, ATM and fun, small gift store.
*Cool building and design info. here:
http://www.museumca.or...
They also have great online resources - seriously. check out their curriculum resources for teachers (not to mention their virtual exhibitions, collection slide shows and podcasts!): http://www.museumca.or...
*Thank you Mrs. Roxanne Shapiro for making learning so fun for your students and exposing them to all the wonderful educational resources in the bay area!
Photos posted.
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MAKE OUT SPOT: sculpture garden. it's hot. do it.
pretty awesome koi pond too.
the museum has some good work in it for sure. great photography. some all time great contemporary CA artists work.. they also have Esther Hernandez' "Sun Mad Raisins". how kick ass is that?
second sunday of each month is free and first friday of each month they stay open til 9pm.
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**This is mainly a review of the Cafe**
I went there with a group, so we got good parking, a decent brunch, with the champagne flowing, and a beautiful sunny morning in Oakland. The wild flower display was great. And yes, real men do eat quiche with chicken apple sausage, Thank you, yes, I'll have more champagne. Cool posters on the walls of old Motorland magazine covers. Oh, thanks, yes, more champagne, that would be nice. Ah, we can go back for more quiche. mmm.. yes, thanks for that refill, I will have just ONE more glass.
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Bookstore employee: "So what did you think of the exhibition (Birth of the Cool)."
Me: "It was...okay (pretty boring)."
Bookstore employee: "Well blah blah blah (this is why it is what it is)."
The Oakland Museum is currently going through renovations, hence most of it is closed. The exhibition that closes today is Birth of the Cool. It's a very lackluster exhibition.
I was expecting so much more than a boring timeline, a bunch of paintings, and a tiny section that doesn't do justice to the Jazz movement. This exhibition leaves me to believe that the curators are not so...cool. If anything, this exhibition makes me realize why post-modernism was such a good idea at the time.
With the student admission 5 dollar ticket you also gain access to the gardens, a student exhibition, and a history of the local environment. The student exhibit is much cooler than the "Cool" exhibition; although, some parts are much better than others. The environment room is sooo stale. It's one of those places that drove you crazy when you were a kid. The murals are nice but the displays look like they were made thirty years ago.
From a distance the Oakland Museum looks like a bunch of giant cement pots for planted trees. It's a pretty ugly design. I sure hope the renovations update the current 70's look into something more compelling.
___
The best thing about the museum is that it's near the bart and Lake Merritt. The museum itself - skip it. I'll come back once the renovation are completed. Save your money and go to great free galleries in SF or even Oakland.
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**A review of the gardens area**
I was intrigued by the multi-level layout of this museum. Located in downtown Oakland and only steps away from the Lake Merritt BART station, I can't wait to come back here. I didn't get to go through the museum but I did spend some time in the gardens area. so, this a review of that part of the museum grounds.
I volunteered for a Girls, Inc. Women of Taste event in the gardens at this museum and found it to be a simply lovely space. I would imagine that they must hold a lot of special events but I couldn't help wonder if they allow it for weddings as well.
The Koi pond with the turtles made it even lovelier.
Will be back to check out more.
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My fabulous roommate works here, as do a couple other friends of mine, and through them I have found out about the many great events that are held at the Oakland Museum of California. There are bands every first friday with dancing and a bar. Feria Urbana has regular events here, and last time I went I got to hear a lecture by Rex Ray. Every year there is also a huge day of the dead event. Pretty awesome. They also have a lot of great different exhibits, which are based on the art, history, and science of California. I've seen some pretty impressive stuff in the galleries.
My favorite thing about the museum is the architecture and how it built on all these different levels and surrounded by green areas and coi ponds and fountains and sculptures. If I lived in the area I would definitely come to hang out on the grounds.
Here is a little secret for those of you who love thrift shopping. Oakland Museum of California gets a lot of their funds from their annual White Elephant Sale. They collect stuff for it all year in this huge warehouse in Fruitvale, and then, a couple weekends of the year, open it up to the public. They have everything. Clothes, shoes, tools, kitchen stuff, sewing machines, thousands of books, and lots more. Some of my favorite clothes are from here. And everything you buy helps support the museum. You better not buy anything I want though!
http://www.museumca.or...
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Coming from Washington DC I was accustomed to grand facades and older architecture in a museum, but I was pleasantly surprised by the museum behind this grey shell.
The location is great, right down the block from Bart, and it is a fine meeting place.
Special events abound. Become a member if you love Oakland.
I love this city!
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Although I've never been crazy about the cold, concrete architecture I love this museum because:
--Great family programs! Over the years we've been to events
celebrating Chinese New Year, Winter holidays, Black History
Month, Dia de los Muertos....music, crafts, movies, and more
--Terrific exhibits like Gold Rush, Ruth Asawa, Forbidden city,
annual Dia de los Muertos, (Although the Disneyland exhibit
with all it's hype was disappointing --should have had more
reminisces (sp), interactive exhibits)
--Unique cafe serving real food (although a bit pricey).....salads,
pastas, and stuff for picky kids
--Fun events: Fungus Fair, Wildflower Show
--Fantastic school field trips.....(ie Gold Rush & more)
--Koi pond is the highlight for younger kids....We spent hours
here when our son was a toddler.
--Rooftop garden fun for all ages for lounging and etc
--Great gift shop for fellow gift shop fans! (Books! Great kids stuff!
tee shirts, jewelry, a lot of stuff you don't need; but you'll want)
Best time to go is First Friday of the month. when they're open in the evenings....not free but
less crowds and they usually have live music and dancing
and often movies and/or lectures
Second Sunday of the month (check website) is FREE!
--Cheap underground parking lot ...but warning can get filled
during field trips and big events!
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I went here recently for a field trip with my daughters 4th grade class. Docents are plentiful. Our first stop was thru the gardens, which do seem to be a bit haphazard and maze like. Art sculptures abound in these gardens. This portion of the tour was more like play time then learning anything about the art or artist. A good place for kids to run and climb tho.
Once we got inside the museum things became more focused. Our class had been studying California history and the gold rush, so this was a great place to take the kids. Our docent took us on a walk across California, starting with the coast and ending up in Gold Country. Kids especially enjoyed the natural history displays. I thought some of the artwork was amazing.
Not a bad little museum for Oakland. There is a parking garage on site. Get you ticket validated inside, it's a bit cheaper that way.
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This is a great museum that has a huge array of artifacts, and is a real nice celebration of California history. They have three main floors: History, Natural Sciences, and Art. We visited on a second Sunday of the month, and admission is free on those days. What a deal! Parking was also easy.
We started with History, which features an amazing array of items from Native American cultures in California up to modern California Dream ideals. I wished very much that the museum had little placards that described what the things were in the displays and where they came from. The History hall started out so-so, and then got really great the further back you went.
The second hall we visited was Natural Sciences, which is usually our favorite. My husband also noted that it started out just OK and then got really great the further you went in. We really enjoyed all the animal dioramas, which they had a ton of. There was a fantastic representation of California animal species and the varied landscape of the state. They also had some nice areas on water, but not nearly enough information on the environment and conservation. A massive relief map was fascinating, as was a great huge spinning globe. We skipped the California Condor section because there wasn't much in it (certainly no condors). We loved the variety of animals and the way they were posed in the dioramas.
The next stop was the museum restaurant, and it was very tasty indeed. And well priced, we thought. Fast service and delicious, made-to-order sandwiches were eaten overlooking the koi pond. I liked the special touches of fresh greenery in vases on each table.
Full and happy, we visited the last hall: Art. Neither myself or my husband's self were much interested in this hall at first but it turned out to be pretty good. Especially when we found ourselves behind a most pretentious couple who made outrageous comments about the art: "That's a three million dollar painting there," and "This is IT!" and "Couldn't you just sit in front of this forever!" Now, true, they may have been genuine art admirers, but we thought not.
I very much wanted to trail behind the pretentious couple and listen, but my husband has better manners than me and pulled me away. We they found the best painting in the whole gallery: Cat and a ball on a waterfall by Ursula Barnes. This was a stunning piece of trash that a second grader might have done. It was so spectacularly bad that I could not stop laughing. It features a badly drawn black cat that looks like a bear standing on top of something, we guess a waterfall from the title, with a red blob next to it (the ball?). The cat/bear is on its hind legs roaring. Inexplicably, there is a retrospective book about the Oakland Museum's art that using this horrid item as its title: "Cat and Ball on a Waterfall: 200 Years of California Folk Painting and Sculpture."
In any event, this horrendous painting provided us with much amusement and we are delighted that it is a permanent part of the gallery so we can visit it again.
Overall the Oakland Museum was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, especially for free. It was right off the freeway and very well done. Staff was friendly, food was great, and the size was just right. The museum store was even delightful.
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I love this museum. I remember when it was built. When it opened in 1969 you could smell the redwood tree trunk that greeted you at the first floor entrance to the natural history exhibit throughout the exhibit. Over time the smell faded, but the memory remains. The museum is mostly closed now for renovation. The Collector's Gallery and the gift shop remain open on the first floor and the collection of Chinese snuff bottles, the jade pagoda and the other jade carvings are still available to be admired. The jade pagoda has always been one of my favorite pieces. It suffered some damage during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but they repaired it and it shows no traces of damage that I could see. Another favorite of mine is a huge carved piece of wood, redwood, I think, that stands outside the gift shop and offers places to sit.
Architecturally it was always a welcoming and unpretentious place. It has grown more beautiful over time as the plantings have grown. Ventilation is poor and it's pretty much always too hot inside, making it a bit harder to enjoy the exhibits. It's always something of a relief to get outside into the fresh air. I hope this renovation will address that.
Nina and I went today to see the Birth of the Cool exhibit. The museum is very convenient to the Lake Merritt BART station, just a block or two walk. Unsurprisingly, our favorite part of the exhibit was the room devoted to West Coast Cool Jazz. Framed LP record album covers featured Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Howard Rumsey's Light House All Stars and others. A DVD of vintage performances by a variety of those artists was playing on the TV on the wall next to the album covers. There was music overhead, but headphones allowed one person at a time to listen to the DVD and to other videos in that room. On an adjacent wall were black and white photos of musicians in performance and just jamming. Wonderful photos. I think one of my favorites was a dynamic photo of Dinah Washington in performance. On another wall were small TVs showing cartoons from the mid 50s, Looney Toons, Gerald Mc Boing Boing and others, also w/ head phones.
In the adjacent room were several paintings from that era, most of which didn't speak to me in the way the music did, but I loved the exhibits of furniture and architecture and pottery in other rooms. There was a collection of Eames chairs and sofas and a series of fabulous photos of houses perched over late 50s/early 60s Los Angeles, houses w/ open floor plans, simple, elegant furniture and walls of floor to ceiling windows.
There was a 1959 popular culture time line that followed the walls of one room. All in all, it was an interesting and satisfying exhibit. I was pleased at the way the timing worked out, as this seemed a fitting subject for my 400th review.
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maybe i visited the museum at a bad time. i understand that it is going through renovations.
like one of the reviewers from out of town remarked, i too found this museum to be pretty unengaging and boring. it was like an outdated history textbook you were forced to read in school. "wah wah wah wah," like charlie brown's teacher.
the california stuff with the huge dioramas...eh. it was ok. i did learn abou the difference between lakes, marshes, ponds, etc. that was actually interesting.
LA paint was mildly absorbing.
gold rush artifiacts...were aight.
the coolest part of the museum was the student exhibition hall. high schoolers teamed up with professors and artists to design totems representing their identities, wishes, hopes, and dreams. i think i spent most of my time in this section. the totems that these kids made were amazing.
i think it would help this museum, and oakland's commerce in general, if the museum wasn't so modge-podgy...have a museum dedicated to art. and a separate museum dedicated to california/oakland history and natural history.
i didn't see the gardens. they were closed. i did see the koi pond, which was nice. however, that moment was marred by the smell of urine down the way in that corridor.
i'll try visiting again during the live music events...and def. when renovations have been completed.
one star for being in oakland.
one star for having a kickass student exhibit.
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Totally worth the $0 we paid because we happened to go on the 2nd sunday when it's free. It is kinda the red-headed step-child to SF MOMA - the architecture is pretty hideous, and the bathrooms make you feel like you should watch your back or you will get shanked. That said, I still have love for the Oakland Museum. They had some good art, their natural history part is cool in a dead-animal sorta way, and the gift shop had things i would have bought, if not for my meager funds. Plus they had the cutest old lady docent trying to round people up for a guided tour. I'll definitely be back on a future 2nd sunday.
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This is my favorite museum. Why? It has some of everything - a selection of fine art including some great 70s / pop art paintings. An entire history of California from the Native Americans through the discovery and Gold Rush, up to the invention of Apple and beyond with excellent displays. There's a cool collection of antique perfume bottles.
The best time to go is if there's an interesting exhibit or around Halloween when they usually have Day of the Dead special exhibits. It's a great, easy to navigate museum for adults and kids.
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*THIS IS JUST A FOOD REVIEW OF THEIR CAFE*
The food is decent, and it is the least scary place to eat near the courthouse/law library during the day. Go for the specials if they seem interesting. Even if the line seems long, don't worry, because you stand in line, order, watch them make the food, then pay. It usually moves pretty quick. I've tried a variety of the salads, and they're all pretty good. The portions are just right. When I'm eating on the run, I don't want a huge salad, and the guilt that ensues when I don't finish it. You can get a salad or a sandwich, or a two salad combo, and a beverage for under $10.
Oh, and sometimes someone is playing piano in the dining room. It makes the meal feel quite civilized!
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I see most of the reviews are written by Oakland locals. Speaking as a tourist, I just didn't find this place engaging. At a time when other history museums are upgrading to interactive exhibits, this museum's static displays appear outdated and ... boring. The garden, although peaceful, also lacked distinction. Hopefully the ongoing renovations will bring the museum into the 21st century.
Then again, I'm a heathen from SoCal. I put "the" in front of freeway numbers. I like the Lakers. I went to UCLA. Let the Oaklanders enjoy their second-rate museum. Who am I to judge?
I wholeheartedly agree with AQP - you MUST make out in the sculpture garden! I got a bunch of great smooches out there. I also looked at the art, my favorite was this crazy bike wheel/shopping cart sculpture. We totally got lost up there! How romantic it is to be dumb...
It's a really good date place. I think I would be bored if I were a kid though. Lots of maps and stuff and little history geek stuff.
The shit in this museum actually looks really old. The stuffed otter's fur was bleached with age.
They could use some more funds, but A+ for making do with what they got.
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Five stars for the amazing garden above the Oakland Museum of California that is adorned with massive art structures scattered around and the variety of exhibits.
Minus one for some fo the exhibits being a bit outdated.
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I hear lately they are wooing the 20-something crowd something fierce. So, all you old-timers (self included), get thee to the museum while it's still in its current incarnation. Because before you know it, all the raucous free-microbrew/parkour/keg parties may have you heading for less wanna-be-hip pastures.
What was wrong with the old *art-oriented* Oakland Art Museum, complete with peaceful gardens ripe for meditation? Are Facebook friends in the bush really more valuable than actual museum-exhibit goers in the hand? Do we really want to court to an art museum's tranquil gardens people who climb on roofs and jump off railings? Apparently we do. And I, apparently, am officially old.
This place is a treasure. I just don't know if it intends to stay that way. Enjoy while you can.
(See recent Express story for more info.: http://www.eastbayexpr...)
HEYYYY, whadda ya sayyyy?!?!!!!! It's Mr. Charles, and he's back to give you another helping in the series of "Downtown Oakland."
On the second Sunday of last month, our host visited the Oakland Museum of CA, a relaxing, soothing, calming site where you can learn and indulge in the novel experiences of geography, history, nature, fine art, and more.
In addition, the establishment boasts a couple bathrooms, an upper deck cafe, a souvenir store, a tiny movie room, free admission the second Sunday of each month, and various other events (e.g. live dancing, performances, movies, lectures) which occur on the 1st Friday/month.
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I've never been inside the museum, but I enjoyed one of the three free bike tours of Oakland led by Chris. It's a stop and go kind of ride filled with trivia bits of the history of the town and its visionaries and scoundrels (often one and the same). The tours begin at 10am at the entrance on every third Sunday until October. They are about 5 miles long and last 2 hours. All you need is a helmet, bike, and some water and/or snacks to last you until noon.
Reservations are required. Please call (510)-238-3514 or email jcollignon@museumca.org. According to Joan, there is usually available street parking on Sundays, with no need to use the meters. The museum garage does not open in time for the 10:00am bike tour, as the museum is not open to the public until noon. There is a free lot adjacent to the museum, off of 10th Street between the museum and the Kaiser convention center. Since that building has been "mothballed" by the City of Oakland, they do not patrol their lot, and the stated fee is not actually charged. The downside is that with the lot not patrolled it is not well maintained and there is virtually no security. That said . . . Museum personnel use it regularly.
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I haven't found too many good museums in CA since moving here about 7 yrs ago. But I would say that this is one of the most eclectic. They have a wide collection of things that your third grade teacher would take you to see, natural history stuff, but it's presented in a fresh way.
They have also developed really great shows, Ruth Asawa's one a couple of years back was incredible, and are trying to attract a younger crowd by showcasing fresh new artists and having an evening event each month.
Oakland Museum is certainly an oasis in a sea of dry established art.
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I wish there could be more scope to the special exhibits ("The Birth of the Cool" when I visited). The presentation felt sparse, the space not well taken advantage of. I'm no curator, but in my mind the exhibits are generally great ideas and well executed but lacking in impact.
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- Interesting and relevant exhibits
- Very friendly and open neighborhood feeling; as I've said before, I am strongly attracted to places and events which draw an eclectic, urban crowd. OM is definitely one of those places.
- Great "First Friday" events
- Doesn't take itself too seriously, yet maintains a scholarly demeanor
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i heard there was gonna be a kegger at the oakland museum and i didn't quite believe it. i come from a place where city-sponsored events feel like a police banquet.
anyways, i got here before my friends so i had some time to actually explore the museum, which is fantastic. exhibits showing the history of california from its native residents to the gold rushers.
friends arrived and we went straight to the free beer. this museum was a classy host, supplying delicious brews (hairy eyeballs, ipa, piss) from lagunitas brewery. there was a dj, hip hop groups, folk singers, hot dogs, and there was even a yelp photo booth, in which case, check out my current default picture.
it goes without saying, i've never been so drunk at a museum before.
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Two blocks south of Lake Merritt, the Oakland Museum of California incorporates nearly everything you'd want to know about the state and its people, history, culture, geology, art, environment, and ecology. Inside a low, modern building set among sweeping gardens and terraces, it's actually three museums in one - exhibitions of works by California artists from Bierstadt to Diebenkorn, collections of historic artifacts, from Native American basketry to Country Joe McDonald's guitar, and re-creations of natural habitats from the Pacific coast to the White Mountains. Forty-five-minute guided tours leave from the information desks on request or by appointment. The building also houses a fine cafe, a gallery that sells works by California artists, and a book and gift shop.
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as a lover of history this is a preatty cool museum i've been coming here since i could first remember going out they have three main areas they have a california history area a nature area and an arts area also they have a small pond at the entrence with the big gold fish the other thing i love about this museum is the annual dia de los muertos festival in october this place is preatty cool if your in the area check it out i think the second sunday of the month is free .....
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If your child is really into animals of California then it is worth a visit to the Oakland Museum's permanent natural history exhibit. Otherwise I don't think there is much here for the under 6 crowd, other than a cool pond with a sturgeon and some coy.
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I visited this museum for the first time on Saturday. The city was fogged in so it was fantastic to get out of it and into the sunshine. Finding it was easy, parking was easy. Its under some construction so it was hard to understand the space and design. The gardens were lovely. The birth of the cool exibit was good. Smaller than I expected, but enjoyable. I liked that there were lots of families and interactive grafitti art, spoken word. The restaraunt had a live jazz band. Overall a fun experience. The food in the restaraunt was not thrilling and expensive.
I remember this place being a lot bigger; then again I last went when I was five and the size of Gary Coleman. The art is so-so, definitely doesn't compare to anything at the MOMA. But that's not the point. This is a down-home museum that makes you proud to be a local. The California history is the best part (for the adults) and the natural history will keep the kids entertained. Where else can you see paintings of the scenes you drive by on your morning commute, learn about the Native Americans of California and watch termites devour rotten wood? Then you can wash the experience down with watery coffee and surprisingly good food from their cafe.
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My first time ever to this museum yesterday. It was so hot that we figured we'd go somewhere that was nice and air conditioned. I really liked this museum. They have a great exhibit on early California. My nephew loved looking at everything. They also have that Behind the Magic exhibit right now which he loved even more. I wanted to check out the sculpture garden, but it was closed off because they were setting up for a wedding. Plus we didn't go through all the exhibits because the little guy was getting cranky. It was past his nap. I'd definitely go back though. And I just read in one of the other reviews that it's free every second Sunday? I definitely have to go back!
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