The museum is a charming and fascinating destination with a wide range of exhibits - California art, natural history, special shows. A very nice excursion with a low hassle factor.
This place is an experience, not a museum. The California art is superb. The new science area is participatory and informative. The history section is fascinating. And current exhibits are always cutting edge. And First Fridays are great fun.
Favorite part is natural history because the exhibits have the whole ecosystem, plants and animals together. History of Oakland/California a close second with the Black crowned night heron who used to try to catch the koi in the pool right up there but I think no longer around.
We joined the Oakland Museum after our visit because we can't wait to visit again and again. Plus we can now take guests! We really enjoyed the special bee exhibit and the rest of the natural history museum. They did an outstanding job on the remodel. Our next visit will include the rest of the museum. We like to take our time and READ the information or just sit and admire something. Everyone is helpful and very nice here, and it's a short walk from the BART station.
Great venue and great gardens. If you come friday nights the food trucks are awesome! Enjoy this jewel in the heart of Oakland.
This is an unique museum in that the archetecture is unusual. It has a park setting on the roof and the interior is below giving it a flat appearance. The exhibits are very good...oriented to California history and walks you through the building of California from the days of the Indians to the current industrialization. The art galleries have a wonderful selection of paintings, sculptures, etc. There are alsways special exhibits that stay for a period of time, i.e. quilts, textiles, Asian art, crafts etc. There is a pleasant cafeteria with adequate food selections and seating both inside and outside.
"Something for everyone," is a phrase often heard and this applies to the OMC. Art, Science andHistory combine to offer interesting exhibits for both adults, teens and youngsters (over 6). Thetours, run by Docents, are entertaining and provide good background for the exhibits. You and the family can immerse yourselves in what you see and engage in conversation over their meanings.Much more enlightening than shopping. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the walking; somestairs, but there's an elevator and a cafe for food and beverages.
This museum honors the rich history of California, but also its geography, culture, nature, heritage. It is unjustly too often overlooked by tourists who favor the ones in San Francisco. This is in a safe area, the architecture is modern and grand. If you want to know more about California, this is a must stop.
The exhibits were well spaced, with intriguing background info, and, as an example of the quality of the items on display, a sparkling 19th century horse drawn fire engine with steam-driven water pump. Friday evening it's open until 9 p.m. and at half price entry, too!
The Oakland Museum of Calfornia is a one-of-a-kind museum. Within its walls are objects, paintings, flora and fauna, very interesting text, and so forth. It also has time-delimited exhibits of a very high quality. And the exterior of the museum is a landscaping wonder to behold. I try to go at least once a year, often taking out-of-town visitors or my grandkids.