Are you interested in the intersection of art and craftsmanship? These are the applied art museums you should visit in California:
1Legion 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. 2Spanish 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. 3Ripley's Believe It Or Not
San Francisco, CABelieve it or not, this museum houses a collection of the most extraordinary items. Two floors, 17 galleries, and more than 400 weird and quirky objects including, for example, duct tape art, a mummified foot, or statues made from toothpicks. The exhibition rooms are beautifully designed so they wou 4Mingei International Museum
San Diego, CAThe Mingei International Museum is a public institution dedicated to the collection, conservation, and exhibition of folk art, craft, and design. As a non-profit organization, the museum's mission is to preserve and showcase the 'art of the people', a concept that is deeply rooted in its name, Mingei, a term coined by Japanese scholar Dr. SÅetsu Yanagi. 5Craft and Folk Art Museum
Los Angeles, CACraft Contemporary, previously known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, is a non-profit, non-collecting arts museum situated on the Museum Row on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. This museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary craft, making it a unique institution on the West Coast of the United States. 6San Jose Museum of Quilts
San Jose, CAThe San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, located in Downtown San Jose, California, is a unique art museum that was established in 1977. It is the first museum in the United States that is solely dedicated to the art form of quilts and textiles. 7Craft Contemporary
Los Angeles, CACraft Contemporary, previously known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, is a non-profit institution located in Los Angeles, California. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary craft, making it a unique destination for those interested in this specific art form. It does not have a permanent collection, instead focusing on rotating exhibitions that showcase the work of various artists. 8Malibu Lagoon Museum - Adamson House
Malibu, CAThe Adamson House, historically known as Vaquero Hill, is a significant landmark located within the Malibu Lagoon State Beach park in Malibu, California. This historic house and its surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. The house is renowned for its extensive use of decorative ceramic tiles, earning it the nickname 'the Taj Mahal of Tile'. 9The Hand Fan Museum
Healdsburg, CAThe Hand Fan Museum, situated in Healdsburg, California, holds the unique distinction of being the only museum in the United States dedicated to hand fans. This unique institution offers visitors a chance to explore a niche aspect of art and design, providing a unique perspective on cultural and historical trends through the lens of these functional yet decorative objects. 10Long 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. 11FIDM Museum
Los Angeles, CAThe FIDM Museum is situated on the ground floor of the Los Angeles campus of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. It is home to a vast collection of over 12,000 items, including costumes, accessories, and textiles dating from the 18th century to the present day. The collection also includes film and theater costumes, providing a unique insight into the history of fashion and design. 12American 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. 13Art, 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.- 14
Museum of Craft and Design
San Francisco, CAA museum devoted to showcasing contemporary craft and design. Its exhibitions are primarily focused on everyday usage of design. - 15
Casa Dolores
Santa Barbara, CACasa Dolores, also known as the Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico, is an art museum situated at 1023 Bath Street in Santa Barbara, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore Mexican popular arts.