All Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums to visit in California

Discover the artistic treasures of the past at 8 museums in California dedicated to medieval and early Renaissance art. These museums showcase masterpieces from a pivotal era in art history.

Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in California:

  1. Hearst Castle1

    Hearst Castle

     San Simeon, CA
    Hearst Castle is a grand palace that was commissioned by the press magnate William Randolph Hearst. The architect behind this magnificent structure was Julia Morgan. The castle is located near San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. It offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and is a significant landmark in the region.
  2. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco2

    Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum, located in San Francisco, was inaugurated in 1966. This was made possible due to a generous donation from Avery Brundage, a patron who continued to contribute to the museum even after its establishment. This historical context adds to the rich heritage of the museum, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city.
  3. Hammer Museum3

    Hammer Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Hammer Museum, also known as the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center or UCLA Hammer Museum, is an art museum located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California. It is operated by the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture of the University of California. The museum was founded by Armand Hammer, the then CEO of the Occidental Petroleum Corporation, in November 1990.
  4. Timken Museum of Art4

    Timken Museum of Art

     San Diego, CA
    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.
  5. San Diego Museum of Art5

    San Diego Museum of Art

     San Diego, CA
    The San Diego Museum of Art, located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is a fine arts museum that boasts a broad collection. The museum is particularly known for its strength in Spanish art, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  6. Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College6

    Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College

     Claremont, CA
    The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College, colloquially known as the Benton, is a recent addition to the art scene in Claremont, California. It was completed in 2020, taking the place of the Montgomery Art Gallery. This new museum offers a fresh perspective on art and a new destination for art enthusiasts.
  7. Usc Fisher Museum of Art7

    Usc Fisher Museum of Art

     Los Angeles, CA
    The USC Fisher Museum of Art boasts a diverse collection that spans various forms of media, including painting, prints, drawings, photography, and sculpture. The works in the collection range from the 15th to the 21st centuries, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the evolution of art over the centuries.
  8. 8

    Roslin Art Gallery

     Glendale, CA
    The Roslin Art Gallery, situated in Glendale, California, is a unique space dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Armenian folk art. This gallery provides an opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Armenia through its diverse collection of folk art.