All modern art museums to visit in California

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 53 museums in California. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in California:

  1. The Getty Center1

    The Getty Center

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Getty Center, situated in Brentwood, a district in the west of Los Angeles, serves as the headquarters of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Since 1997, it has been home to the majority of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection. This makes it a significant location for those interested in exploring a vast array of art pieces.
  2. De Young Museum2

    De Young Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The M.H. de Young Museum is one of two museums in San Francisco that are part of the overarching Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The other museum is the California Palace of the Legion of Honor located in Lincoln Park. These two museums together offer a comprehensive experience of fine arts in the city.
  3. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art3

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

     San Francisco, CA
    The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, also known as SFMOMA, is a significant modern art museum and a landmark in the city of San Francisco. It was established in 1935, making it the first museum on the West Coast dedicated solely to 20th-century art. This historical significance adds to the museum's appeal for tourists interested in modern art and the cultural history of San Francisco.
  4. Legion of Honor4

    Legion of Honor

     San Francisco, CA
    The 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.
  5. Spanish Village Art Center5

    Spanish Village Art Center

     San Diego, CA
    Visit the large San Diego community of 200 artists and their studios. See, touch and feel the arts or participate in the intriguing workshops.
  6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art6

    Los Angeles County Museum of Art

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, often abbreviated as LACMA, is a prominent museum located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other notable landmarks, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  7. Norton Simon Museum of Art7

    Norton Simon Museum of Art

     Pasadena, CA
    The Norton Simon Museum is an art museum situated on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. It was initially opened as the Pasadena Art Institute in 1922, focusing on 19th-century American and European art. The museum has undergone several transformations and name changes over the years, with a significant focus on modern and contemporary art.
  8. Eames House8

    Eames House

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Eames House, also known as Case Study House No. 8, is a significant architectural monument located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. The house is situated at 203 North Chautauqua Boulevard, in close proximity to the Pacific coast. This location offers visitors a unique blend of architectural history and scenic beauty.
  9. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art9

    Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

     Sonoma, CA
    The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, also known as SVMA, is an art museum situated in the beautiful city of Sonoma, California. The museum was established in 1998 and since then, it has been a significant cultural hub in the region, showcasing works by regional, national, and international modern and contemporary artists.
  10. Asian Art Museum10

    Asian Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Asian art. It boasts over 18,000 works of art in its permanent collection, some of which date back as far as 6,000 years. This extensive collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of Asia through its art.
  11. Oakland Museum of California11

    Oakland Museum of California

     Oakland, CA
    The Oakland Museum of California is a highly regarded institution in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore art, history, and natural sciences. Located between Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland, the museum houses over 1.9 million objects, including fundamental works of art, historical and ethnographic objects, natural specimens, and photographs.
  12. Museo Italo Americano12

    Museo Italo Americano

     San Francisco, CA
    The Museo ItaloAmericano, also known as the Italian American Museum, is a cultural institution located in San Francisco, California. The museum's primary focus is on Italian-American history, art, and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the Italian-American experience through a variety of exhibits and collections.
  13. Crocker Art Museum13

    Crocker Art Museum

     Sacramento, CA
    The Crocker Art Museum, located in Sacramento, California, holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in the city. It was established in the year 1885 by Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker and his wife Margaret Crocker. The museum was named after Edwin's brother, Charles Crocker.
  14. Santa Barbara Museum of Art14

    Santa Barbara Museum of Art

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, also known as SBMA, is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California. This museum, which was established in 1941, is a significant cultural landmark in the city. It offers visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections from different periods and regions.
  15. USC Pacific Asia Museum15

    USC Pacific Asia Museum

     Pasadena, CA
    The USC Pacific Asia Museum is an Asian art museum situated at 46 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore Asian art and culture.
  16. Cartoon Art Museum16

    Cartoon Art Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Cartoon Art Museum, located in California, is a unique institution that focuses on the art of comics and cartoons. It holds the distinction of being the only museum in the Western United States that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting all forms of cartoon art. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts and fans of cartoons and comics.
  17. Museum of Latin American Art17

    Museum of Latin American Art

     Long Beach, CA
    MOLAA is situated in downtown Long Beach, California. The museum is housed in a modern structure designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rosen. It features four galleries, a contemporary project space, and an outdoor sculpture garden. These spaces provide a diverse and dynamic environment for visitors to explore and appreciate Latin American and Latino art.
  18. San Jose Museum of Art18

    San Jose Museum of Art

     San Jose, CA
    The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is located in downtown San Jose, California. It is a museum that focuses on modern and contemporary art. The museum was founded in 1969 and has since been a significant part of the city's cultural scene. It is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  19. Palm Springs Art Museum19

    Palm Springs Art Museum

     Palm Springs, CA
    The Palm Springs Art Museum, previously known as the Palm Springs Desert Museum, is a renowned art museum and performance hall situated in Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a diverse range of art exhibitions and performances.
  20. Humboldt Arts Council20

    Humboldt Arts Council

     Eureka, CA
    The Humboldt Arts Council (HAC) is the official arts council of Humboldt County, California, USA. It is located within the Morris Graves Museum of Art (MGMA). The council is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1966 and incorporated in 1971. It is dedicated to providing opportunities for artists, developing arts education, and making the arts accessible through innovative and multicultural programs.
  21. Riverside Art Museum21

    Riverside Art Museum

     Riverside, CA
    The Riverside Art Museum is located in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its cultural and artistic relevance. The museum is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of art, history, and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  22. Monterey Museum of Art22

    Monterey Museum of Art

     Monterey, CA
    The Monterey Museum of Art, also known as MMA, is an art museum situated in the beautiful city of Monterey, California. Established in 1959, the museum has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over six decades. It offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the art of California from the 19th century to the present day.
  23. San Diego Museum of Art23

    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.
  24. Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden24

    Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is recognized as one of the most comprehensive sculpture parks in the United States. This distinction makes it a significant destination for those interested in sculpture and art in general.
  25. De Saisset Museum25

    De Saisset Museum

     Santa Clara, CA
    The de Saisset Museum boasts a collection of nearly 10,000 art pieces and historical artifacts. This includes the work of early Californian artist and university alumnus Ernest de Saisset, as well as a significant collection of California mission artifacts. These collections provide a rich insight into the history and culture of the region.
  26. Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation26

    Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation is a non-profit arts foundation situated in the Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles, California. This location is on North Carolwood Drive. The foundation is home to a collection of modern and contemporary artwork displayed in a unique 'living with art' house museum context.
  27. UCR ARTS - California Museum of Photography27

    UCR ARTS - California Museum of Photography

     Riverside, CA
    The UCR/California Museum of Photography boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These collections are diverse, covering a broad spectrum of photographic arts, history, and technology. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of exhibits showcasing different aspects of photography.
  28. 28

    Haggin Museum

     Stockton, CA
    The Haggin Museum, located in Victory Park in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California, serves as both an art museum and a local history museum. It provides a unique blend of cultural and historical exhibits, making it a significant destination for those interested in both art and the local history of the region.
  29. Mills College Art Museum29

    Mills College Art Museum

     Oakland, CA
    The Mills College Art Museum, located in Oakland, California, serves as both a museum and an art gallery. It offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary art pieces, providing a comprehensive view of the art scene in the region.
  30. Social and Public Art Resource Center30

    Social and Public Art Resource Center

     Venice, CA
    The Social and Public Art Resource Center, also known as SPARC, is a non-profit community arts center located in Venice, California. This center hosts exhibitions, sponsors workshops and murals, and advocates for the preservation of Los Angeles area murals and other works of public art. It is a hub for community programs and artist spaces, making it a significant location for those interested in the arts.
  31. Long Beach Museum of Art31

    Long Beach Museum of Art

     Long Beach, CA
    The 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.
  32. Laguna Art Museum32

    Laguna Art Museum

     Laguna Beach, CA
    The Laguna Art Museum, founded in 1918, is an art museum located in Laguna Beach, California. It is situated high on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. This location offers visitors not only a chance to explore a vast collection of contemporary and modern art but also to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
  33. Bakersfield Museum of Art33

    Bakersfield Museum of Art

     Bakersfield, CA
    The Bakersfield Museum of Art is situated in the heart of Bakersfield, California, specifically in Central Park. The museum's location is easily accessible, being on the corner of 19th St. and R St. This central location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  34. Oceanside Museum of Art34

    Oceanside Museum of Art

     Oceanside, CA
    The Oceanside Museum of Art, a fine arts museum, is situated at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, California in northern San Diego County, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich art culture of southern California.
  35. Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art35

    Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art

     Malibu, CA
    The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art is located on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. This art gallery is a part of the university and is open to the public for viewing. It is a place where art from around the world is exhibited, with a special focus on art from California.
  36. Usc Fisher Museum of Art36

    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.
  37. California Museum of Photography37

    California Museum of Photography

     Riverside, CA
    The UCR/California Museum of Photography (CMP) boasts the most extensive photographic collections in the Western United States. These diverse collections cover a wide range of photographic arts, history, and technology. This information is beneficial for tourists who are interested in photography and want to explore a broad spectrum of photographic works.
  38. Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History38

    Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History

     Santa Cruz, CA
    The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, also known as MAH, is a nonprofit educational institution that was established in 1996. It is situated in the heart of Santa Cruz, California, specifically in the downtown McPherson Center. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  39. The Hess Collection39

    The Hess Collection

     Yountville, CA
    Great winery with an impressive collection of modern art. Worth visiting!
  40. Orange County Museum of Art40

    Orange County Museum of Art

     Newport Beach, CA
    The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is a renowned art museum situated in the business district of Newport Center in Newport Beach, California. The museum, which was established in 1918, has a rich history and has grown to become a significant cultural institution in the region. It is known for its extensive collection of contemporary and modern art, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.
  41. MOLAA - Museum of Latin American Art41

    MOLAA - Museum of Latin American Art

     Los Angeles, CA
    MOLAA is situated in downtown Long Beach, California. The museum is housed in a modern structure designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rosen. It features four galleries, a contemporary project space, and an outdoor sculpture garden, providing a diverse range of spaces to explore and appreciate Latin American art.
  42. Museum of Sonoma County42

    Museum of Sonoma County

     Santa Rosa, CA
    The Museum of Sonoma County, also known as the Sonoma County Museum, is a non-profit organization situated in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, California. This museum is a significant cultural destination in the region, offering a rich blend of art and history through its diverse collections and exhibitions.
  43. American Museum of Ceramic Art43

    American Museum of Ceramic Art

     Pomona, CA
    The 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.
  44. New Museum of Los Gatos44

    New Museum of Los Gatos

     Los Gatos, CA
    The New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), previously known as the Museums of Los Gatos, is a public non-profit institution dedicated to art and history. Established in 1965, the museum is conveniently located in the Civic Center Plaza in downtown Los Gatos, California. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  45. Art, Design & Architecture Museum45

    Art, Design & Architecture Museum

     Santa Barbara, CA
    The 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.
  46. 46

    Hilbert Museum Of California

     Orange, CA
    The Hilbert Museum of California Art is situated at Chapman University in Orange, California. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of California through its art. The museum is a part of the university, which adds an educational aspect to the visit.
  47. 47

    The Mexican Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Mexican Museum, located in San Francisco, California, was established to showcase the aesthetic expression of the Latino, Chicano, Mexican, and Mexican-American communities. This institution serves as a platform for these cultures to display their artistic contributions and heritage, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.
  48. 48

    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.
  49. 49

    Haldan Art Gallery

     South Lake Tahoe, CA
    Run by a local community college, this gallery boasts quite remarkable exhibitions of both historic and contemporary art.
  50. 50

    The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

     San Fernando, CA
    This venue is not only a museum presenting Californian art and culture but also a meeting place for people during various events.
  51. 51

    MOAH - Lancaster Museum of Art and History

     Lancaster, CA
    This museum is an interesting combination of art and history exhibitions. It mainly focuses on the period after World War II.
  52. 52

    Vincent Price Art Museum

     Monterey Park, CA
    The Vincent Price Art Museum, also known as VPAM, is situated at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, California. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum is named after the renowned American actor Vincent Price, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its history.
  53. 53

    Cabrillo Gallery

     Aptos, CA
    Organising several events a year, this gallery is actually one of the largest in the area. Exhibitions are international.