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

Experience the artistic revival of the Renaissance and early modern periods at 11 museums in California. These museums showcase masterpieces from a transformative era in art history.

Are you captivated by Renaissance and early modern art? These are the best museums to 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. Hearst Castle2

    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.
  3. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco3

    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.
  4. Crocker Art Museum4

    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.
  5. Hammer Museum5

    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.
  6. Timken Museum of Art6

    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.
  7. San Diego Museum of Art7

    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.
  8. Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College8

    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.
  9. De Saisset Museum9

    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.
  10. Usc Fisher Museum of Art10

    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.
  11. 11

    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.