The Oakland Museum of California is an Oakland treasure which officially opened in its present location in 1969. Created by the City of Oakland when the three smaller local museums merged during the in the mid-1960s: the Oakland Public Museum, the Oakland Art Gallery, and the Snow Museum of Natural History.
There are three galleries in which the Museum collections can be viewed: the Gallery of California Art, the Gallery of History, and the Gallery of California Natural Sciences, which reopened in 2013.
There are many hands-on activities in the galleries. All ages are welcome, though children younger than 6 may be more interested in playing in the garden or looking at the Koi in the pond than walking through galleries.
Look at the online collections here
On February 7, 1995 the Oakland Museum (including certain interior features) was designated Oakland Landmark, #119, under Zoning Case #LM 94-40.
The museum officially opened on September 20, 1969. 1
Awards
The Oakland Museum of California was the recipient of the East Bay Express Best Museum Readers' Poll Award in 2014 and 2015.
They were also awarded the Best Museum for the People, by the People in 2015 by the editors.
Location
1000 Oak Street, Oakland, California
Telephone
510.318.8400
Hours
Wednesday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Blue Oak café Hours
Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday
Related Pages
- Friday nights @ OMCA with Off the Grid: Food trucks, live music, family-friendly event with half-off admission on Friday nights outside the museum year-round
Links and References
- Oakland Museum of California official website
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Artifacts pilfered in break-in at Oakland Museum Oakland Tribune November 13, 2012
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Triumphant Museum Opening San Francisco Examiner September 21, 1969
12th Street side of the museum (Nov. 2012)
