Santa Ana, California is home to one of the most unique and fascinating art museums in the United States, the Bowers Museum. This museum, located just four miles south of Disneyland, boasts a permanent collection of over 100,000 objects from all over the world. The Bowers Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.
The museum’s collection is divided into several areas of focus, including pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Native American art, the art of Asia, Africa, and Oceania, and California plein-air painting. The Bowers Museum is known for its exceptional collection of pre-Columbian art, which features beautiful and intricate pieces from ancient Mesoamerica. The Native American collection is also a highlight, featuring works from tribes throughout the United States.
The museum is also home to Kidseum, a children’s museum dedicated to art and archaeology. This second campus, located just two blocks south of the main site, is a great place for families with young children to explore and learn about art and culture.
Top things to do or see at the Bowers Museum include:
- Explore the permanent collection, which includes over 100,000 objects from all over the world
- Check out the special exhibitions, which come from institutions throughout the world
- Visit Kidseum, a children’s museum with a focus on art and archaeology
- Attend an event in the Norma Kershaw Auditorium or the John M. Lee Court
- Take a stroll through the Sharon D. Thompson Foyer or the S.L. and Betty Huang Courtyard
The Bowers Museum has a rich history, beginning with its opening in 1936 as a city-run museum focused on the history of Orange County. In 1987, the museum was closed with the understanding that it would be transformed and reopened as a museum ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. In 1992, the Bowers Museum reopened its doors, six times larger than the original museum, and has since presented over 150 special exhibitions from all over the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Ana, the Bowers Museum is a must-see destination. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out nearby attractions like Disneyland, the Santa Ana Zoo, and the Orange County Museum of Art. No matter what your interests, the Bowers Museum is a fascinating and unique destination that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.