Bowers Museum
Bowers Museum of Art & History in Santa Ana, California near Irvine was established in 1932. Today it is one of Orange County’s premiere museums with over 100,000 pieces in its collection1. A great post
The Museum’s permanent collection boasts more than 100,000 objects, with strengths in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Native American art, Asian, African and Oceanian art as well as California plein-air painting2 among many other areas.
The Bowers hosts special exhibitions from institutions worldwide, traveling exhibitions nationally and internationally2.
History
The Bowers Memorial Museum first opened its doors for public viewing in 1936 as an Orange County-run institution housed in a Mission Revival-style building, dedicated to Orange County history.
Beginning in 1973, the museum underwent its initial renovation by adding a 12,500 square feet wing that increased its total surface area from 24,000 to 25,000.
Expansion was initiated through bequests from Evylena Nunn Miller and Nan Preble, with additional support coming from countywide drive proceeds, Museum Foundation grants, and city of Santa Ana funding2. Since then, collections, exhibits, and programs at the museum have grown continuously2.
Exhibits
Bowers Museum features 9 permanent collection exhibitions from across cultures around the globe, such as Ancient Mesoamerica, California Missions, California Plein-Air Painting, Chinese Art, Native American Art, Oceanic Art Pacific Islands Art and Southwestern Art & Photography4.
This museum hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year from world-renowned artists and institutions1 2 3. Visitor Information.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and closed on Mondays1. Adult admission costs $15; those aged 62+ or students with ID pay $12, while children (aged 3-11) cost $10 with those under 3 admitted free1.
The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of each month for residents of Santa Ana; plus guided tours, audio tours and group tours1.
What to Expect at the Museum
Bowers Museum visitors will encounter a diverse collection of art and artifacts from cultures around the globe1 3 Its permanent collection boasts objects from Mesoamerica, Native American art, Asia, Africa and Oceania as well as California plein-air painting2.
The museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year from world-renowned artists and institutions1, 2 and 3, as well as family-oriented programs and events such as Camp Kidseum6 for both children and families.
Bowers Museum, situated in Santa Ana, California near Irvine is an art and history museum featuring over 100,000 objects, specializing in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Native American art, the arts of Asia, Africa and Oceania and California plein-air painting. Additionally, visitors to Bowers can expect a diverse array of art from different cultures around the world in its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions featuring works by internationally-acclaimed artists and institutions from around the globe. Plus there’s Camp Kidseum! Additional info
