Visage VI - Joan Barduena

About

Visit

Guidelines

Oakland Museum of California or OMCA is an interdisciplinary museum dedicated to the art, history and natural science of California. The museum contains more than 1.8 million objects dedicated to tell the extraordinary story of California.

History

The museum was was founded in 1969 as merger of three smaller area museums – the Oakland Public Museum, Oakland Art Gallery, and the Snow Museum of Natural History. The seeds of this merger began in 1954 when the three organizations established a nonprofit association with the goal of merging their collections under one umbrella. This plan was eventually realized in 1961 when voters approved a $6.6 million bond issue to start the development of what would become the OMCA campus overlooking Lake Merritt in the city center.

Collections

The museum owns more than 70,000 examples of California art and design, created from the mid-1800s to the present

More than 1.8 million items represent California's history and cultures from the era before Europeans arrived, to the 21st century. The strongest collections are in photography; California native baskets and other material; California Gold Rush era artifacts; and material that relates to California technology, agriculture, business and labor, domestic life, and significant events such as World War II.

Mission

The mission of the Oakland Museum of California is to inspire all Californians to create a more vibrant future for themselves and their communities. When the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) first opened its doors fifty years ago, it brought together three historically independent disciplines—art, history, and natural sciences—under one roof. This progressive multidisciplinary approach was to celebrate the many facets of California.

Awards

WINNER OF THE 2022 NATIONAL MEDAL FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICE

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded OMCA one of only six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

WINNER OF THE 2019 HEART OF OAKLAND AWARD

In 2019, OMCA was honored to receive the Oakland Chamber of Commerce’s Heart of Oakland award. Each year, the award is given to a local organization that exemplifies the city’s persistent spirit.

Admission

MEMBERS INCLUDES SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS	FREE
GENERAL ADMISSION ADMISSION GALLERIES OF CALIFORNIA ART, HISTORY, & NATURAL SCIENCES
ADULT 18-64 SENIOR 65+ YOUTH (13-17) STUDENTS, AND EDUCATORS WITH VALID ID CHILD 12 & UNDER MUSEUMS FOR ALL EBT CARD HOLDERS	$19 $16 $12 FREE $1
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS	+$6

GETTING HERE

Hours

Wed-Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM

Fri: 11 AM - 9 PM

Mon-Tue: Closed

Location

1000 Oak Street, Oakland CA 94607

in the museum

Mask

Masks are encouraged. Please be considerate of those around you as we work together to keep our community safe. Masks are available upon request at the ticketing desk for those who would like one.

Food and Beverages

No food, bottled water, or other beverages are permitted in the galleries. Sealed food or drink in a bag or purse is permitted. If you have a medical need for water, please see the ticketing desk.

Photography

OMCA encourages photography for personal (non-commercial) use, unless otherwise noted. No selfie-sticks, tripods, or mono-pods. For commercial inquiries and exceptions, vist our Press + Media site.

Pen Policy

Only pencils are permitted in the galleries; no pens or other art materials. Pencils are available from the ticketing desk.

Visitor Insights

We staff our exhibitions with Visitor Insights Specialists who address visitor needs and foster conversations. They are also researchers who collect visitors’ feedback and you may be asked to participate in an interview or survey to help OMCA improve our work.

Infant Feeding

We allow breastfeeding and bottle-feeding in all spaces. Bottles should remain under the control of an adult in the gallery spaces.

Backpacks & Large Items

Backpacks must be worn on the front, carried on your side like a briefcase, or checked in one of our free lockers. Other items should be checked in our free lockers. OMCA does not have the ability to store over-sized items, including skateboards.