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SAN FRANCISCO

Contemporary Jewish Museum

(415) 655-780   thecjm.org
The CJM, a non-collecting institution, partners with national and international cultural institutions to present exhibitions that are “both timely and relevant and represent the highest level of artistic achievement and scholarship.” Founded in 1984, the museum is “a welcoming place where visitors can connect with one another through shared experiences with the arts.”

The de Young Museum

(415) 750-3600   deyoung.famsf.org
Part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the de Young (along with the Legion of Honor) make up the city’s largest public arts institution. Located in Golden Gate Park, the de Young houses American art from the 17th century through the present, textile arts and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, arts of the Americas and international contemporary art.

 

SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA

Cantor Arts Center and Museum

STANFORD
(650) 723-4177   museum.stanford.edu
Exhibitions, curator talks and music concerts all are offered at this historic museum, which houses more than 38,000 works of art that span 5,000 years from around the globe. (Don’t miss the Rodin sculptures.) Founded when Stanford University opened in 1891, today the Cantor is said to be one of the most visited university art museums in the country.

 

NORTH BAY

Bay Area Discovery Museum

SAUSALITO
(415) 339-3900   bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
The museum’s mission is to ensure “that all children across the Bay Area, regardless of their background, have access to the power of play-based learning” through school and community programs and workshops. Creative outdoor and indoor family activities are available every day. All adults must be accompanied by a child.

 

EAST BAY

The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

BERKELEY
(510) 643-2526   magnes.berkeley.edu
This museum and research center at the University of California, Berkeley, is considered one of the world’s preeminent Jewish museums. “The Magnes connects people of all backgrounds with the history, vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life around the world through its collections-based exhibitions and programs.” The collections include paintings, works on paper and objects.

Oakland Museum of California

OAKLAND
(510) 318-8400   museumca.org
Home to more than 1.9 million objects displayed in 110,000 square feet of gallery space, OMCA is “an institution that centers on community engagement, field innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.” Mazel tov to Lori Fogarty, OMCA’s executive director and CEO, who received the 2024 CAMMY Award from the California Association of Museums.

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