Bowers Museum | Anaheim

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Orange County. Founded in 1936, it stands as the largest museum in the area, housing an extensive collection of artwork and cultural artifacts from around the world. The museum is dedicated to celebrating the arts of various global cultures and provides educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

History

Founded: The Bowers Museum was founded in 1936 by William G. Bowers, originally starting as a small museum with a collection of local artifacts. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, becoming one of the region’s most important cultural landmarks.

Expansion: Since its inception, the museum has grown to include large collections from many parts of the world, with a focus on global art, history, and culture. It now offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a variety of educational programs.

Collections and Exhibitions

The Bowers Museum houses an array of collections from various regions and cultures. Some of the key collections include:

Native American Art: The museum has over 24,000 items representing Native cultures from across the United States. This collection includes a vast array of baskets, pottery, jewelry, and beadwork, showcasing the artistry and traditions of different tribes and peoples.

Pre-Columbian Art: The museum’s pre-Columbian collection contains nearly 4,000 objects, primarily focused on pottery and artifacts from ancient cultures in West Mexico, the Maya civilization, and pre-Columbian Peru. These objects highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Americas prior to European colonization.

Asian Art: This collection spans over 5,000 years of art, including important pieces from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The collection features bronzes, samurai armor, scrolls, and sculptures, offering insight into the artistic and spiritual traditions of these regions.

Art of the Pacific: The museum also showcases over 2,400 items from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. These objects include masks, ceremonial items, weapons, and tools, many of which have spiritual or ritualistic significance.

African Art: The African art collection is centered on over 2,100 pieces, with a particular focus on wood sculptures, ceremonial masks, and textiles from West Africa.

California Plein-Air Painting: The museum holds an extensive collection of plein-air paintings that reflect the early history of California and its landscape, showing the state's rich artistic heritage.

In addition to its permanent collections, the Bowers Museum regularly hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, often highlighting different cultures or specific themes. Some notable recent and ongoing exhibitions include:

Miao: Masters of Silver: An exhibit showcasing silver work from the Miao people of China’s Guizhou Province.

Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt: Featuring intricate gemstone carvings made by the artist.

California Bounty: Image and Identity, 1850–1930: This exhibition explores the evolution of California’s cultural identity through art and imagery.

Sacred Realms: An exhibit displaying Buddhist paintings from the Gayle and Edward P. Roski Collection.

Kidseum

Adjacent to the Bowers Museum is Kidseum, an interactive children’s museum designed to introduce young visitors to art and archaeology. Founded in 1994, Kidseum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage children to engage with different cultures and explore the world of art in a fun and educational setting. It serves as a space where children can develop an appreciation for history and creativity.

Educational Programs

The Bowers Museum provides a variety of educational programs designed to enrich the visitor experience. These programs include:

Lectures and Workshops: Educational lectures and workshops on a range of topics, such as art history, cultural heritage, and contemporary art.

Docent Tours: Knowledgeable docents lead guided tours of the museum’s exhibitions, providing deeper insights into the objects and their historical and cultural significance.

Family and Children’s Programs: The museum offers family-friendly activities and special programs for children, including craft-making, storytelling, and art projects.

School Programs: Tailored programs for schools are offered, allowing students to explore history, art, and culture through hands-on learning experiences.

Hours and Admission

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and it is closed on Mondays and certain holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission fees are as follows:

Adults: $15

Seniors (60+): $12

Students (with ID): $10

Children (3-12): $5

Santa Ana Residents: Free general admission on Sundays with proof of residency

First Sundays: Free general admission for all visitors

Special Events and Programs

The Bowers Museum also hosts various events and community programs throughout the year, including:

Art and Cultural Festivals: Celebrating different cultures through art, music, food, and performances.

Film Screenings: Special film screenings related to cultural themes or art history.

Annual Plant Sale and Holiday Events: Seasonal events that allow the public to participate in celebrations and activities.

Recognition and Impact

The Bowers Museum is recognized as a significant cultural institution in Southern California, offering a unique and diverse range of exhibitions that highlight global cultures and their artistic traditions. Its educational programs and interactive exhibits help foster a deeper understanding of art, history, and culture for visitors of all ages.

Location

The Bowers Museum is located at:

Bowers Museum

2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, California 92706