Museums and galleries in Oakland

12 museums and galleries in Oakland, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
This is a beautiful building, one of the libraries donated by Andrew Carnegie, and its exterior merits a look before or after you visit the interior. The museum is on the second floor. Some of the temporary exhibits are quite worthwhile, and the permanent exhibits, which tell the black history of Oakland in text, pictures, and videotaped interviews, are really well done. Check the AAMLO web site for information on special exhibits, programs and events, such as an African American walking tour of downtown Oakland.
Mon-Thu, Sat 10AM-5:30PM, Fri noon-5:30PMFree
See
E14 Gallery
A modest art gallery focused on the local art, crafts and artists of Oakland, the focus primarily being the urban consciousness of the city.
Thu-Sat 11:30AM-4:30PM
Do
Museum of Children's Arts
MOCHA
A hands-on art workshop aimed at kids ages 6-15, covering topics like illustration and architecture and sculpture and even DIY art to wear!
Wed-Fri 10AM-1PM, Sat Sun private events only
See
Oakland Aviation Museum
Civilian and military aircraft both large and small, even the Flying Boat. Flight simulators, flight lessons, even open cockpit days make this stop in Oakland Airport's old North Terminal a memorable one for anyone interested in flying or the history of aviation.
Wed-Sun 10AM-4PMAdults $15, seniors (60+) $12, military/student/teen $10, children 5-12 $8, children under 4 free
See
Oakland Museum of California
A startlingly good museum dedicated to the art, history, and culture of California. The building itself is an admirable piece of architecture, and the exhibits are almost uniformly excellent and engaging. Free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. One thing to know is that the concrete construction of the building blocks cell signals, so be aware that you will likely lose contact for your stay in the museum.
Wed-Thu 11AM-5PM, Fri 11AM-9PM, Sat Sun 10AM-6PM$15.95/adult, $10.95/concession, $6.95/youth
See
Pardee Home Museum
The home of the Pardee family, beginning with a California State Senator in 1868, and made into a museum in 1981. The main attraction is the accumulation of knick-knacks that the family gathered from traveling the world, as well as the history of the family, and the vintage of the house and grounds.
By appointment only$10/person
See
Peralta Museum of History and Culture
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
Check website for tour hours and special events. Once headquarters of the Rancho San Antonio Spanish land grant, this six-acre park contains the 1870 Antonio Peralta House and interpretive exhibits, a native plant garden, and changing exhibits on history and culture.
Wed Fri Sat 2:30PM-5:30PM$5 admission, free for Fruitvale community members, members, and children 10 and under
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SLATE Contemporary Gallery
Formerly Vessel Gallery
As the name says, exhibitions from all over the country and the world, focusing on contemporary art.
Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat noon-5PM, First Fridays 10AM-9PM and by appointment
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The Joyce Gordon Gallery
A commercial fine art gallery that showcases the Bay Area's cultural and social diversity. Also hosts artistic events.
Wed-Fri 11AM-5PM, Sat 1-5PM
See
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment
The MADE
A museum dedicated to the entire history of video games, from the days of Pong and Donkey Kong to their own VR rig, available to the public. Arcade games, consoles, PC games, imports, big screens - whatever your age or your interests, there's always something to see and do.
Fri noon-midnight, Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun noon-6PM$12, members free
See
Pro Arts Gallery
Special events on weekends.
Thu Fri noon-6PMFree
See
Transmission Gallery
Large venue that has exhibitions from many local artists.
Thu Fri noon-6PM, Sat 11AM-5PM, first Fridays noon-9PM, and by appointment

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Oakland (CC BY-SA 4.0).