List of museums in the San Francisco Bay Area facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The San Francisco Bay Area is a super cool place with tons of interesting museums! A museum is a special place where people collect and take care of important objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Museums let everyone see these collections and learn new things. This list will tell you about some awesome museums in the Bay Area that you might want to visit!

Awesome Museums in the Bay Area
Museums That Are No Longer Open
See also
Images for kids

Awesome Museums in the Bay Area

San Francisco Fun

San Francisco has many unique museums to explore.

Aquarium of the Bay: Dive into the San Francisco Bay without getting wet! This aquarium lets you see all kinds of animals that live in the Bay. You can walk through cool tunnels with fish swimming all around you and even touch some creatures in special pools.
Alcatraz Island: Ever heard of "The Rock"? Alcatraz was once a famous federal prison on an island. Now, it's run by the National Park Service, and you can take a ferry to explore its history.
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco: Discover amazing art from all over Asia, including India, China, Japan, and more. It's a great place to learn about different cultures through their beautiful artwork.
Cable Car Museum: See how San Francisco's famous cable cars work! This museum shows you the giant engines and cables that pull these historic vehicles up and down the city's steep hills.
California Academy of Sciences: This is a huge museum that's all about natural history. It has an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest, and a natural history museum all in one building! You can see live animals, learn about space, and explore the natural world.
Children's Creativity Museum: A fantastic spot for kids to get hands-on and creative! You can make art, experiment with technology, and let your imagination run wild.
Exploratorium: Get ready to touch, play, and discover! The Exploratorium is famous for its interactive science exhibits. You'll learn about science, art, and human perception by doing fun experiments yourself.
Fort Point National Historic Site: Located right under the Golden Gate Bridge, this historic fort was built to protect San Francisco Bay. You can explore its old brick walls and learn about its military past.
de Young Museum: This art museum has a wide range of collections, including American art, art from Africa and Oceania, and textiles. It's a great place to see different styles of art from around the world.
Legion of Honor: Another beautiful art museum, the Legion of Honor focuses mostly on French and European art. It's located in a stunning building with great views.
Musée Mécanique: Step back in time at this old-fashioned arcade! It's filled with antique penny arcade games, mechanical musical instruments, and other fun, old-school amusements.
Museum of the African Diaspora: Learn about the rich histories and cultures of people of African origin from all over the world. This museum shares stories of their journeys and influences.
Randall Museum: This museum combines art, science, and natural history. It even has live animals, making it a fun place to learn about local wildlife and get creative.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: Explore historic ships and learn about San Francisco's connection to the sea. You can walk on old vessels, visit a museum, and discover maritime history.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: If you love modern and contemporary art, this is the place to be! SFMOMA features exciting and thought-provoking artworks from recent times.
San Francisco Railway Museum: Discover the history of trains and cable cars in San Francisco. See antique streetcars and learn about the city's transportation past, including the 1906 earthquake.
Sea Lion Center: Head to Fisherman's Wharf to see the famous California sea lions! This center offers free programs to teach you about these amazing animals that have made the wharf their home.
SS Jeremiah O'Brien: Step aboard a real World War II Liberty ship! This historic vessel is docked at Fisherman's Wharf and offers a glimpse into life during wartime at sea.
Walt Disney Family Museum: Learn all about the life and amazing work of Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse and so many beloved movies and theme parks. See his awards and lots of cool memorabilia.
USS Pampanito: Explore a real World War II submarine at Fisherman's Wharf. It's a fascinating look at what life was like for sailors underwater.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts: This center showcases contemporary arts, including visual art, performances, and films. It's a great place to see new and exciting artistic expressions.

East Bay Adventures

The East Bay also has many cool museums.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland: This museum and library focuses on the history and culture of African Americans, especially in California and the West.
Ardenwood Historic Farm: Step back in time at this 19th-century farm. You can explore the Patterson House, see farm animals, and learn about life long ago.
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive: Part of University of California, Berkeley, this museum has a great collection of art from Asia, early American paintings, and modern art. It also has a film archive.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve: Explore the history of coal and sand mining in this regional park. It's a unique outdoor museum where you can learn about the area's industrial past.
Blackhawk Museum: If you love cars, you'll enjoy this museum! It features a stunning collection of classic cars.
Chabot Space and Science Center: Look up at the stars and learn about space! This center has a planetarium, telescopes, and exhibits about astronomy and space exploration.
Dunsmuir House: Visit a beautiful 37-room Victorian mansion and its lovely grounds. It's like stepping into a grand house from the past.
Golden State Model Railroad Museum: See incredible miniature worlds with model trains running through detailed city and country scenes. It's a treat for train lovers!
Habitot Children's Museum: A fun, hands-on museum designed especially for young children to play and learn.
John Muir National Historic Site: Visit the home of John Muir, often called the "father of the national park service." Learn about his life and his work to protect nature.
Lawrence Hall of Science: Part of University of California, Berkeley, this science museum has many interactive exhibits where you can explore different scientific concepts.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum: Get up close with local wildlife! This museum has natural history exhibits, live animals, and even a wildlife rehabilitation center where injured animals are cared for.
Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment: Love video games? This museum in Oakland lets you play vintage video games and learn about the history of computer gaming.
Oakland Aviation Museum: See over 30 vintage and modern airplanes, both civilian and military. Learn about famous aviators and the history of flight.
Oakland Museum of California: This museum covers a wide range of topics about California, including its art, history, culture, and natural environment. It's a great place to learn all about the Golden State.
Pacific Pinball Museum: Discover the history, science, and art of pinball machines! You can even play some of the classic machines here.
USS Hornet Museum: Explore a real United States Navy aircraft carrier that served in World War II and the Vietnam War. It even played a part in the Apollo space program!

San Francisco Peninsula Wonders

The Peninsula area also has some fantastic museums.

Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia: This quirky museum is dedicated to Pez dispensers! It also has a Classic Toy Museum with toys from the past.
CuriOdyssey: This natural history and environmental education center has an aviary and over 50 native animals that can't be released back into the wild. It's a great place to learn about local wildlife.
Filoli: Visit a beautiful 43-room country estate with a stunning 16-acre formal garden. It's a historic house and garden that feels like a step back in time.
Hiller Aviation Museum: Explore vintage and futuristic aircraft, prototypes, and models. Learn about the history of flight and see some amazing flying machines.
Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts: Located at Stanford University, this art museum has a large collection, including the biggest collection of works by the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin in the USA.
San Mateo County History Museum: Learn all about the history of San Mateo County, from its natural resources to its industries and important people.

Santa Clara Valley Discoveries

The Santa Clara Valley, also known as Silicon Valley, has many museums, especially those focused on technology and local history.

Ainsley House: A beautiful 1925 Craftsman-style house that shows what homes were like almost a hundred years ago. Its carriage house also has exhibits on local history.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: A wonderful museum designed for kids to learn through play and exploration. It has many interactive exhibits.
Computer History Museum: This museum tells the story of computing and information technology. See old computers, learn how they work, and discover how technology has changed our lives.
De Saisset Museum: Part of Santa Clara University, this museum has art and history collections, including paintings, jewelry, and historical artifacts from California and Native American cultures.
History Park at Kelley Park: This outdoor museum is like a small historic village! It has 27 original and recreated homes, businesses, and landmarks, showing what life was like in the past. It also includes the Portuguese Historical Museum and the Viet Museum.
Intel Museum: Learn all about computer chips and how they are made at this museum run by Intel. It's a fascinating look into the world of microprocessors.
Japanese American Museum of San Jose: Located in Japantown, this museum shares the art, history, and culture of Japanese Americans.
NASA Ames Exploration Center: Discover NASA technology, missions, and space exploration at this center located at Moffett Federal Airfield. It's a great place for aspiring astronauts!
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Step into ancient Egypt! This museum has a large collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including mummies and statues.
San Jose Museum of Art: This art museum focuses on artists from the West Coast and the Pacific Rim, showcasing modern and contemporary art.
The Tech Museum of Innovation: Get hands-on with technology and innovation! This museum has many interactive exhibits about science, engineering, and how new ideas change the world.
Viet Museum: Located at History Park, this museum shares the experiences of Vietnamese Americans and their journey from Vietnam to the United States.
Winchester Mystery House: This famous 160-room Victorian mansion is known for its many strange and unexplained features, like stairs that lead to ceilings and doors that open to walls. It's a spooky and fascinating place to visit!

Other Bay Area Gems

Don't miss these museums in other parts of the Bay Area.

Bay Area Discovery Museum: Located in Sausalito, this children's museum is designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young visitors through hands-on exhibits.
Bay Model Visitor Center: See a giant, three-dimensional model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta! It can even simulate tides and currents, helping you understand how the Bay works.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center: If you love Snoopy and Charlie Brown, you'll adore this museum in Santa Rosa! It's dedicated to the life and art of the famous cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts.
Fort Ross State Historic Park: Explore a reconstructed 19th-century Russian settlement on the coast. Learn about the early Russian-American Company and its history in California.
Jack London State Historic Park: Visit the home and ranch of famous writer Jack London, known for books like "The Call of the Wild." Learn about his life and adventures.
Nike Missile Site SF-88: Step back to the Cold War era at this historic site. See how defensive missiles were used to protect San Francisco and other major cities. It's the only site that can still lift a missile into launch position!
Pacific Coast Air Museum: See restored American military aircraft, including propeller planes and jets, at this museum in Santa Rosa.
Point Reyes National Seashore: This beautiful park has several visitor centers. You can learn about the park's ecosystems, cultural heritage, maritime exploration, and even visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse.
Rancho Obi-Wan: For serious Star Wars fans, this private museum in Petaluma has an incredible collection of props, movie items, toys, and memorabilia. You can take special tours to see it all!
The Space Station Museum: Located in Novato, this museum explores the history of space exploration with collections of U.S., Russian, and Soviet space artifacts.
Travis Air Force Base Heritage Center: See over 35 outdoor aircraft at this museum, showcasing the history of aviation and the Air Force.
United States Immigration Station: Located on Angel Island, this historic site tells the story of immigration to the United States, often called the "Ellis Island of the West."
Western Railway Museum: Ride historic streetcars and interurban electric trains from all over California and other western states at this museum in Suisun.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sometimes museums close down. Here are a few that used to be in the Bay Area:

Playland-Not-At-The-Beach: This fun amusement museum in El Cerrito, which had arcade games, pinball machines, and magic shows, closed in 2018.
Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf: This popular wax museum in San Francisco, where you could see wax figures of celebrities, closed in 2013.

Images for kids

The entrance to the Aquarium of the Bay.
Alcatraz Island at dawn.
A statue at the Asian Art Museum.
The front of the Beat Museum.
Inside the Cable Car Museum.
The California Academy of Sciences building.
The California Historical Society building.
The Children's Creativity Museum.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum.
The de Young Museum.
The EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park.
Interactive exhibits at the Exploratorium.
Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge.
The GLBT History Museum.
The historic Haas-Lilienthal House.
The International Art Museum of America.
The Redstone Building, home to The LAB.
The Legion of Honor museum.
The San Francisco Opera House, part of the Museum of Performance & Design.
The Museum of the African Diaspora.
The Pacific Heritage Museum.
A cannon at The Presidio.
Historic ships at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The San Francisco Music Hall of Fame Gallery.
Conductor's tools at the San Francisco Railway Museum.
Inside the Sea Lion Center.
The SS Jeremiah O'Brien.
The Walt Disney Family Museum.
The USS Pampanito submarine.
The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
An installation view at Aggregate Space Gallery.
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland.
The Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm.
The entrance to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
The entrance to the Chabot Space and Science Center.
The Murray Schoolhouse at Dublin Heritage Park and Museums.
The Dunsmuir House.
The Valley Life Sciences Building, home to the Essig Museum of Entomology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology.
The Don Francisco Galindo House.
John Muir's home.
The Lawrence Hall of Science.
The Lightship RELIEF – WLV 605.
Mission San José.
The USS Hornet Museum.
President Franklin Roosevelt's yacht, USS Potomac.
The Filoli estate.
The Hiller Aviation Museum.
The Sánchez Adobe.
The South San Francisco Historical Society Museum.
The Foster Museum.
The Ainsley House.
The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose.
The De Saisset Museum.
The Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts.
The NASA Ames Exploration Center.
The Peralta Adobe.
The Portuguese Historical Museum.
The Rengstorff House.
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
The San Jose Museum of Art.
The Santa Clara Depot, home to the South Bay Historical Railroad Society Museum.
The Tech Museum of Innovation.
The Viet Museum.
The Villa Montalvo mansion.
The Winchester Mystery House.
Inside the Bay Model Visitor Center.
The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park.
The reconstructed chapel at Fort Ross State Historic Park.
Jack London's cottage.
Mission San Francisco de Solano.
Inside the chapel at Mission San Rafael Arcángel.
The detention center at the United States Immigration Station on Angel Island.
A train at the Western Railway Museum.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center.
The Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.
Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Experiment Farm and Sebastopol Center for the Arts.
The Sonoma County Museum.
The Spaulding Wooden Boat Center.

All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:

List of museums in the San Francisco Bay Area Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.