Museums on The San Francisco Peninsula
Museums on The San Francisco Peninsula offer visitors the opportunity to learn new things while visiting our destination. The San Mateo County Museum narrates how the Peninsula has evolved after the 1906 earthquake, while Silicon Valley museums such as the Computer History Museum display how computers and technology have evolved throughout the years. Below we have listed some of the best art, history, tech, and science museums in our area.
ART MUSEUMS
Art enthusiasts will find The San Francisco Peninsula fascinating. Located at Stanford University, The Anderson Collection is home to modern and contemporary American paintings and sculptures from the Anderson Family collection. The collection, which varies from time period, style, and medium, features the work of Jackson Pollock, Terry Winters, Sean Scully, and more. Also located at Stanford, the Cantor Arts Center features the largest presentations of Rodin bronzes outside Paris. You may also visit The Foster Museum in Palo Alto and experience Tony Foster's watercolor journey paintings as a whole work of art.
If you are closer to the coast, consider visiting the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, CA. This art center provides exhibitions by emerging and established California artists, as well as education and outreach programs designed to make art accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. If you're on the coast in Half Moon Bay, you should make time to visit the M Stark Gallery. This distinctive and stylish gallery highlights local artists whose work embodies the spirit of the West Coast and contemporary fine art.
HISTORY MUSEUMS
The San Francisco Peninsula is home to some of the best history museums in the Bay Area. At the San Mateo County History Museum, visitors will learn about the history of the Peninsula through the times of the Ohlone Natives, the Spanish explorers and the Victorian era of great estates. Those looking to learn the intricacies of flight can visit the Hiller Aviation Museum and walk through its collection of unique early aircraft, one-of-a-kind prototypes, and cutting edge test vehicles. Looking to expand your visit? Head to the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda and explore this National Historic Landmark, recognized as one of the most decorated ships in naval history, having participated in WWII and the Apollo 11 manned moon mission.
TECH & SCIENCE MUSEUMS
You are visiting Silicon Valley, of course, tech and science museums await your visit! Spend a day exploring the Computer History Museum, one of the best Silicon Valley museums, to learn about the roots of today’s internet and why computer history is 2,000 years old. Traveling with curious children? The San Mateo science museum and zoo, CuriOdyssey lets kids observe wild animals, experiment with scientific phenomena, and let the natural world answer their questions. If you are heading into San Francisco, visit the world-famous Exploratorium, where families can explore more ever-evolving exhibits on display! For adults, they host 21+ nighttime events where you can explore the exhibits after hours with a cocktail and friends. In Golden Gate Park, consider visiting the California Academy of Sciences, the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, natural history museum, and almost 60,000 animal residents — all under one living roof!