8 Must-Visit Museums in San Jose, California

With a diverse population of 1.9 million San Jose, California, is the third-largest city in the state, after Los Angeles and San Diego. Locals know it as the heart of Silicon Valley. Not only is the technology industry a big part of the local culture, but so is culture itself. By that, we mean that San Jose is a wonderful place to experience history, the arts, and more.

The arts and culture scene boasts numerous museums, galleries, theaters, parks, gardens, and more. Let's look at eight must-visit museums in San Jose.

• The Tech Interactive

Formerly known as The Tech Museum of Innovation, The Tech Interactive inspires visitors to engage with technology and science through interactive exhibits. These exhibits and experiences cover disciplines like biotechnology, robotics, virtual reality, and space exploration. Plus, the museum has educational programs, which include it hosting school field trips, summer camps, and adult workshops. Students in middle and high school will enjoy the yearly Tech Challenge, which encourages them to solve real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.

The Tech Interactive also features an IMAX Dome Theater. Here, you can catch educational and entertaining films, including popular Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and special IMAX presentations. The theater's dome shape and massive screen create a unique, enveloping experience. 

• San Jose Museum of Art

Interested in contemporary art with an emphasis on West Coast artists? Then you need to visit the San Jose Museum of Art. The permanent collection includes over 2,500 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and new media pieces. The museum showcases emerging and underrepresented artists, including those from marginalized communities, so this is a fantastic place to see works you won't find anywhere else. They also hold workshops, lectures, and tours, so you can expand your knowledge of contemporary art through their programs.

• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

If ancient Egypt fascinates you as much as it does us, then the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a must-visit spot. In fact, if you live here, you may want to return again and again. This is a unique museum dedicated to ancient Egypt and the mystical practices of the Rosicrucian order. It's been around for a long time, too. Founded in the early 20th century by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, the museum has one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the United States. The collection includes mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and other objects of religious significance. Here, you'll learn a lot about ancient Egyptian life, culture, and beliefs. And yes, the museum offers educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and tours, plus a gift shop with Egyptian-themed souvenirs.

• The Mexican Heritage Plaza

Established in 1999 to help revitalize San Jose's historic Alum Rock neighborhood, Mexican Heritage Plaza is a cultural center in San Jose, California, dedicated to preserving Mexican and Latino cultural traditions. It also serves as a hub for community events, education, and art exhibits. The facility includes a 500-seat theater, a spacious courtyard, art galleries, and classrooms. So, you can enjoy the exhibits, which show the history, art, and culture of the Mexican and Latino communities, take a class, or attend an event. Several local groups call this site home, including a youth theater group and a community radio station.

• History Park

On a sunny or cloudy day, so long as it isn't too rainy, we encourage you to visit History Park at Kelley Park. This expansive outdoor museum will take you on an immersive journey through San Jose's history. The site has more than 30 historic buildings, including homes, schools, and businesses from the 19th and early 20th centuries, each of which was restored to its original appearance. It's a wonderful way to get a glimpse into what life was like in the Santa Clara Valley more than 100 years ago.

We especially encourage you to visit the San Jose Electric Light Tower at the park, a replica of the iconic structure that was built in 1881. For years it stood as a symbol of the city's technological prowess. Also, make sure to check out the Chinese temple, firehouse, general store, print shop, and blacksmith shop.

• Children's Discovery Museum

Kids love exploring and learning, and the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is the perfect spot for them to do just that. With over 150 interactive exhibits and activities, it's one of the largest museums for kids in the United States.  You and your children will enjoy exhibits covering art, science, technology, and culture. Plus, there are many hands-on exhibits, interactive programs, and workshops. You'll definitely want to check out the Mammoth Discovery exhibit, which features a life-sized replica of a wooly mammoth. 

• The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1980, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a nonprofit contemporary art museum in downtown San Jose, California. Here, you'll find contemporary art exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives in a 3,500-square-foot exhibition space. The museum features various art media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and new media. You'll find pieces by emerging and established artists from around the world, with many of its exhibitions exploring current social, political, and cultural issues.

• Winchester Mystery House

Very weird, and a little spooky, the Winchester Mystery House is a testament to one woman's fears and mental instability in the mid to late 19th century. This eccentric mansion belonged to Sarah Winchester, the widow of the famous gun manufacturer William Wirt Winchester, who believed she had to keep building the home to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. The mansion is a crazy maze with 160 rooms and 2,000 doors, as well as numerous staircases and secret passages. It blends Victorian and Gothic styles and is filled with oddities like stairs leading to nowhere and doors that open onto walls. Take a guided tour, visit the gift shop, and learn about the history of this strange home.

Those are our top eight San Jose museums and institutions, but there are a lot more, so we encourage you not only to visit these but also to search for others.

And, if you live in the area and need a place to store your extra stuff, remember that we have you covered at A-1 Self Storage. We have six facilities here in San Jose. If you have any questions about our facilities and services, just give us a call! We’re always happy to help.