A Tour of Oakland's Top 8 Art Venues

Oakland is a diverse city that includes people from many ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others. Nowhere will you see this diversity more beautifully reflected than in Oakland's arts and culture scene. You'll find it in the city's music, celebrations, and visual arts. So, let's tour the city's museums, galleries, and concert halls.

• Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is a fantastic place to learn about California history, art, and culture. The collection at this multidisciplinary museum has over two million objects and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and historical objects, all highlighting the diverse stories of California.

Architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo designed the museum in the mid-1960s and contains three main sections--the galleries, the garden, and the amphitheater--arranged around a central courtyard. The galleries showcase art and artifacts, the garden features native California plants, and the amphitheater hosts frequent performances. It's easy to peruse the museum as all exhibits are organized according to topics, like California's natural environment, the experiences of the state's diverse communities, and the state's contributions to popular culture.

• Chabot Space and Science Center

In a beautiful spot in the Oakland hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, you'll find the Chabot Space and Science Center. This unique museum features a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of space and science. Keep an eye out for the planetarium, observatory, and giant-screen theater.

In fact, the planetarium is one of the museum's main attractions, with shows that explore the mysteries universe. The planetarium features state-of-the-art technology that creates an immersive experience, with stunning visuals and sound effects that transport visitors to different worlds and galaxies. The observatory features three powerful telescopes to give you clear views of planets, stars, and the entire night sky.

• African American Museum and Library at Oakland

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO) is a museum and research library in downtown Oakland dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African Americans in California. The exhibits here explore the history of African Americans in California, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panther Party, and the cultural contributions of African American artists, musicians, and writers. Check the museum schedule if you want to catch a lecture, workshop, or other events. Also, the research library, which contains a huge collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and more, is open to the public.

• The Crucible

Interested in picking up a new artistic skill? Then you owe it to yourself to check out the Crucible, a non-profit industrial arts school. This site offers classes and workshops in a wide range of art and craft disciplines. Founded in 1999, the Crucible is an exciting hub for artists, craftspeople, and makers in the Bay Area. While the Crucible started as a school for metalworking, glass blowing, and fire arts, it now offers classes in disciplines as diverse as woodworking, jewelry making, ceramics, and more. The curriculum is designed for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced artists.

• The Oakland Art Murmur

In Oakland's Uptown District you'll have a lot of fun at the Oakland Art Murmur, a monthly first Friday event where visitors explore art galleries, artist collectives, and alternative spaces. If you're new to Oakland's art scene, this is the perfect place to familiarize yourself with it. Take a self-guided walking tour of art spaces and galleries, meet local artists, curators, and gallery owners, and enjoy live music, food trucks, and special exhibits.

• Oakland Ballet Company

The Oakland Ballet Company is world-renowned and for good reason. This organization has been performing for over 50 years and is known for its innovative and contemporary approach to ballet. The Oakland Ballet Company's shows incorporate a variety of dance styles and influences, and performances often feature collaborations with outside artists and performers, including musicians, visual artists, and spoken word poets. With a strong commitment to community engagement, this ballet company hosts ballet training programs and performance opportunities for underserved youth and families in Oakland. The company's outreach programs include ballet classes, workshops, and performances in local schools and community centers.

• Pro Arts Gallery

Pro Arts Gallery, located in the heart of the Oakland art district, is a nonprofit contemporary art institution established in 1973. Since then, it has become a vital cultural center, promoting contemporary art and emerging artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions which showcase a range of artistic styles and media. The gallery also hosts public programs, including artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops, all designed to engage and educate the local community.

• Oakland Symphony

Established in 1935, the Oakland Symphony is a renowned professional orchestra enriching the city's culture for nearly a century. The orchestra performs a variety of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, and has numerous concerts and educational programs throughout the year. One of its most popular programs is its annual outdoor summer concert series in the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. A favorite of locals and tourists, the series includes concerts featuring classical and contemporary music.

As you can see, when it comes to art, history, and culture in Oakland, you’re bound to find a fascinating venue.

If you live here and you need a place to store your extra belongings, keep A-1 Self Storage in mind. We have two facilities in Oakland and proudly serve all city residents. If you have any questions, just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help.