The Bowers Museum is one of Orange County's largest museums. It is known as a cultural center and opened the adjacent Kidseum in 1994. The museum is home to a variety of exhibitions, events and other activities within the community.
Best and Worst Time to go to the Bowers Museum
Admission to the Bowers Museum is cheaper during the week, so weekday visits are recommended. If visitors are interested in a docent-guided tour, they should plan on visiting Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors interested in the Kidseum should visit on Saturday or Sunday. The Bowers Museum often holds special events and weddings on the weekend, so if visitors are looking to avoid crowds it is recommended they avoid Saturdays or Sundays.
Must see/do at the Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is home to a variety of exhibitions and permanent collections. The Native American collection is one of the signature departments in the Museum and is a must see. The museum is also home to an extensive collection of Orange County history and frequently has traveling exhibitions featuring art from all over the world. A self-guided tour or group tour is recommended, and is offered in both English and Spanish.
Admission to the Bowers Museum
Admission to the Bowers Museum is $13 for adults on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Seniors and students can get into the Museum for $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Children under age 12 are free. For those looking to visit the nearby Kidseum, admission is $6 for ages 2 and up.
Parking and public transportation to the Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is located off Main Street in Santa Ana. The easiest way to get to the Bowers Museum is via the 5 freeway. There are parking lots both north and south of the Museum that are $6 for the day. Members of the museum can purchase a yearly pass for $20. The OCTA bus has a stop approximately 1.7 miles away from the Bowers Museum (Santa Ana Station stop).
Food at the Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is home to chef Joachim Splichal's signature restaurant Tangata. Tangata is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and has a special brunch on Sundays as well. Reservations are recommended.
Insider tips for visitors to the Bowers Museum
If you are planning on visiting the Bowers Museum with kids on Saturday or Sunday, be sure to check out the Kidseum just down the street. The Kidseum is an interactive children's museum and learning center and is the only cultural art-based children's center in Orange County.
Allie Fisher is an Orange County native who loves writing about food + travel. Follow her food adventures on twitter and instagram @socaliallie and on her blog, www.sweetpotatobites.com.
