Since 1990, the Museum of American Heritage has provided permanent and special exhibitions of 19th and 20th century inventions and technology for no admission charge. The museum debuts a new special exhibit about every four months and group tours are available for a small fee. It also offers lectures and classes in addition to hands-on programs for middle school students.
The Palo Alto Art Center is a regional visual arts mecca whose exhibition program features the work of Bay Area artists. The nationally-renowned organization is funded by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, as well as Arts Council Silicon Valley and numerous other groups. The Center's mission is to "foster creative process and thought by forging a greater appreciation and understanding of the visual arts through exhibitions, studio experiences, and related educational programs." Those educational programs include a plethora of classes for kids and adults, and the generous time and money offered by the Center's supporters have allowed it to truly become a regional artistic hub serving the greater mid-Peninsula area.
For kids under 10 and their caregivers, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a hands-on science class. The zoo has more than 50 animal species including bobcats and hedgehogs, and the museum has 14 interactive exhibits to teach concepts like gravity and motion. It also hosts birthday parties in a private room for kindergarteners and up, and have educational programs for schools and community groups.
