The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, established by the Rosicrucian Order, a fraternal, philosophical organization, specializes in ancient Egypt. Located in a residential section of San Jose, the small museum has one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in western North America. On display are more than 4,000 authentic ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, along with accurate reproductions, scale models of ancient places and dioramas of daily ancient Egyptian life. This museum attracts families, especially with children between seven and 12 years old, as well as individuals interested in Egyptology or specialized museums.
Best and worst times to go to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The museum can be crowded on a weekday during the school year, September to June, as it is a popular destination for school field trips. Visitors may want to plan visits between May and September to coincide with farmers markets, free concerts and festivals that take place then.
Must see/do at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Be sure to see the after life gallery that includes mummies of humans, cats, ibis and other animals. Also, visit the replica of an underground burial tomb, including a sarcophagus. After visiting the museum, walk around the grounds to view the Peace Garden, open-air temple, fountains, statues and buildings designed in the style of ancient Egypt.
Admission to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The admission fee ranges from five dollars for children to nine dollars for adults. Admission is free for children under five years old; but parents must carry children if they cannot walk, as strollers are not allowed in the museum. The museum does not admit anyone 30 minutes before closing hours.
Parking and public transportation to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Free parking is available on the streets and in the museum's parking lot, which entrance is located on Naglee Street, behind the museum. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority bus lines 22/522, 61/62 and 81 stop near the museum. To get from the Amtrak and Caltrain Station, about two miles away, walk to Santa Clara and Montgomery and take the 522 to The Alameda and Taylor, then walk half-a-mile to the museum.
Food at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Food is not available at the museum. An Italian restaurant is a block away and various other types of restaurants are within a two-mile radius from the museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Students, military personnel and seniors who are 55 years old or older receive a discount on their admission fee, as do AAA and KQED members.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes a blog about Hollister and nearby areas.
As the center of Silicon Valley geographically, it makes sense that San Jose would host a museum entirely devoted to technology and innovation. The Tech Museum of Innovation, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Tech," lives up to it's name with a frequently rotating roster of technology themed installations that always offers something new and interesting for tech savvy locals and tech curious out-of town visitors alike.
Best and worst time to go to the Tech
Locals crowd to the Tech on the first full weekend of every month, when Bank of America sponsors free admission to all card holders, and the venue gets packed. If you are looking for a quieter museum experience, go during summer, between June and August, when local schools aren't in session and you won't run into the otherwise frequent field trip groups.
Must see/do at the Tech
The Tech's IMAX theater is a must visit, as the IMAX experience translates brilliantly to the science and nature films often shown here. The "Earthquake Simulator" found on the first floor is a perennial favorite for Californians especially. And don't miss the "Social Robots" installation, where you can build a real robot for free.
Admission to the Tech
Admission for the museum runs in the $20 range, with an extra fee for IMAX entry. Small discounts are offered for youth and seniors, as well as AAA members and military affiliates. The Tech is a supporter of the "Open Access" policy, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds if entry fees are prohibitive. Check-in at the front desk for discount details.
Parking and public transportation to the Tech
Parking at the Tech usually isn't too hard, with the nearby San Jose Convention Center offering all day parking for $5 with validation. Another lot, located at the corner of Second and San Carlos, has the same rates. VTA lightrail also provides easy access, with the 900 and 902 trains stopping at the McEnery Convention Center less than two blocks away.
Food at the Tech
The Tech Cafe presented by Lunch with Tony, located on the ground floor level of the Tech, has a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast themed a la carte items. Expect to pay around 10 dollars for an entree, with some discounted kids options. And don't miss the "made from scratch" soups if you are looking for a very impressive bowl of local goodness.
Insider tips for visitors to the Tech
The second Thursday of every month offers a 21+ "After Hours at the Tech Event" where the museum tweaks exhibits to cater to an older audience and serves cocktails. And you get into this event for free if it's the month of your birthday.
Author's bio: Cassidy Kakin is a local cyclist, writer, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about two things: exploring his city and sharing his findings with the world.
The San Jose Museum of Art is a small museum with three floors of galleries in Downtown San Jose, California. It continually rotates its permanent collection of modern and contemporary paintings, drawings, prints, photography, sculpture, new media and more, as well as offers new touring exhibits throughout the year. The museum has a gift shop and cafe, which visitors may access without paying the admission fee. Families, art students, artists and modern art fans would enjoy this museum.
Best and worst time to go the San Jose Museum of Art
Visiting the museum on a Sunday is often the best time to see the exhibits at a relaxing pace. The worse time is before 3 p.m. on weekdays during the school year, September to May, when the museum offers student group tours.
Must see/do at the San Jose Museum of Art
Be sure to check out the blown glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly, which hang from the ceiling in the museum lobby. Take advantage of the free tours of the exhibits led by docents every afternoon at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Also, take part in the art-making stations that the museum has set up in the galleries to allow visitors to sketch, doodle or write, while being inspired by the exhibits.
Admission to the San Jose Museum of Art
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It stays open to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. The admission fee ranges from $5.00 to $8.00. Admission is free for museum members and for children six and under.
Parking and public transportation to the San Jose Museum of Art
Public parking garages are within a four-block radius from the museum, while private parking garages are within a block away. Several Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus routes and the light rail go through Downtown San Jose, stopping near the museum. Light rail riders should get off at the Santa Clara Street stop, walk south to San Fernando Street, cross the street and turn left to the museum, which is about half-a-block away. The VTA offers a free shuttle, called DASH, from the San Jose Diridon Center, where Amtrak and Caltrain have stations.
Food at the San Jose Museum of Art
The museum has a cafe called the Café Too! that offers breakfast and lunch items. Prices range from $3 to $15. Doors open at 8 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends, closing at 3:30 p.m.
Insider tip for visitors to the San Jose Museum of Art
When you park at a city-owned garage with the Pv symbol, you can get your ticket validated at the museum cafe for up to 40 minutes of free parking, as long as you purchase something.
Author's bio: Susan Echaore-McDavid writes a blog about Hollister and nearby areas.