Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)

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Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic

Timelines, then-and-now views, artist miniatures and an original Jolly Trolly car celebrate 75 years of Oakland's Children's Fairyland.

Now showingFrom 4 Apr 2025$25

You Are Here: California Stories on the Map

Maps as storytelling tools: cartography from Oakland, the Bay Area and California revealing environmental, health, community and artistic perspectives.

Now showingOngoing$25

BeHere / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration

Artist Masaki Fujihata uses enlarged 1942 photographs and augmented reality to look closely at the moments just before Japanese American incarceration.

Now showing18 Sept – 27 Dec$25

Stephanie Syjuco: After/Images

Oakland artist Stephanie Syjuco's first major hometown show: photographs, collages and installations that cut, crumple and rephotograph US archive images.

Upcoming15 Jan 2027 – 23 May 2027$25

Radical Blooms: The Unexpected Power of Flowers

Across art, activism and culture, how California's flowers have carried meanings of beauty, resistance, healing and connection.

Upcoming12 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027$25

Permanent Collections

Gallery of California Art

California Land, People and Creativity, with works by Albert Bierstadt, Dorothea Lange, Richard Diebenkorn, Edward Weston and Hung Liu.

Permanent collection$25

Black Power

In the History gallery, how Black anti-racist activists in California, including the Oakland-born Black Panther Party, supported their communities and challenged the government.

Permanent collection$25

Gallery of California History

About 2,200 artifacts trace California from before 1540 to today through the lens of Coming to California, from Native homelands to the Gold Rush and Hollywood.

Permanent collection$25

Gallery of California Natural Sciences

Immersive habitats of seven California places, from Oakland and Yosemite to Cordell Bank, plus a Bird Lab and a nature playspace for under-fives.

Permanent collection$25

Collecting a Moment

A changing installation of recent acquisitions by California artists and activists responding to issues facing Oakland and California communities today.

Permanent collection$25

Nearby

i

African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)

Local HistoryFree17 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) cost?

Standard adult admission to Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is $25. Seniors 65+ $22; youth 13-17, students and educators $18; children 12 and under free; EBT cardholders $1; members free. Free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)?

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is open Wednesday to Sunday 11:00-17:00, Fridays until 21:00 during Friday Nights at OMCA (seasonal, April-October). Closed Monday and Tuesday. Thursday After Hours for adults runs seasonally. Closed Thanksgiving (26 Nov 2026), Christmas (25 Dec 2026) and New Year's Day (1 Jan 2027). Free admission on the first Sunday of each month.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)?

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is located at 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607, in the Downtown Oakland area of San Francisco. The nearest stations are Lake Merritt (BART) and 12th St/Oakland City Center (BART).

What can I see at Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)?

California's art, history and natural sciences under one roof, in a terraced 1969 landmark with rooftop gardens by Lake Merritt. Current highlights include You Are Here: California Stories on the Map, BeHere / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration and Gallery of California Art.

Do I need to book Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.