Visitor's Guide To Bowers Museum
Add some art and culture to your calendar this fall at Bower's Museum. There are educational opportunities for all ages, and who knows, you just may have some fun while learning about new topics.
Bower's Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
www.bowers.org
As one of Orange County's premier art museums, Bower's illustrates revered international art and culture in a variety of mediums. In addition to visual exhibits, there are lectures, films, performances and workshops offered to enrich the community.
History
The museum opened in 1936 in Santa Ana and closed in 1986 until 1992. In 1994, Bower's added a new exciting feature for children called the Kidseum in which little ones can learn about art and culture in an interactive environment. There are many programs for kiddos to have fun with face painting, story time, creating art and learning about archaeology.
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Hours/Tickets
Bower's Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, and it is closed on Mondays, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
During the weekdays, adults can get tickets for $13, kids under 12 years old can get in free and seniors 62 and over and kids 12 and over can get in for $10. On the weekends, kids under 12 have free admission, adults' tickets are $15 and seniors 62 and over and kids 12 and over can get in for $12.
For entrance into the Kidseum, children under two years old can get in for free, and kiddos two and over can get tickets for $6. If you want to join your child in exploring the Kidseum and have already paid for a Bower's Museum ticket, you can get in the Kidseum for free.
Parking
There is parking available for $6 in the museum lots on site, and metered parking is also offered on the street. If you are a frequent museum visitor, you may want to become a Bower's Museum Member so you can purchase the annual parking pass for a one-time fee of $20 and get other special perks.
Upcoming Exhibits
The upcoming exhibits include "Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art," "The Red That Colored The World" and "Popol Vuh: Watercolors of Diego Rivera." "Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art" showcases work created with bamboo and highlights the challenges associated with using this medium. When visiting "The Red That Colored The World" one can learn how the color red has influenced artists for centuries, and "Popol Vuh: Watercolors of Diego Rivera" explores the history of Quiché-Maya culture through watercolors created by Diego Rivera in 1931.
Little Known Facts
Santa Ana residents, you are in luck. Living in Santa Ana grants museum visitors free admission on Sundays. Be sure to bring identification to prove your residency.
The first Sundays of each month, a Family Festival is held in the Key Courtyard with free admission to the celebration, as well as free admission to Kidseum. However, tickets are still required to enter Bower's Museum.
If you plan on bringing a group to the museum, there is a special in which every 15 paid tickets will offer parties a 16th ticket for free. Coordinate your group's visit by calling (714) 567-3680
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