San Jose is full of educational and historical museums and galleries. The information provided in the museums will help you discover San Jose as well as art, culture, history, and science. Interactive exhibits will entertain adults and children alike. Below we have highlighted some of the more popular museums in the San Jose area. We hope you will find a few to visit while you are here.
Blackhawk Museum
120 of the world’s greatest autos dating from the 1890s; “Spiders!”, a Smithsonian Institution interactive exhibit. (925) 736-2277
Center For Beethoven Studies
Located at San Jose State University, the Ira F. Brilliant Center For Beethoven Studies & Museum is open to the public. (408) 924-4589
ART-TECH Silicon Valley Institute of Art & Technology
Contemporary art gallery in downtown San Jose. Dedicated to showcasing new media art exhibitions emphasizing the art and technology bridge and to relate its educational programs to the general public, corporation and academia
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose
Children’s Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum featuring over 150 interactive exhibits. Children of all ages are invited to test, prod, taste, crank and tinker in our striking purple building in Discovery Meadow. (408) 298-5437
de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University
The de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University, is a museum of art and history. The 17,000 square foot Museum was founded adjacent to the Mission Santa Clara de Asis on the Santa Clara University campus in 1955, through a bequest from Isabel de Saisset, in memory of her deceased brother Ernest. Ernest de Saisset was a painter and once a student at the University, as well as the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. (408)554-4528
Intel Museum
At the Intel Museum, you’ll learn about computer chips – how they are designed, manufactured and used in personal computers, cars, traffic lights, home appliances, factory robots and a host of other devices in our lives. (408) 765-0503
Hiller Aviation Museum
The Hiller Aviation Museum is an institution of aviation education and research as well as a presentation of the unique role of Northern California in aviation history. More than 40 historically significant aircraft including a rare Flying Platform, Spy planes, Super sonic transports and the largest airplane hung in a museum – 201’wing span. The museum is the largest indoor aviation museum in California. The facility is complemented by instructive displays, challenging the visitor’s imaginations and demonstrating the goals and concepts that motivated aircraft designers, entrepreneurs and pilots. (650) 654-0200
History San Jose
History San Jose, formerly History Museums of San Jose; operates two sites: the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park and the Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site in downtown San Jose. Both offer tours, school and family programs, exhibits, a museum store, facility use and volunteer opportunities. (408) 287-2290
National Steinbeck Center Museum
Nobel prize-winning author John Steinbeck’s world comes alive in this $11 million interactive museum for all ages in historic Oldtown Salinas. Experience a journey through multi-sensory exhibits with seven themed theaters showcasing Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, the Red Pony and much more. Enjoy the Museum Store and gourmet café. A new addition to the Center, the Valley of the World agricultural gallery will open late 2000. Capacity of 500 for events and full catering facilities. Open seven days a week. (831) 775-4720
Niles Canyon Railway
Ride vintage steam & diesel trains over scenic, historic transcontinental railroad route through Niles Canyon. Trains run on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month from 10 AM to 4 PM . Other days and times are available for private charters. (925) 862-9063