Since 1969, the San Jose Museum of Art has provided a platform for West Coast and Californian art that's accessible to all. In that time, the museum's permanent collection has grown to around 2,000 works of art, most of which are 20th and 21st century pieces. Come here for a fascinating crash course in the modern and contemporary artists of this region.
Start with the permanent collection. Take in paintings, sculpture, installation, new media, photography, drawings, and prints from names including Roger Shimomura, Hung Liu, Ruth Asawa, and Enrique Chagoya. The variety of work here is eclectic in style, and veers from the surreal and comical to the symbolic and political. Not only is this a great way to understand the Bay Area's art movements, it's a chance to understand the region as a whole.
Afterwards, visit one of the museum's temporary installations. These usually change every four to six months. Work here throws its net wider, and former exhibitions have included Contemporary Chinese Photography, New Stories from the Edge of Asia, and Around the Table: Food, Creativity, Community. This being Silicon Valley, new media plays a prominent role at the San Jose Museum of Art. In the past, the museum has even won awards for its own innovative podcasts and promotional videos. Art has rarely been more accessible.
Lectures, workshops and concerts fill the museum's schedules these are very interesting, and recommended if you have the time. You can also join a guided tour (these congregate in the lobby twice daily). The extensive gift shop sells art books (some signed by exhibiting artists), stationery, jewellery and toys. Find refreshment at Café Too!, which serves gourmet soups, sandwiches and salads throughout the day.
The San Jose Museum of Art is in the historic post office building in downtown. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, barring major holidays.
