Oakland Museum of California 🇺🇸

Located at 1000 Oak Street overlooking Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is an extraordinary interdisciplinary museum dedicated to bringing the state's vibrant art, history, and natural science together under one roof. Established in 1969 through the merger of three local institutions, OMCA was founded as a "people's museum" representing diverse communities. Its mid-century modernist building, designed by Roche-Dinkeloo with terraced roof gardens and landscape design by Dan Kiley and Geraldine Knight Scott, seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inside, you can explore over 1.8 million objects organized across three distinct collection tiers. Discover more than 70,000 works of California art and design, featuring pieces by Richard Diebenkorn and Wayne Thiebaud, American Craftsman decorative works by Arthur and Lucia Mathews, and the extensive personal archive of iconic photographer Dorothea Lange. Historical exhibits showcase Native Californian baskets, Gold Rush artifacts, and California's technological growth.

Meanwhile, the natural science collection highlights the state's biological diversity through thousands of entomology, shell, bird, mammal, and botanical specimens. Outside, you can enjoy terraced gardens, patios, a koi pond, outdoor sculptures, and Tony Labat’s freely accessible rooftop peace sign.

What to see at Oakland Museum of California

• Over 1.8 million objects dedicated to California art, history, and natural science
• Personal archive of photographer Dorothea Lange, featuring vintage prints and field notes
• Mid-century modernist architecture with terraced roof gardens, patios, and a koi pond
• Extensive Native Californian basketry collection containing around 2,500 pieces

Visiting tips

Head up to the rooftop during operating hours to view Tony Labat’s large yellow "Big Peace IV" sculpture in the freely accessible section.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: During museum open hours

How to get there & what’s nearby

Oakland Museum of California is easy to reach on Oakland’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oakland travel guide.