Bowers Museum

Another Hidden Gem !!!
Located in Santa Ana, O.C., it’s pretty close to the downtown area.
The museum has an amazing collection of Polynesian artifacts, which I think is the main draw of this museum. It also features a little bit of Chinese, Hispanic, early California and some Mission pieces and the way things are curated are easy on the senses. They also added some thematic music to the exhibit rooms that added to the overall vibe as if you’re being taken back in the time and this was one of my personal favorites of my visit because museums usually don’t play music in their galleries.
The museum’s architecture is patterned after the early California Missions but the entrance is modern. The gift shop is nice and there is also a restaurant on site. There is ample parking across or you can do street parking as long as you’re conscious of the allotted time.
I also wanted to add that they did a neat exhibit on Mt. Everest. Lastly, dedicating a gallery for California’s budding artists is the way to go, so Congratulations!!!
May I suggest if they can include educators to their discounted entry, that’s a win.
Bring the family and enjoy!

Parking: they have a parking lot but it's paid parking. There's a few free spots in the neighborhood but only for 2 hours. I went on the free day and had to park several blocks away in Floral Park.

The museum ordinarily is not free but there are days you can enter free with you are a Santa Ana resident or have BoA card.

The exterior is well kept, lots of greenery.

The inside this month was full of Chinese and Polynesian artifact and artwork and woodwork. There was also a section for more local history including indigenous, Spanish colonization and Mexican rule. It's not the biggest museum I've been to, definitely small compared to others but lots of exhibits. They have premium exhibits that cost extra to see.

Worth a visit especially if entry is free.

Nice museum with a mid-sized collection of art pieces and displays. The parking is paid via digitally on your phone and the staff is helpful once you're inside. At times they'll have book signings as well. The gift shop is also pleasant to to browse for small memorabilia for your visit.

What a lovely musuem tucked among a bustling neighborhood :)

Very sweet, kind, welcoming staff - even the security guard knew lovely things about the property and took a few minutes to chat with us and share his favorite exhibits.

Also there was quite the variety among the permanent collections - and some traveling ones that just wrapped. Local residents can get a discounted entry fee - but double check their website for all the relevant info. There was a decent sized gift shop on the way out, and a restaurant across the hall ~ all in all, I feel you can easily spend two to four hours there 😀

Was able to check out the Disney Archives exhibit in May 2021 and was blown away with all of the items on display. Really presented well and enjoyed the entire experience. I look forward to returning again for additional exhibits. Not a bad drive from either San Diego or LA.