Bowers Museum
Bowers Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Take a trip around the globe at the Bowers Museum! Opened in 1936, the Bowers prides itself on showcasing world-class arts and cultures in a warm, inviting space located in the heart of Orange County. Bowers has been voted "Best Museum in Orange County" by OC Register for 26 years and has organized more than 50 special exhibitions in just the past 15 years in partnership with some of the greatest museums in the world. Recent highlights include blockbusters such as Terra Cotta Warriors, Mummies: Treasures from the British Museum, Guo Pei: Couture Beyond, and Inside the Walt Disney Archives. Over 100,000 square feet and surrounded by lush gardens, the Bowers campus includes a 296 seat auditorium, 12,000 square feet of event space, a Patina-owned Tangata Restaurant, a robust Gallery Store, 8 permanent exhibitions, and spectacular featured exhibits on rotation, to ensure a full day of engaging fun with every visit. Bowers Museum, bringing the world to you.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
782 within 5 kms
Attractions
306 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Rosemary WSeattle, Washington1,567 contributionsInteresting Cultural ExperienceI haven't been here in at least 30 years, and it has certainly changed over time. My recollection is that it was once all about California. There are still a California exhibits, but the scope has now expanded to include the world. When we were there, there was a special exhibit of African bead art. We also saw exhibits on Polynesia and China. There is more here than I can see in a single visit.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2023
- Krishna T44 contributionsTreasure of a museumWas not expecting this lovely treasure after driving in from touristy Anaheim! The newest exhibit was the Ubuhle, glassbead weaving from South Africa. Lovely and informative exhibit. The permanent collections are so interesting, and I did absolutely love the Early Californians exhibit. Additionally, the architecture and grounds of the museum are so inspiring and beautiful.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 July 2023
- phvi2617Anaheim, California540 contributionsExploring local and global cultureThis is not a huge museum, but it features a number of interesting exhibits about local and global art and culture. The exhibits about Native Californians and the California Missions are a bit on the small and older side, but they still have some cool artifacts. The Pacific Islands and Ancient Chinese art exhibits were really well done and the California Gold Medal exhibition had a nice variety of current artworks. Overall, this is a fine museum and a hidden gem in Orange County. Well worth a visit!Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
405 reviews
Excellent
263
Very good
120
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
2
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA540 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
This is not a huge museum, but it features a number of interesting exhibits about local and global art and culture. The exhibits about Native Californians and the California Missions are a bit on the small and older side, but they still have some cool artifacts.
The Pacific Islands and Ancient Chinese art exhibits were really well done and the California Gold Medal exhibition had a nice variety of current artworks. Overall, this is a fine museum and a hidden gem in Orange County. Well worth a visit!
The Pacific Islands and Ancient Chinese art exhibits were really well done and the California Gold Medal exhibition had a nice variety of current artworks. Overall, this is a fine museum and a hidden gem in Orange County. Well worth a visit!
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krishna T
44 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Was not expecting this lovely treasure after driving in from touristy Anaheim! The newest exhibit was the Ubuhle, glassbead weaving from South Africa. Lovely and informative exhibit. The permanent collections are so interesting, and I did absolutely love the Early Californians exhibit. Additionally, the architecture and grounds of the museum are so inspiring and beautiful.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemary W
Seattle, WA1 567 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
I haven't been here in at least 30 years, and it has certainly changed over time. My recollection is that it was once all about California. There are still a California exhibits, but the scope has now expanded to include the world.
When we were there, there was a special exhibit of African bead art. We also saw exhibits on Polynesia and China.
There is more here than I can see in a single visit.
When we were there, there was a special exhibit of African bead art. We also saw exhibits on Polynesia and China.
There is more here than I can see in a single visit.
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarieAnneWinchester
Ottawa, Canada35 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I had an extra day while in SoCal and it was suggested we look into the Bowers Museum I. Orange County. It was worth it. The exhibit we enjoyed most was the lovely show of Chinese designer Guo Pie’s fashion collection. A colourful display of her intricate, whimsical and stunning fashions from just prior to the pandemic I believe. The displays were spaced out for easy viewing. It was possible to see how the designer constructed her clothes and see close up the detail and stitches in every piece. And the shows! Oh my the shoes.
We spent a good few hours marveling at the collection.
After a delicious lunch in the Museum cafe we took in the gem collection, the history of Orange County exhibit and recognized any street names, and a small but good “world wide” exhibit. All were equally impressive. Well lit, excellent notations and information made for an edifying and enjoyable day at The Bowers. If you find yourself in Orange County I recommend this museum. It was a delight.
We spent a good few hours marveling at the collection.
After a delicious lunch in the Museum cafe we took in the gem collection, the history of Orange County exhibit and recognized any street names, and a small but good “world wide” exhibit. All were equally impressive. Well lit, excellent notations and information made for an edifying and enjoyable day at The Bowers. If you find yourself in Orange County I recommend this museum. It was a delight.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VillageTravelor
Houston, Texas81 contributions
Mar 2022
This was an interesting museum and we really enjoyed the exhibits and the entire experience. It was easy to park and the museum was easy to visit. We found the art to be very engaging.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1901sandi
Vista, CA5 contributions
Apr 2022
Spend a couple of hours here and learn about all kinds of things. Never the same thing twice, and helpful staff to guide you to areas of your interest.
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdn_relaxed
Washington DC, DC16 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a hidden gem of a museum. I was looking to fill a free afternoon and came across the Bowers Museum. It is located in a charming Mission style building that has lovely landscaped grounds. The museum is not huge but its collections are impressive and wide ranging. I really enjoyed the Arts of Ancient China, the Spirits and Headhunter of the Pacific, the California Legacies and Bounty exhibits. There was so much to see that I ran out of time, having only given myself 2 hours for my visit.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa M
Huntington Beach, CA18 contributions
Nov 2021
A beautiful museum in a historic Spanish style setting. Lovely courtyard w top notch restaurant as well.
Written 26 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Failmezger
Oregon City, OR867 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We were happy to get to see the exhibit showing the 50 years of Disney Archives gathered. From Walt's desk to Herbie the Love Bug it is all here. We enjoyed seeing the carpet bag and blocks from Mary Poppins. The letter Walt wrote about buying land in Anaheim. The costumes were very cool.
Written 25 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah S
Santa Ana, CA25 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We went here with friends and had a great time. This didn't look like an all day activity, but we could've easily stayed longer than we did.
I've not been to the restaurant there, but it looked good.
Also they do great community events and rotating exhibits. I'm looking forward to seeing the 50 years of Disney exhibit they have going now. In past I also remember knights, and the Terracotta Warriors.
I've not been to the restaurant there, but it looked good.
Also they do great community events and rotating exhibits. I'm looking forward to seeing the 50 years of Disney exhibit they have going now. In past I also remember knights, and the Terracotta Warriors.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RamonSalcido
Banning, CA163 contributions
We are thinking of visiting the first week of June. What days are the best? We are coming from Banning and would like to study the Pre-hispanic groups.
Tzipster
Laguna Woods, CA670 contributions
Sorry I did not see this question sooner. We have guests and have been very busy. Any day at the Bowers is a good day. It is a small and intimate museum.
RamonSalcido
Banning, CA163 contributions
Does the museum have artifacts from Pre-Hispanic Indiginous groups from Western Mexico?
Cathi D
Santa Ana, CA45 contributions
Hi, Ramon. Yes, the Bowers has more than 4,000 PreColumbian pieces in its permanent collection.
Mike G
Seal Beach, CA
I nt to become a member. How do I do it?
HBSnowFlower
Huntington Beach, CA761 contributions
Sorry for delay -- glad you asked! Go to Bowers org web site and click on membership tab. Trip Advisor won't allow me to poast the link. Great new exhibits opening this fall!
Mike G
Seal Beach, CA
How do I pay for membership?
iamgodot123
Irvine, CA15 contributions
In person. Cash. Credit card. Check.
Telephone. Credit card.
On line. Credit card.
U.S. Mail. Check. Maybe credit card.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
B P
Los Angeles, CA51 contributions
Not to my knowledge, many museums are historically closed on Mondays.
Hours should be posted on their website.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingBOWERS MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowers Museum
- Bowers Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Bowers Museum:
- (0.16 km) Experience the Magic of Disneyland with Your Exceptional Host
- (0.08 km) Santa Ana Travel Inn
- (0.26 km) Exquisite & Modern Home w/ AC, Parking, & 4K TVs
- (0.31 km) NEW 5 Mins from Disney, Parking, A/C, & Yard
- (0.40 km) NEW Contemporary Studio w/ Toto, Parking, & AC
- Restaurants near Bowers Museum:
- (0.04 km) Tangata Restaurant
- (0.10 km) El Pollo Loco
- (0.32 km) Baskin-Robbins
- (0.40 km) NORMS Restaurant
- (0.38 km) El Calamar
- Attractions near Bowers Museum:
- (0.02 km) Bead Society of Orange County
- (0.09 km) Montanya Spa
- (0.22 km) Kidseum
- (0.80 km) Discovery Cube Orange County
- (7.80 km) Disney California Adventure Park