Background

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Explore the art, craft, and history of quilts and textiles at the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to this unique art form, located in downtown San Jose.

4.5

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, located in the SoFA Arts District, is the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to quilts and textiles as an art form. Founded in 1977, the museum showcases a permanent collection of over 1,000 quilts, garments, and ethnic textiles, emphasizing 20th- and 21st-century artists.

A brief summary to San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

  • Thursday 1 pm-7 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting.
  • Consider visiting on the first Friday of the month for the South First Friday art walk, when the museum offers nominated entry fees.
  • Take advantage of the Maker Space to try your hand at weaving, sewing, or other textile techniques.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is accessible via the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The nearest VTA Light Rail station is the Convention Center. From the station, walk south on S Market St, then turn right onto S 1st St. The museum will be on your left. A single ride on VTA costs $2.50. Alternatively, an 8-hour light rail pass is $5, and a day pass is $7.50.

  • Walking

    The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is located in downtown San Jose's SoFA district, making it easily walkable from many nearby attractions and hotels. From Plaza de Cesar Chavez, walk south on S Market St, turn right onto S 1st St. The museum will be on your left. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Jose. A short ride from San Jose Diridon Station to the museum typically costs between $10 and $15, excluding tip. Note that prices may vary depending on demand and traffic conditions.

Unlock the Best of San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles (SJMQT) stands as a unique cultural institution in the heart of downtown San Jose. Established in 1977, it holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States exclusively dedicated to the art of quilts and textiles. From its humble beginnings as the American Museum of Quilts and Related Arts, founded by the Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association, the museum has evolved into a prominent showcase of textile art from around the world. The museum's mission is to preserve, celebrate, and promote knowledge about quilts and textiles, recognizing their beauty, creation, and relationship to human culture and expression. The SJMQT's collection boasts over 1,000 objects, including quilts, garments, and ethnic textiles, with a focus on artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can explore a diverse range of textile traditions, from historical American quilts to contemporary fiber-based sculptures. The museum also maintains a research library with over 500 books on the history and techniques of the craft. The museum's exhibitions highlight the role of textiles in various cultures, showcasing how people use them to express themselves and make their voices heard. Exhibitions often feature solo showings from contemporary Bay Area fiber artists, as well as broader surveys of international cultural traditions and their contemporary expressions. The museum also offers an Artist in Residence program, hosting artists or collaborative groups for three-month residencies, providing an onsite open studio and exhibition space. Visitors can engage with the art through workshops that teach various styles and techniques used in textile making. The museum is located in a 13,000 square feet building in San Jose's SoFA (South First Area) Arts District since 2005.

Popular Experiences near San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Popular Hotels near San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

Select Currency