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San Jose Museum of Art: A Hub for West Coast Creativity

Explore modern and contemporary art at the San Jose Museum of Art, celebrating West Coast creativity in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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The San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA), located in downtown San Jose, is dedicated to modern and contemporary art with a focus on West Coast artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Founded in 1969, the museum showcases a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and new media, reflecting Silicon Valley's innovative spirit.

A brief summary to San Jose Museum of Art

  • Thursday 4 pm-9 pm
  • Friday 11 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for family-friendly activities, events, and exhibit openings.
  • Visit on the first Friday of the month for extended hours and free admission after 6 p.m.
  • Take advantage of the free docent-led tours offered on select days.
  • The Museum Store offers jewelry, art books, and unique gifts.
  • Enjoy a meal or snack at the Museum Café, located in the historic wing.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza de César Chávez, walk one block east on San Fernando Street to reach the museum on the corner of Market Street. The entrance is easily visible from the plaza. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    From San Jose Diridon Station, take the VTA Light Rail Green Line to the San Antonio Station. Walk west on San Fernando Street towards Market Street. The museum will be on your left. Alternatively, several bus lines connect Diridon Station to the museum area. A single VTA fare costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From San Jose International Airport (SJC), a taxi or ride-share to the museum takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for the ride.

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Discover more about San Jose Museum of Art

The San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) stands as a premier cultural institution in Silicon Valley, celebrating modern and contemporary art with a strong emphasis on West Coast artists. Founded in 1969, the museum emerged from a community effort to save a historic building from demolition, transforming it into a vibrant art gallery. The museum's collection features a wide array of media, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital art. SJMA is particularly known for championing new media, reflecting its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. The museum's permanent collection includes works by prominent artists such as Hung Liu, Ian Cheng, and Hito Steyerl. SJMA occupies a unique architectural space, blending a historic 1892 post office building with a modern "New Wing" added in 1991. The original building, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, contrasts with the contemporary addition, creating a visually stimulating environment. Visitors can enjoy docent-led tours, a museum store, and a cafe. SJMA is committed to accessibility, offering free admission to youth, college students, and teachers, and providing exhibition materials in multiple languages.

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