A Guide to San Jose’s Best Museums

San Jose, California is a vibrant and bustling city that is home to a variety of fascinating museums. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or technology, San Jose has something to offer everyone. From Tech Interactive, a cutting-edge science and technology museum, to the San Jose Museum of Art, which showcases some of the most innovative and inspiring works of contemporary art, there are many San Jose museums to explore and learn. Here are some of the amazing museums that San Jose has to offer, and why they’re worth a visit.

1. The Tech Interactive

This museum is dedicated to technology and science, with exhibits that explore topics such as robotics, genetics, and renewable energy. Some of the museum’s past popular exhibits include the “Body Worlds” exhibit, which showcases human anatomy and health, and the “Cyber Detectives” exhibit, which explores the world of cybersecurity.

Tech Interactive also offers educational programs and workshops for children and adults, as well as special events and exhibitions throughout the year.

2. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a museum located in San Jose, California, United States that is specifically designed for children to learn and explore through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities.

The museum features exhibits that cover a variety of topics, including science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Some of the museum’s popular exhibits include the “Waterways” exhibit, which teaches children about the properties of water, the “Bubbles” exhibit, which explores the science of bubbles, and the “Garden to Table” exhibit, which teaches children about healthy eating habits and sustainable agriculture.

In addition to its exhibits, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose also offers educational programs and events for children and families, including summer camps, workshops, and storytime sessions. What I love about the Children’s Discovery Museum is that it’s designed for children and families, with hands-on exhibits like a full-size ambulance and fire truck for children to explore.

Parking is available on the street or in a lot across the street from the museum.

Read all about our fun day at the Children’s Discovery Museum here!

3. History Park

The History Park is a living history museum located in San Jose, California, United States, that showcases the city’s cultural and industrial heritage. The museum features historic buildings and exhibits that highlight the history of the Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding region. Some of the museum’s popular exhibits include an ice cream shop, a printing press, and a blacksmith shop.

The History Park also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, and special exhibitions. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of San Jose and the surrounding area.

A small parking lot that also services Happy Hollow Zoo fills up early but there always seems to be plenty of street parking.

4. Mexican Heritage Plaza

The Mexican Heritage Plaza is a cultural center located in San Jose, California, United States. The center is dedicated to promoting and preserving Mexican and Chicano/Latino culture and heritage. The plaza features a theater, art gallery, classrooms, and event spaces, as well as outdoor gardens and courtyards.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza offers a variety of cultural programs and events, including concerts, dance performances, art exhibits, and educational workshops. Visitors can learn about the rich history and culture of Mexican and Chicano/Latino communities in San Jose and beyond, as well as participate in cultural celebrations and festivals.

5. San Jose Museum of Art

San Jose Museum of Art is an art museum located in downtown San Jose, California, United States. The museum’s collection includes over 2,500 works of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on West Coast artists.

The museum features a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists. Some of the museum’s past exhibitions have included “Rina Banerjee: Make Me a Summary of the World,” “Beta Space: Pae White,” and “Our City, Our Stories.” In addition to its exhibits, the San Jose Museum of Art also offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. These programs include lectures, workshops, and tours, as well as art classes for children and adults.

Parking can be challenging so map out a Parking Garage before since street parking is scarce.

6. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is located in the Rose Garden area of San Jose. The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 artifacts from ancient Egypt, including mummies, sculptures, jewelry, and other objects that provide insights into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The museum also features full-scale replicas of famous Egyptian structures, such as the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the Temple of Karnak.

In addition to its exhibits, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum offers a range of educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. The museum also features a planetarium that shows educational films and presentations on astronomy and ancient Egyptian cosmology.

What makes this museum unique is that it has a large collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, pottery, and jewelry, and is one of the few museums in the Bay Area covering Egyptian history.

7. Japanese American Museum of San Jose

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose is a museum located in the Japantown neighborhood of San Jose, California, United States. The San Jose Japantown is one of the last remaining Japantowns in the United States. The museum’s mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the Japanese American experience. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that highlight the history and culture of Japanese Americans, including their contributions to the local community.

The museum also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and cultural celebrations. Visitors can learn about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Japanese Americans in San Jose and beyond.

8. The Intel Museum

The Intel Museum is a museum located at the headquarters of Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, California, United States, which is just a few miles from San Jose. The museum features exhibits that showcase the history of Intel and the evolution of computing technology. The museum includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the various components of a computer and the process of designing and manufacturing computer chips.

The Intel Museum also features a collection of historic artifacts, including early microprocessors and other computing devices. Guided tours and educational programs are available for visitors of all ages, making the Intel Museum a great place to learn about the history of computing and technology.