Skip to main content
Usitour
Museum

Berkeley Art Museum

📍 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA, USA
No photos yet
4.2/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Berkeley
Category
Museum
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA, USA
Coordinates
37.8709, -122.2664

Introduction

The Berkeley Art Museum, located in downtown Berkeley, California, is the official art museum of the University of California, Berkeley, opened in 1970 and moved into a new building designed by Japanese architect SANAA in 2016. The museum collection includes over 22,000 works spanning international modern and contemporary art from the 16th century to today, Chinese painting, and film and video, one of the largest and most active university art museums in the Bay Area. The new building itself is a destination for architecture lovers, with a flowing silver facade and open atrium showcasing contemporary architectural aesthetics. The museum permanently exhibits the Hans Hofmann Abstract Expressionism collection, Chinese Ming and Qing paintings, and California art, while curating major temporary exhibitions. The BAMPFA film theater screens art and experimental films, an important Bay Area venue for independent cinema. Whether for art lovers, architecture fans, or film enthusiasts, it is a must-see cultural landmark in Berkeley.

✨ Highlights

1
SANAA New Building
The 2016 building by Japanese architect SANAA, with flowing silver facade and open atrium, a must for architecture fans.
2
22,000-Work Collection
Over 22,000 works spanning international modern and contemporary art, Chinese painting, and film, one of the Bay Area's largest university art museums.
3
Hans Hofmann Collection
Permanent Abstract Expressionism collection by Hans Hofmann, one of the most important research collections in the field.
4
Chinese Ming-Qing Painting
Collects and exhibits Chinese Ming-Qing paintings and California art, a key window into U.S.-China art exchange and California art history.
5
BAMPFA Film Theater
The BAMPFA film theater screens art and experimental films, an important Bay Area independent cinema venue.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Thursday extended hours are quieter; opening weekends of temporary shows are most lively
→Duration：1-3 hours recommended
→Opening Hours：Wed-Sun 11:00-19:00, Thursday until 21:00
→Ticket Information：Adults $15, seniors 65+ $8, under 18 free, UC Berkeley students and staff free
→Transportation：BART from San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley, 5-min walk

💡 Tips

• Thursday evenings often have free or discounted hours; check the website, the best value visiting time.
• The museum is on the campus edge; combine with the campus, Sather Tower, and Telegraph Avenue for a full Berkeley culture day.
• BAMPFA has unique programming; check the schedule and book an art film to experience Bay Area independent cinema.
• UC system students and under-18 are free; other college students may get discounts, so bring your student ID.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Berkeley Art Museum?

Wed-Sun 11:00-19:00, Thursday until 21:00

How much is the admission for Berkeley Art Museum?

Adults $15, seniors 65+ $8, under 18 free, UC Berkeley students and staff free

Any practical tips for visiting Berkeley Art Museum?

Thursday evenings often have free or discounted hours; check the website, the best value visiting time. The museum is on the campus edge; combine with the campus, Sather Tower, and Telegraph Avenue for a full Berkeley culture day.

How long should I spend at Berkeley Art Museum?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.