Discover 5 Unique Museums to Explore in the San Francisco Bay Area
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Hidden Treasures Await in the Bay Area
When you plan a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area, there are intriguing museums that could easily fly under your radar if you don’t actively seek them out. While the iconic trio of art institutions—the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA), the de Young Museum, and the Legion of Honor—are must-see spots, a little exploration can lead you to some lesser-known yet fascinating alternatives.
The Computer History Museum
A short journey from Google’s headquarters takes you to the Computer History Museum located in Mountain View, CA. Established in various forms over several decades, it settled into its current site—previously a Silicon Graphics location—in 2002. I had the opportunity to visit shortly after its opening when the interiors were mostly empty rooms displaying stacks of similar hardware behind glass. It was a nostalgic experience, with everyone reminiscing, saying things like, “I remember that!”
Since 2012, the museum has undergone a remarkable transformation into a beautifully arranged space that showcases the evolution of computing, from primitive devices to modern innovations. Be sure to allocate several hours for your visit, especially if you have a tech enthusiast in your group.
The Exploratorium
The Exploratorium features six distinct galleries that encourage visitors to engage with various scientific and mathematical principles through hands-on activities. Each gallery showcases different scientific experiments, along with displays celebrating the contributions of women in the field of science. This venue is perfect for anyone looking to explore the wonders of science, regardless of age or background.
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American Bookbinders Museum
Tucked away in San Francisco, this museum shines a spotlight on the art of bookmaking, detailing the history of who created books and for whom. The facility is filled with original tools and machinery dating from the 1600s to the 1800s, offering insight into the bookbinding process. With rotating special exhibits, this museum is a dream come true for bibliophiles. Tours are available daily from Tuesday to Saturday.
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE)
Just a quick BART ride across the Bay to Oakland will lead you to The MADE, a museum dedicated to celebrating video game history. Visitors can enjoy over 10,000 playable games spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s, most of which operate on original hardware. It's a fantastic chance to revisit childhood favorites or discover games you’ve always wanted to play. The museum also archives information and technology related to online gaming.
Musee Mechanique
Nestled on Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Musee Mechanique is a captivating museum filled with coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and vintage arcade machines collected over a lifetime. Here, you can have your fortune read, watch mechanical boxers duel, and visit quirky attractions like Laffing Sal and Susie the Can-Can Dancer. With over 300 functioning artifacts, this museum is a delightful experience.
The San Francisco Bay Area boasts an extensive and diverse array of museums, far beyond those mentioned here. For museum aficionados like myself, it’s worth considering extending your stay to fully appreciate these unique collections.