San Jose Museum of Art

110 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA

Address:	110 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA
Phone:	+1 408-271-6840
Site:	sjmusart.org
Rating:	4
Working:	Closed 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Jennifer Chesley

The building offers many different exhibits at a low cost and a free tour at designated hours which I would recommend. The tour guides gave us a lot of background and history for each piece we looked at, giving them so much more meaning. Also available is a cafe and small gift shop although I would save the money and hit one of the restaurants near by as the museum is located right in the heart of so many. There is no photography allowed not video recording of any kind and any food or drink, even from the cafe, is not allowed in the exhibits at all. They are very strict about this. I took my 11 year old daughter and her friend and they enjoyed looking at all of the exhibits although some of the pieces were so abstract they were hard to understand at all, but still a great experience. Tour and extra time we took in the gift shop and on our own after the tour put us there about 2.5 hours. Parking is surprisingly convenient and we paid $6 but the most expensive I saw was $10.

M.W.N.

Easily the smallest museum Ive visited in a major city. I viewed their 2016 Spring exhibitions. Its depressing how such a beautiful building poorly managed its space. It seems the cafe, confrence room, admissions, and gift shop take up more space than the 1st and 2nd floor galleries. There are few beautiful displays mostly among banal modern art. Expect hipster art students, old ladies in mom jeans, schmoosy rich folk, and a serious lack in realism. The entrance hanging Dale Chihuly chandeliers are pretty, and the video installations were striking; other than that I wouldnt bother unless you receive a free/discount admission.

Bahram Khozairy

Giving one star is even too much. But, One Star for the place being clean. Dont waste your time and money on this place. For such a huge place in downtown San Jose, it has very little drawing or painting. Most of what they have is New Age based sculpture and messages and even some very disgusting and sick sculptures of decapitated heads that are bloody and bleeding...and they call it art !! Unbelievable ! The lady upstairs that is watching people is so mean that makes you want to leave right away. Total disappointment for San Jose. Try other museums that stay true to the innocent skill of art.

Liss L

Often overlooked by people wanting to go into SF to the bigger museums but definitely worth a visit. They dont have a stellar permanent collection but they get some interesting exhibits and offer some truly wonderful family/community programs in conjunction with cultural events like Chinese New Year. Nice gift shop and cafe area too. Unfortunately there isnt too much else downtown nearby to see ( except restaurants and the Tech if you have kids)but SJMA is worth a visit all on its own. Staff are always very friendly and helpful!

Michael Estopinal

An absolute disgrace to art museums. I must admit that I was uncertain if I had actually entered the wrong museum by mistake as there was absolutely no art. There were two floors being taken up by a hackneyed political exhibit of weird videos and photocopies. The only thing stopping me from asking for my money back was my sincere hope that they put it towards the salary of a competent art director. This museums exhibits are a cry for help. Can someone please put it out of its misery?

Carly Spitaleri

They were okay. The 911 exhibit was a big let down. Im a native New Yorker and I didnt feel that the exhibit really exposed what 911 was truly about for the people involved. I didnt really appreciate that a poorly designed video game was being used as part of the art exhibit. Felt like a rushed and poorly planned exhibit. Other then that the rest of the art in the museum was nice and interesting. I especially liked the Indian photography exhibit.

Ryan Jahrman

Their exhibitions are always fascinating. I appreciate their "sense of place" . . . while certainly not the largest museum in the Bay Area, they do a great job exploring the intersections of technology, culture and identity in a way that is deeply relevant in San Jose. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. The events are great as well... ArtRage, classes, gallery talks... They are definitely worth checking out.

A Private User

Its a decent museum, not first class of course. But I remember some very special exhibitions: Jun Koneko, Goyas Caprichos, Robert Mapplethorpes portraits, Ansel Adams early works, prints of Andy Warhol. And right now they have the contemporary art of India which is is interesting and really hard to find in local museums. Their permanent collection is a little limited but the exhibitions are often quite interesting.

Bryan Nabong

Since moving to the Bay Area about 10 years ago, I find myself visiting the San Jose Museum of Art at least a few times each year. I dont recall exactly what is in their permanent collection, but they frequently have interesting special exhibits that has me coming back. Their annual membership is also rather affordable, for those who would like to support the musuem

Diane Brauch

The exhibits are always thought provoking. Good conversation starters. The current Liebovitz exhibit is worth seeing because its so different from anything Ive seen her do. I think it looks like a beginning photography student took the photos. Thats what makes it interesting. How could Liebovitz do something like this? Others find it thrilling.

Ivan Aranha

This is a relatively small art gallery in downtown San Jose near plenty of restaurants and the movie theatre. There were four exhibits, but not much art to see overall. You can make it through and see everything within 30 mins or so. Very kid friendly with 10 dollars entrance fee. 4 dollars off with student ID. The staff is friendly.

Cynthia Typaldos

Gorgeous museum and delightful location. The art is a bit strange for me, but interesting. Nice cafe and stunning museum shop. Very friendly staff. Not crowded. After visiting the museum we got some coffee from the cafe and sat out on the plaza under the trees. Beautiful. Paradise really.

Alyx Barranger

Recently came here for an event and also got to see the exhibits. From an event perspective, this venue is absolutely stunning. It is the perfect size for an event and it has an element of intimacy but also lets people wander around and do their own thing (such as viewing the exhibits!)

D Thomas

Read Michaels review. Display of Covert Operations - absolute waste of time. The art displayed is not really art, its hash mish mash. My only mistake was not reading the reviews before hand. Go to the San Francisco art museums for the real art. Great museum store though.

Jaena David

I have visited this place once a year for the last three years and it is always a treat for my kids and I. The place is always kept clean and the art pieces are just delightful! I hope to visit more often as its one of the places I feel like I will never get tired of .

A Private User

I actually had a lot of fun at this art museum and for me being an artist that is a lot to say. I dont necessarily think I will go back, mostly because once you see their exhibits one time that is enough. But it is worth seeing, they have a great collection.

andres villegas

Si eres amante de las artes abstractas te encantará el lugar muchas fotos y pinturas que te llamaras la atención