Bowers Museum

2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA

Address:	2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Phone:	+1 714-567-3600
Site:	bowers.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Rodney S

I spent hours at the Bowers. Today was free admission because Target sponsors Free Admission Sundays on the first Sunday of every month. This month, New Years was on the first Sunday, so Free Admission was pushed back a week. My main interest was checking out the Warriors, Tombs & Temples Terracotta Warriors. The Warriors, Tombs & Temples temporary exhibit was fairly large w/many sculptures. I accidentally took a pic w/flash and alarm bells sounded. I felt like there was a jail break or prison riot. One of the staff just told everyone "No flash photography", not knowing I was the one who did it. Wheew! I still had my anonymity. I noticed that as I was browsing other sections of the Terracotta Warrior exhibit, the alarm went off quite a few more times. Thankfully, it wasnt me. There was also a large sculpture of the Medicine Buddha, which I have posted, which I really enjoyed. I was fascinated by the Scrimshaw Whaling exhibit. The bones and teeth of sperm whales, porpoises and seals were used to make a myriad of household items and artwork. Some items included spoons/forks, clothespins, pie crimpers & salt/pepper shakers. The artwork on whale bone was simply beautiful. The Spirit & Headhunters exhibit was interesting, too. Masks, weapons & statues were on display. I didnt notice the human teeth necklace, or if I did see it, I wasnt aware the necklace was made from human teeth. Some of the weapons were pretty bad-ass! The Secrets of the Silk Road exhibit was my second favorite exhibit, behind the Warriors, Tombs & Temples. The skill & dexterity showcased on the intricately carved elephant tusks is truly remarkable. Seems like artistry on that level has been lost to antiquity. There were sculptures of horses & camels that were quite lifelike. There is also an exquisite chess set, too. The permanent exhibits were nice to check out, such as Pio Picos carriage. However, I didnt spend as much time there as I did in the featured exhibits. Funny note-there is a guy dressed as a Terracotta warrior that takes pictures with people by the entrance & he periodically walks around the museum. As the Terracotta warrior walked toward a corner, a teenage woman was also turning the corner on the opposite side & she jumped as he walked by. Classic! I enjoyed my time at the Bowers Museum. However, I think the cost of admission is a little too pricy. My recommendation - Check it out during Free Admission First Sunday!

A Private User

Comment on Doriss 4/21/2010 review of Bowers: She refers to So. California as culturally underdeveloped. Really? Lets see: The Getty Center ( largest private art museum in the nation), The Getty Villa and gardens (containing one of the nations largest greco-roman collections), The Huntington Museum (world famous for the library and paintings, such as the Blue Boy, etc), The Norton Simon Gallery ( rated one of the finest museums in the nation including its Asian collections), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Armand Hammer Museum, the William Andrews Clark Library (containing the largest Oscar Wilde collection in the world), the San Diego Museum of Art. the Timken Gallery (on the grounds of the San Diego Museum of Art) etc, etc. Some years ago I was hosting several business associates from Paris. They were amazed at the variety of museums and orchestras in So. Caliornia. They couldnt believe their eyes when they saw the Getty Center. Oh, forgot to mention one: Next year the Eli Broad Museum of Modern Art will open in L.A. This will be one of the largest moderan art museums in the nation.

YJ W

One of my best friends just had a wedding here a few weeks ago, and I must say it was a spectacular venue. The ceremony was outside with great trees lit up in the background, and the bride walked down a spiral staircase for everyone to see. Not to mention you get to have your actual reception inside the museum with the weird masks and artwork--so cool. My only complaint was the cocktail hour appetizers were not very delicious, and not that plentiful either. And the dinner portions were kind of small. Other than that, great service, beautiful venue, and gorgeous couple and wedding overall. Id recommend anyone to check out the Bowers Museum as a potential venue if theyre looking.

j spain Greene

Free days on Sundays for residents only. Special exhibits are about $25, regular is $15. Theres also a Kidseum. Children under 12 are free. Street parking is pretty easy and they have a pay lot across the street. Nice restaurant on premises and the museum store is worthwhile. This is such a pretty space - Spanish-style architecture with a gorgeous courtyard. They have special dining events here, like a Fathers Day brunch...fitting for such a lovely area. The museum itself, the exhibition spaces are quite nice. Some rooms are oddly laid out in places. I visited for the Frida Kahlo Photography exhibit. It was very nice.

Dave Keys

Excellent educational and cultural venue that surpasses expectations for the local area. It actually competes at the level of LACMA or the Natural History Museum in LA and surpasses them routinely by offering unique well acquired exhibitions offered nowhere else. I still remember the Terra Cotta army event several years ago, as well as Egyptian mummy events that were absolutely priceless. Local teachers: You should write grants specifically for this venue. Your students can benefit just as much as from a trip to LA and at a much lower cost.

A Private User

I visited the Bowers Museum while on a business trip to Anaheim (I live on the East Coast). The museum was a great value for the price, with several interesting exhibits on ethnic cultures, early life in California and indigenous peoples. Other negative reviews commented on the service at the museums restaurant. While I didnt eat at Bowers, I dont think you can judge the museum as a whole on the service of its on-site eatery. Bowers was a delight, and Im very glad I had an opportunity to visit while I was staying in California.

Miriam Prell

I love every visit to the Bowers and have since 1970. This past visit (July 2017) was for a program about George Gershwin for which I bought two tickets. The excellent presentation was a combo lecture + historical photos and videos format! Engaging! The Bowers then emailed to me a survey a few days after attending, and I filled it out promptly to receive a free ticket for another program of my choice from whats offered, which I plan to attend in August.

A Private User

This is a great museum for its somewhat culturally underdeveloped location in Southern CA. After all this is not New York or London. I realize that our society is obsessed with food, but honestly is it necessary to judge the quality of a museum by its food? Maybe someone has some food issues. I suggest you review their website and go if you find their exhibits something that interests you personally. Good luck.

Nicolaas Dewald-Aranda

It is a cute local museum. It is not very big but they do have some great diversity in the art. They have a nice California section, A really cool Mayan section, a Chinese Section and a South Pacific/head hunters exhibit all part of the permanent collection. They do have some cool exhibitions from time to time. The exhibits are not very big. I wish the museum stayed open later and had more evening activities.

K Sifs

For being a smaller museum they have been fortunate to obtain funding and donations from many which have allowed them to brings such fascinating exhibits like; The terra cotta warriors Egypts mummys And many others. This place is worth every penny. It has made our family experience enjoyable. A very clean and well maintained museum that offers additional programs for children and adults alike.