
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Kern County Museum
Explore the rich history of Bakersfield and Kern County, featuring interactive exhibits and historic buildings.
- Interactive Experience: Hands-on activities engage visitors of all ages.
- Historic Buildings: See original structures from the early days of Kern County.
- Local History: Gain insights into the area's agriculture, oil, and transportation history.
2. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Discover prehistoric fossils, Native American artifacts, and local wildlife exhibits.
- Prehistoric Fossils: See ancient fossils dating back millions of years.
- Native American Artifacts: Explore the history and culture of local Native American tribes.
- Local Wildlife Exhibits: Learn about Bakersfield's diverse animal species.
3. California Arts University Gallery
View contemporary and traditional artworks created by students and professional artists.
- Student Artwork: Get inspired by up-and-coming artists from California Arts University.
- Professional Artists: See works by established regional and national artists.
- Variety of Mediums: Admire art in multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and digital media.
4. Kern Space & Aerospace Museum
Explore the history of space exploration and aviation, featuring exhibits on astronauts, spacecraft, and rockets.
- Space Exploration History: Learn about the history of manned spaceflight.
- Aviation Exhibits: Discover Bakersfield's aviation heritage and local heroes.
- Hands-on Activities: Engage in interactive activities that bring space and aerospace to life.
5. Cemetery Park Art Gallery
Appreciate outdoor sculptures by renowned artists, set amidst the peaceful surroundings of Cemetery Park.
- Renowned Sculptors: See works by nationally and internationally recognized artists.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Cemetery Park while exploring art.
- Outdoor Exhibit: Experience sculptures in a unique outdoor setting.
6. Porch Museum & Art Gallery
Visit this intimate gallery showcasing works by local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
- Local Artists: Support Bakersfield's thriving art community.
- Intimate Setting: Enjoy a personalized gallery experience.
- Variety of Mediums: Admire art in multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
7. The Gallery at First Presbyterian Church
Experience temporary exhibitions featuring regional artists, often with an educational focus.
- Regional Artists: Discover new talent from the Bakersfield area.
- Educational Focus: Learn about art techniques and history through exhibitions.
- Temporary Exhibitions: See new displays several times a year.
8. The Mansion at Kern County Parks
Step back in time to the early 20th century with a guided tour of this historic home, now housing art exhibitions.
- Historic Home Tour: Explore an elegant and ornate residence from the past.
- Art Exhibitions: View contemporary artworks amidst a historical setting.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history of the home from knowledgeable guides.
9. The Kern County Museum Art Gallery
Explore rotating exhibitions featuring regional artists, focusing on various artistic styles and mediums.
- Regional Artists: Discover new talent from the Bakersfield area.
- Rotating Exhibitions: See fresh displays several times a year.
- Variety of Mediums: Admire art in multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
10. The Art Center at Kern County Parks
Participate in workshops, classes, and exhibitions for all ages and skill levels, showcasing local and regional artists.
- Workshops & Classes: Learn new techniques from skilled instructors.
- Exhibitions: View art created by local and regional artists.
- All Skill Levels: Find opportunities for beginners, intermediates, and advanced artists alike.
11. The Bakersfield Art Association Gallery
Experience changing exhibitions featuring local artists, as well as workshops and classes for all ages.
- Local Artists: Discover new talent from the Bakersfield area.
- Changing Exhibitions: See fresh displays several times a year.
- Workshops & Classes: Learn new techniques from skilled instructors.
12. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools Art Gallery
View a rotating selection of artwork by talented K-12 students from throughout the county.
- Student Artwork: Encourage creativity in young artists.
- Rotating Exhibitions: See fresh displays several times a year.
- Local Talent: Discover the creativity of Kern County's future artists.
13. The Kern County Museum Aviation Display
Learn about aviation history through exhibits showcasing rare artifacts and photographs.
- Aviation History: Gain insights into the development of flight.
- Rare Artifacts: See items that tell the story of aviation in Kern County.
- Photographs: Explore visual records of aviation history.
14. The Kern County Museum Natural History Gallery
Learn about the natural world through exhibits showcasing fossils, minerals, and local wildlife.
- Natural History: Explore the wonders of our planet.
- Fossils & Minerals: Discover prehistoric life and geological formations.
- Local Wildlife: Learn about the diverse animal species of Kern County.
15. The Mansion at College Heights Park Art Gallery
Enjoy a variety of art exhibitions in an elegant and historic setting.
- Historic Setting: Experience the grandeur of a historic home.
- Art Exhibitions: View contemporary and traditional artworks.
- Rotating Exhibitions: See fresh displays several times a year.