Discover the Best Museums Near San Gabriel, California: A Guide to Exhibit Highlights, Geo-Locations, Parking, and Accessibility

Are you planning to explore the cultural attractions of San Gabriel, California, and looking for the best museums in the area? Look no further! In this guide, we'll introduce you to the most fascinating museums near San Gabriel, highlighting their unique exhibits, geo-locations, and accessibility. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a science geek, these museums have something for everyone.

San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Located at 320 S. Mission Drive in San Gabriel, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is just a few blocks away from the original location. This historic building was originally built in 1927 as a theater for the annual Mission Play, a reenactment of California's early history. Today, it serves as a cultural and performing arts center that hosts a wide range of events, from theater productions to concerts, film screenings, and dance performances.

The exhibit highlights of the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse include the stunning architecture of the building itself, which combines Spanish Baroque and Moorish styles, as well as the original murals painted by renowned artist Anthony Heinsbergen. Parking is available on-site, and the theater is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a world-renowned cultural institution located at 1151 Oxford Road in San Marino, just a 15-minute drive from San Gabriel. Founded in 1919 by railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington, the Huntington boasts an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artwork, as well as 120 acres of botanical gardens.

The exhibit highlights of the Huntington include the Gutenberg Bible, the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and a vast collection of American and European art, including works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Lawrence. The botanical gardens feature over 15,000 plant species from around the world, including a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a Chinese garden. Parking is available on-site, and the museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is a world-class art museum located at 411 W. Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, just a 20-minute drive from San Gabriel. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 12,000 art objects, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from Europe, Asia, and America.

The exhibit highlights of the Norton Simon Museum include works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Degas, and Picasso, as well as a collection of South and Southeast Asian art. The museum also features a sculpture garden and a cafe that overlooks the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. Parking is available on-site, and the museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Kidspace Children's Museum

If you're traveling with kids, be sure to check out the Kidspace Children's Museum, located at 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard in Pasadena, just a 25-minute drive from San Gabriel. The museum is designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and learning in children through hands-on exhibits, workshops, and interactive activities.

The exhibit highlights of the Kidspace Children's Museum include a giant ant hill, a water play area, a climbing wall, and a human hamster wheel. The museum also hosts a variety of themed events and workshops throughout the year, such as storytime, science experiments, and art projects. Parking is available on-site, and the museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Take this opportunity to plan a trip to one of the many excellent museums near San Gabriel, California, including the Kidspace Children's Museum and the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.