The University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1868 and is the number 1 public univeristy in the nation for the 17th straight year. This beautiful and historic campus welcomes people from all backgrounds with its inclusive yet selective population. With champion sports teams, rigorous academics, and groundbreaking research, UC Berkeley seeks to "contribute even more than Caliornia's gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations."
Serving Oakland for over forty years, the Oakland Museum of California showcases art, history, and natural science which celebrate the culture and beauty of California. With extensive collections (over 1.9 million objects!), exhibits, activities, and more, visitors can explore "the factors that shape California character and identity." The Oakland Museum of California offers educational and outreach programs to connect with the community and invites you to explore what makes Oakland and California amazing and unique!
The Oakland Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown is within walking distance of Jack London Square, Oakland City Center, Chinatown, and more. This "world-class exhibition hall" features 64,000 square feet of space perfect for exhibits, conventions, social gatherings, and meetings. The Oakland Convention Center is surrounded by the buzzing culture of Oakland with restaurants, shops, history, and more just steps outside!
The Museum of Children's Arts (MOCHA) brings much needed arts education to the East Bay in the form of interactive arts and crafts! Targeting the general East Bay through their Oakland based studios, but also low-income/higher need communities, public schools, libraries, and more, MOCHA uses "the power of art as a learning tool." By connecting with youth in the East Bay at an early age, MOCHA aims to make a lasting, positive impact in the community.
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a part of the University of California, Berkeley and is "the country's only science center that is part of a top-tier, public research university." This affiliation gives way to partnerships with some of the world's leading scientists, mathmeticians, engineers, teachers, and more, which allows for exploration and learning of science in an interactive and fun way! Through unique exhibits, events, and more, visitors can expand their mind and learn about the world around them.
La Peña Cultural Center is a non-profit space that promotes arts, social justice, and understanding since 1975. Their mission is to "encourage creativity, promote dialogue, share knowledge, and build community capacity for social and economic change." This cultural-connecting organization brings together people from all backgrounds through different activities, classes, events and more!
The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life was established in 2010 at the University of California at Berkeley. It showcases "art, objects, texts, musics and historical documents about the Jews in the Global Diaspora and the American West." With free entrance, come check out this unique museum which houses one of the most distinguished Jewish collections in the world!
The San Leandro Public Library; established in 1906, was the first free public library in San Leandro. After finding a good read from their collection of over 219,000 books, you can enjoy a drink at the cafe located inside the library.
The Habitot Children's Museum is a "hands-on discovery museum" located in Downtown Berkeley. This communal space that is specifically designed for kids to explore, play, and learn in a safe and fun setting. Habitot is the only community based museum in the Bay Area that is tailored specifically to "meet the needs and interests o [kids] 0-6 years old."