The only place in North America dedicated solely to the works of Ludwig himself, this museum contains a wealth of material, including the much-heralded lock of Beethoven's hair. Original manuscripts, books, recordings, autographed materials, masks, sculptures, stamps, films and all sorts of things are here. The center sponsors many concerts and lectures throughout the year and several things are for sale, like coffee mugs, scores and a bibliography database. This is an excellent place for scholarly research.
Children's Discovery Museum has two floors worth of exhibits and activities, including a history of bubbles, face painting and all sorts of things to keep children busy and thinking. The museum is a giant structure straddling the Guadalupe River Park, so picnics are common for visitors. It is located right on the light rail station, which makes public transportation a snap. The museum offers facilities for birthday parties and special events for all sizes of groups, from small gatherings of 10 to large groups of 1000.
Tombs, mummies and all sorts of ancient Egyptian artifacts await you at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium, one of the tourist favorites of San Jose. This place is located in the beautiful Rosicrucian Park, with palm trees and Egyptian-style buildings everywhere. The museum itself contains an extensive array of artifacts, jewelry and displays of Egyptian antiquity. The tour in the cavernous tomb below the museum is especially replete with information and entertainment. Through the displays, you will get an in-depth look at the nature of life in ancient Egypt.
With over 200 interactive, hi-tech exhibits, The Tech Museum of Innovation is unlike any other museum in the country. It is housed in a huge complex that stands out from all the other buildings in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Its unique Silicon Valley location is fitting given its technological nature and hands-on displays. Learn about communication networks, new frontiers in science, lasers, Silicon Valley inventions, biotechnology, and other cutting edge technologies that influence the world. The museum also includes a 360-degree IMAX theater.
There is something for everyone at San Jose Museum of Art: contemporary art, lectures, concerts, tours, book signings, special events and even programs for children. The museum has been host to many outstanding traveling shows and has been a champion of local artists. The museum bookstore offers a nice selection of usual museum merchandise, such as books, tote bags and greeting cards. The museum cafe offers a wonderful rotating menu of seasonal delights.
Located right next to the picturesque Professorville neighborhood, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo has been a reliable source of family fun since 1934, when it was established as the first children's museum west of the Mississippi. The zoo houses around 200 species of animals, including snakes, reptiles, tortoises, sharks, raccoons, bats, a red-tailed hawk and two bobcats. A total of 14 hands-on museum exhibits are designed to educate children about physics, earth science and math. It is also a popular destination for field trips and birthday parties.
The only place in North America dedicated solely to the works of Ludwig himself, this museum contains a wealth of material, including the much-heralded lock of Beethoven's hair. Original manuscripts, books, recordings, autographed materials, masks, sculptures, stamps, films and all sorts of things are here. The center sponsors many concerts and lectures throughout the year and several things are for sale, like coffee mugs, scores and a bibliography database. This is an excellent place for scholarly research.
The EcoCenter is managed by the Environmental Volunteers, a non-profit institution that spreads awareness about science and nature among the general public. Acting as the headquarters of this organization, the EcoCenter has been constructed using non-toxic and recycled material, green design principles and eco-friendly practices. This center has interactive exhibits and touchscreen displays through which visitors can learn about climate change, the sky and earth. It conducts tours of the building to educate visitors about sustainable methods of construction and maintenance and also conducts numerous summer camps, classroom and school programs. Boasting of some of the best educational activities in Palo Alto for kids and adults alike, the themes covered include bird watching, hiking, programs and lectures on nature art and natural sciences as well as research training in which visitors generate data that actually helps scientists. Nature lovers can also volunteer at this center or donate money to support its endeavors.
Lick Observatory serves as a leading observational astronomy research and education center open to students, professionals and public. Each half hour, a 15-minute presentation on the history of the observatory is shown in the 36 inch telescope dome. Some of its attractions include the Great Lick Refractor, the Shane Reflector, astronomical catalogs, various displays and more. In the summer, it offers a visitor's program where the public gets the opportunity to gaze through two Lick telescopes as well as a concert series. An on-site shop sells souvenir apparel and gifts with an astronomical flair. Admission is free.
The ICA is a non-profit, innovative visual arts space located in downtown San Jose. For more than 20 years, they have presented cutting edge exhibitions featuring emerging and mid-career artists and provided the public a chance to see "what's new" in contemporary art. Exhibitions are accompanied by workshops and lectures to further engage the viewer. In addition to gallery programming, the ICA presents "Night Moves," new media installations in the front and rear windows that are visible only after dark. Admission is free.
A part of the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, Rodin Sculpture Garden makes for an interesting visit. Open from Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11a, this beautiful garden was established in 1985. Originally designed by Robert Mittelstadt, the garden is themed around a similar garden that B. Gerald Cantor Rodin had designed in Paris; unfortunately it suffered heavy damages on account of the earthquake of 1989. Restored to its former glory in 1991 by Thomas Seligman, the garden features gorgeous masterpieces like the Gates of Hell and Burghers of Calais.
Established in 1987, the Chinese American Historical Museum showcases the culture and history of the Chinese American society in Santa Clara County. They preserve the culture as well as educate their visitors on the growth of the community while promoting it all through activities conducted year round. The museum is run by the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project of Santa Clara County, Inc., in an 1888 two story building.