several students looking at art in the Manetti Shrem museum

Museums and Collections

Places to learn by seeing

Early works by renowned artists, rare botanical specimens, live insects and contemporary Native American art: Our museums and collections focus on both the individual and the whole. They educate while entertaining us. You’ll see grade-school classes, college students and seasoned scholars learning what is new, what is old and what is enlightening about our world.

We also maintain five of the UC Natural Reserve System’s network of protected natural areas throughout California. Visit these preserved ecosystems to learn about tide pools, oak woodlands and rare vernal pools.