Museum of Art, Monterey (must see)

The Monterey Museum of Art holds a unique position as the sole nationally accredited art museum in the region spanning from Santa Barbara to San Jose. Established in 1959 under the umbrella of the American Federation of Arts, this institution has significantly enriched the cultural experience of both Monterey County residents and visitors for more than six decades.

The Museum operates from two distinct locations, namely 559 Pacific Street and 720 Via Mirada (La Mirada). The Pacific Street site boasts eight galleries, housing administrative and curatorial offices, as well as the Buck Education Center, complete with classrooms, a library, and the Youth Gallery. In 1983, the Monterey Museum of Art acquired the historic La Mirada estate, a site steeped in the heritage of the Monterey area.

The Museum's permanent collection boasts an impressive array of over 14,000 artifacts, spanning various categories including early California painting, photography, contemporary art, Asian art, and American art. Notable highlights within the collection encompass works by distinguished artists like Armin Hansen, William F. Ritschel, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, along with renowned photographers such as Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. The Monterey Museum of Art curates approximately twenty exhibitions each year, featuring thematic displays drawn from the permanent collection, showcases of local artists, and major traveling exhibitions from other esteemed institutions.

In addition to its exhibition endeavors, the Museum actively engages in educational initiatives that impact numerous local youths on an annual basis. These programs encompass docent-led tours, classes, lectures, workshops, curatorial tours, and public events such as the popular Community Day, designed to cater to families and offered free of charge.