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Special Exhibitions & Features

Image Exhibition Great Hall Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory Learn More
Image Feature Art Gallery Collecting a Moment Learn More
Image Feature Art Gallery Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic Learn More
Image Feature Natural Sciences Gallery OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace Learn More

upcoming

Image Exhibition Great Hall BeHere / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration Learn More

Events

Image Spotlight Sundays: Local Short Film Showcase and Conversation with Cinemama August 16 from 1:00 pm 2:45 pm

This Spotlight Sundays, we are excited to partner with Oakland’s filmmaking community hub Cinemama, featuring two local films exploring identity, place, and resilience—themes featured in our current exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Welcome to the Neighborhood (28min) follows the Howard family, who joined the growing number of African Americans moving to Berkeley during WWII. Directed by Pam Uzzell, this story examines the forces of gentrification and the resistance movement led by Mildred’s mother, Mable Howard. 

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Image Friday Nights at OMCA with Sabrina Shauna August 21 from 5:00 pm 9:00 pm

Friday Night at OMCA sets the stage for an evening of soulful sounds as Bay Area artist Sabrina Shauna brings her signature blend of R&B and pop to the Garden Stage. Featuring powerhouse vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and infectious energy, her performance showcases fan favorites, new music, and an uplifting spirit that invites audiences to sing, dance, and connect.

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Image Friday Nights at OMCA with BULULÚ August 28 from 5:00 pm 9:00 pm

Friday Night at OMCA comes alive with the vibrant sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean as BULULÚ takes the Garden Stage for an electrifying live performance. Led by Venezuelan-born percussionist, composer, and vocalist Lali Mejia, the ensemble blends salsa, cumbia, merengue, calypso, joropo, and other traditions into a joyful celebration of music, culture, and community that invites guests to dance the night away.

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Image Friday Nights at OMCA with PHER September 4 from 5:00 pm 9:00 pm

This Friday Night at OMCA, Oakland-born vocalist and songwriter PHER brings his soulful sound to the Garden Stage with a powerful live performance. Blending contemporary R&B, jazz, and soul with heartfelt storytelling, the three-time Grammy-winning collaborator delivers an uplifting set of original music, reimagined classics, and joyful grooves that invite audiences to sing, reflect, and celebrate together.

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Galleries & Garden

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Gallery of California Art
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Gallery of California History
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Gallery of California Natural Sciences
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Garden

Spotlight on OMCA

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2024 CAMMY AWARD WINNER LORI FOGARTY

The annual CAMMY Award recognizes extraordinary museum supporters, professionals, and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to California museums. OMCA is elated to announce that this year, CAM has recognized one of our very own, Executive Director and CEO, Lori Fogarty! This award highlights her dedicated leadership throughout her extensive career, including within her role of nearly two decades at OMCA, an institution that centers community engagement, field innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Congratulations, Lori!

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WINNER OF THE 2022 NATIONAL MEDAL FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICE

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded OMCA one of only six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries making significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

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heart of Oakland.