Located in Santa Ana, this museum includes a permanent collection of antiquities and rotating exhibition areas focused on themes such as portrait photography, Asian comics, high fashion, or fantasy. There are also significant outdoor areas including a sculpture garden with fountains, and a courtyard with space for hosted events such as chocolate tastings. An on-site restaurant, Tangata, is open for lunch.
The Bowers Museum is polarizing in the sense that its rotating exhibits frequently are focused on themes that either stoke passions or instantly extinguish them – a truly great approach, rather than constantly appealing to a lowest common denominator. Regardless, their execution is frequently very impressive, as are the individual elements procured for display. It’s worth visiting at least once to peruse the permanent collection, including a unique carved minerals display and Asian antiquities.
