If you're looking for arts and cultural activities in Northern California you can find a many options in Santa Clara. There are 30 museums in Santa Clara showcasing fine art, sculpture, elaborate displays, the city's railroad history, and local history. The Intel Museum focuses on the region's technology-based history, while the Santa Clara Historic Museum highlights the area's history in the days of Spanish missions and agriculture. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society pays homage the region's railroad heritage. For pre-mission artifacts including a diverse collection of American, European, African and Oriental art, visit the De Saisset Museum (at Santa Clara University).

Santa Clara's Art Museums

The Triton Museum of Art is the best known art museum in Santa Clara. This museum presents creative and innovative exhibits throughout the year. Art displayed includes works by Mirang Wonne and Lou Bermingham. Exhibits include special artist discussions where the artists who display their work and answer questions from the general public. Annual events sponsored by the museum include the Mid-summer Art Fair. The special event usually takes place in June and is free to the public. The museum also promotes education efforts for adults and kids with an art studio especially designed for kids and one specifically for adults. An additional studio for aspiring teen artists offers an area for teens to explore their creativity. For additional information, please contact the museum at (408) 247-3754.

Santa Clara Art Galleries

If you are looking to take some local art from the Santa Clara area home, you'll find many great artists' work at art galleries. These are Sonya Paz Fine Art, Art & Framing Resources, Somerset Auctions, Martin Lawrence Galleries, Surface Art EMS, Pacific Art League, Bryant Street Gallery, Z Gallerie, Gallery 9 and Tercera Gallery. You can also see artists at work and learn more about the unique styles of work at some of the galleries. Many art galleries located in Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Gilroy and Cupertino offer services including artist studio visits, art education, curatorial advice and literature consultation.