Charles W Bowers Museum Corporation

Bowers Museum's mission is to "enrich lives through the world's finest arts and cultures."

To fulfill its mission, Bowers Museum offers a wide array of programs and experiences, including permanent and traveling exhibitions, lectures, art classes, travel opportunities, children’s art education, docent-led interactive tours, live performances, hands-on workshops for all ages, adult learning programs, and a variety of community-focused initiatives.

Bowers’ state-of-the-art exhibition and collection storage facilities allow the museum to present major exhibitions and safeguard cultural treasures for future generations. The museum’s permanent collection includes approximately 100,000 objects. Eight permanent galleries, developed in alignment with California Department of Education Curriculum Framework Standards, showcase key strengths in areas such as pre-Columbian America; African and Oceanic art—especially from Papua New Guinea; and California Plein-Air paintings.

Bowers has partnered with world-renowned institutions such as the British Museum, the Palace Museum, the Potala Palace, and the Israeli Antiquities Authority to bring rare and significant exhibitions to Southern California. A decade ago, Bowers became the first U.S. museum to present the blockbuster Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition—and remains the only museum to have hosted it twice. In May 2025, Bowers will present the exhibition for a historic third time.

Bowers Museum provides exceptional educational and cultural experiences for students and adults alike. In addition to gallery-based learning, the museum is committed to supporting local youth, particularly those from the surrounding Title I school district, by providing safe, engaging spaces and consistent access to transformative art and cultural programming.

Each year, Bowers welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors—92% of whom come from Southern California.

Bowers Museum is much more than a world-class museum. For generations, it has stood as an iconic center for art and culture in the heart of Orange County. Founded in 1936 by the City of Santa Ana through a bequest from Charles and Ada Bowers, it is now the largest museum in Orange County and one of the finest in California.

Bowers Museum has expanded twice—in 1994 and again in 2007—and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction held by only 3% of museums nationwide. It has been voted Orange County’s best museum for 31 consecutive years by readers of the Orange County Register (2024).

In recent years, Bowers has partnered with renowned institutions such as the British Museum, the Palace Museum, the Potala Palace, and the Israeli Antiquities Authority to bring rare and important exhibitions to Southern California. A decade ago, Bowers became the first museum in the United States to present the blockbuster Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition—and remains the only museum to have hosted it twice. In May 2025, Bowers will make history again by presenting the exhibition for a third time, on view through October 2025.

Past exhibitions have included Empress Dowager Cixi, on loan from Beijing’s Summer Palace; Virgin Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico, from the Museum of the Basilica; Endurance: The Antarctic Legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton, in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society in London; and Guo Pei: Couture Beyond, which showcased 40 breathtaking gowns from the famed haute couture designer’s most dramatic runway shows.

In addition to its rotating exhibitions, Bowers Museum offers eight permanent exhibitions developed in alignment with California Department of Education Curriculum Framework Standards. These galleries highlight African, South Pacific, Asian, pre-Columbian, and California plein-air art, making Bowers a vital educational and cultural resource for visitors of all ages.

Bowers Museum is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Its exhibitions, programs, and daily operations are made possible through the generous support of members and contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Significant funding is also provided by an annual grant from the City of Santa Ana.

Each year, Bowers Museum serves thousands of visitors, students, and seniors through a wide range of high-quality, engaging educational programs, world-class exhibitions, special events, films, and lectures.

You can support Bowers by giving to our annual fund, becoming a member or Bowers Fellow, underwriting an upcoming exhibition through your foundation, company, or personal gift, contributing to general operations, or directing a donation to one of our many educational initiatives for students or seniors.

Visit bowers.org/support to learn more and find the opportunity that best aligns with your giving goals.