New Health and Safety Precautions
Updated 3/27
The Bowers Museum is now open at 50% capacity in accordance with Orange County's recent tier change. Advanced ticket purchase is still strongly advised.
Updated 3/16
The Bowers Museum is excited to announce its grand reopening on Wednesday, March 17.
In accordance with the guidelines, the Bowers will reopen the galleries at 25% reduced capacity, and continue to hold select outdoor micro events, including outdoor public programs and rentals, in addition to a robust calendar of virtual programs.
Please note the following health and safety precautions that must be adhered to during any onsite experience:
Face Coverings
Face coverings will be required for all staff and visitors.
Social Distancing
6 feet social distancing will be maintained throughout the building and outdoor property. Floor decals will act as reminders in high traffic and transaction areas.
Hand Sanitizing
Additional hand sanitizing stations have been added throughout the building.
Increased Cleaning
Increased cleaning in frequency and scope throughout the building, with special attention paid to “high touch” areas.
Helpful Signs
Additional signs reminding of health policies and best practices will be stationed throughout the building.
Closed Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains will be closed to decrease risk of infection.
Temperature checks
Temperature checks will be taken for both staff and visitors upon arrival. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or above will not be permitted onsite and are advised to immediately seek medical attention.
In addition to these safety measures, additional precautions include:
- Daily temperature testing for all staff and visitors as they enter the building
- Suspension of wheelchair rentals
- Removal of benches to avoid congregating
- Plexi coverings at all transaction areas
- Capacity limits for the building, the Gallery Store, Tangata Restaurant and onsite events.
- Suspension of handouts
- Removal of high touch and interactive gallery elements
Note: per the CDC’s recommendation, face shields must 1) wrap around the sides of the face and 2) extend below the chin 3) cover both the nose and mouth. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
All visitors will be asked to enter through a single entrance located off Main Street to maintain traffic control and a reduced capacity.
Bowers Memberships Extended Due to Closure
Updated 06.11.2020
The Bowers Museum greatly values our Members, whose generosity has made so many thrilling world-class exhibitions and programs possible through the years.
Honoring our friendship, the Museum is happy to announce all current memberships will be extended equal to the length of our closure. This change will be automatically applied, no additional steps necessary. This also applies to all new memberships purchased during the closure.
Thank you for your continued support. In these trying times, the entire Bowers family is coming together in new ways that we know will inspire deeper connections in our community for years to come.
For those interested in becoming a member today, or in offering additional support to the Bowers during the closure, your overwhelming generosity is much appreciated. Please use the link below to join now or contact our team working from home at membership@bowers.org.
Wishing everyone good health and continued safety,
The Bowers Family
Bowers Offers Digital Exhibition Access, Virtual Learning, and Community Resources
In response to a growing need for online engagement and resources, the Bowers is excited to expand its connection to our community and follow us on social media @bowersmuseum for the latest!
Visitor Resources
Below are some helpful guidelines to help you plan your visit. If you have a question or special need, feel free to visit the Information Desk in the lobby, or simply ask a staff member or security officer.
Bags
Backpacks, oversized purses, briefcases, and luggage are not permitted in the galleries at any time. The Bowers Museum reserves the right to inspect purses, briefcases and packages as employees and visitors enter and leave the premises.
Cameras
Still photography is permitted at the Bowers for private, noncommercial use. Photographs may not be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or used commercially in any manner.
The use of flash photography and/or tripods is prohibited at all times.
For inquiries related to press or commercial filming/ photography opportunities at the Bowers, please visit our Online Pressroom.
Gallery Behavior
Touching any of the artwork in the galleries is strictly prohibited. Many are very fragile, and even the stroke of a gentle finger can leave a residue of damaging oil on an object. For your protection and safety, no climbing is allowed on outdoor sculptures.
Food and Drink
Food and Drink are not allowed in the Museum's galleries or Kershaw Auditorium. Food and drink are available for purchase at Tangata, our beautiful restaurant in the Margaret Key Courtyard.
Re-Entry
You may not re-enter a Specially Ticketed Exhibition.
You may exit the Museum and our permanent collections and return later in the day if you would like. Tickets are valid from the printed entrance time through the end of operating hours on the day of your visit. Just remember: please retain your admission sticker and ticket stub to present upon re-entry
Restrooms and Drinking Fountains
Restrooms are located on the main floor in Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing in the Anthony W. and Sharon D. Thompson Foyer and off the John M. Lee Court in the Dr. Wan-Lin & Assumpta Kiang Family Foundation Rotunda. Restrooms in the Historic Wing are located off the Main Foyer. All of these restrooms locations are wheelchair-accessible. Drinking fountains are located near the restrooms in the Dorothy and Donald Kennedy Wing.
Sketching
Sketching is permitted in the Bowers' permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. You may write down notes or sketch in the galleries, but only using dry media, such as No. 2 pencils. Please refrain from leaning against walls or glass cases while sketching.
Strollers
Baby strollers are permitted at all times in the permanent collection galleries. However, the use of strollers may be restricted in special exhibition galleries due to certain loan restrictions and high visitor volume in these areas.
Photography/Video Policy
As a visitor to the museum, you hereby grant to Bowers Museum the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs or video of you for Bowers Museum publications, electronic reproductions (websites, social media) and/or promotional materials or any other purpose and in any manner or medium. In addition, you grant permission to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same.
You further acknowledge that by entering the property of the Bowers Museum that your participation is voluntary and you will not receive financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of photographs and or videos or participation in company marketing materials or other publications. You acknowledge and agree that publication of said photos and or videos confers no rights of ownership or royalties whatsoever.
You hereby release Bowers Museum, its contractors, its employees, and any third parties involved in the creation or publication of marketing materials, from liability for any claims by you or any third party in connection with your participation.
Weapons
The use or possession of any type of weapon or explosives is strictly prohibited.
Animals
Animals are not permitted at the Bowers. The only exception is for service animals on a leash and under their masters’ control as authorized by applicable law.
For additional information call 714.567.3600
Public Tours are offered daily and are free with General Admission. The schedule is subject to change. Please check-in at the admissions desk upon arrival for the most current information.
Tue-Fri
1 pm Best of Bowers Public Tour
2 pm Public Gallery Tour
Sat
11 am Public Gallery tour
1 pm Best of Bowers Public Tour
2 pm Public Gallery Tour
Sun
11:30 am Public Gallery Tour
*1 pm Best of Bowers Public Tour
2:30 pm Public Gallery Tour
* Note: There will be no 1 pm Best of Bowers Tours on the first Sunday of the month (Festival Days)
All areas of the Bowers Museum are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs may be requested at the time of your visit from the security officer at the Museum's entrance. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are complimentary.
Complimentary admission will be given to caregivers who are accompanying a visitor with accessibility needs.
Tangata Restaurant (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features modern decor enclosed by glass walls, a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams, and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's Mission-style courtyard, the restaurant dedicates half of its seating to alfresco dining on two large patio areas. The patios and courtyard are perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions.
Tangata is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday, with a diverse menu of Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine. In addition to an array of appetizers and main courses, Tangata Restaurant offers a tantilizing selection of desserts and a sophisticated drink menu.
Families are welcome at the Bowers Museum and encouraged to take advantage of our free admission for children under 12 years old.
Bowers Family Scavenger Hunt offers a fun, interactive way for children to explore the galleries while learning. Pick up a copy at the admissions desk and collect a prize once completed!
Enjoy a special kids' menu at Tangata Restaurant upon request, limited to availability.
Changing tables are available in each restroom in our oversized stalls, indicated by a changing table decal on the door.
Baby strollers are permitted at all times in the permanent collection galleries. However, the use of strollers may be restricted in special exhibition galleries due to certain loan restrictions and high visitor volume in these areas.