New Health and Safety Precautions
Updated 8.25.21
Starting 8.28: In an attempt to protect staff and visitors against the spread of COVID-19 and variants, all attendees to the Norma Kershaw Auditorium will be required to wear masks until further notice, regardless of their vaccination status. Free masks will be available at the entrance to the auditorium for anyone in need. See below for acceptable mask exemptions.
Updated 8.19.21
Vaccinated visitors and staff are no longer required to wear masks while visiting the Bowers Museum. All unvaccinated visitors are required to wear masks. Visitors may now enter through the North and South Entrances. Plexi remains in place between visitors and admissions staff at high traffic areas. Tickets may be purchased onsite or online. Water fountains remain closed and social distancing is encouraged.
All group tours of 15 or more are required to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Complimentary masks will be provided through the admissions desk for any visitors who might need them.
Exemptions to masks requirements:
In alignment with the OC Health Department, the following individuals are exempt from wearing masks:
- Persons younger than two years old. Very young children must not wear a mask because of the risk of suffocation.
- Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
- Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Bowers Memberships Extended Due to Closure
Updated 6.11.20
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
Virtual Public Tours
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, 2 - 3 pm
Registration is now open for virtual public tours, geared for all ages. Checkout the Program Calendar for upcoming dates and reserve your virtual spot today!
$5 Members, $10 General. Ticketholders will receive a private link to view the online presentation prior to the tour.
Virtual Private Group and School Tours are also now available. Click here for more information.
Note: Onsite Tours are temporarily suspended due to health and safety concerns.
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.