The de Saisset Museum

Visited the De Saisset Museum this past weekend, which can be found in the middle of campus at SCU. The main level included photography showcasing Muwekma Ohlone tribal members, youth dancers, and noteworthy figures, celebrating historic traditions, as well as a screen room which also featured photos and informative descriptions of interesting monuments in the bay area that I've never paid much attention to while passing in the streets and parks (ie. the Eagle, Coyote, and Hummingbird bronze sculptures at Park Ave Bridge in SJ, central to the creation story of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe). The lower level exhibition details the life and history of the Ohlone tribes in Thámien (what we now know as Santa Clara County), great setups and displays for viewers to explore and learn about village customs and the use of resources along the water, as well as religious and cultural artifacts associated with Mission Santa Clara and an interactive exhibit honoring the native people (life, death, emancipation, etc.). Of course, the history and founding of Santa Clara College (now SCU) is also recognized, being the first "institution of higher learning" in California, items like Santa Clara College paper money displayed as part of the permanent collection in this museum. With a lot to compare it to, this wouldn't exactly be at the top of my list for art/history museums (especially with several galleries closed for installation), but it still had plenty to offer, and doesn't cost a thing to visit, plus parking was free and easy on a Sunday, so I'm giving 5 stars.

The de Saisset Museum, nestled on the SCU campus, is a hidden gem that beckons with its rich history and enchanting exhibits. What struck me most upon my visit was the wealth of knowledge it holds, from its deep reverence for Native American culture to its captivating portrayal of the university's evolution through various stages.Exploring the museum, one is transported through time, witnessing how everyday objects have evolved and influenced our collective humanity. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit, particularly for families with children in K-12, as there is an abundance of learning and discovery awaiting them within the museum's walls.It's a truly enriching experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. To top it off, admission to the museum is free.

This is a museum that features art by staff and students. The admission is free. Unfortunately, they made me leave my purse in a cubby. I wish I had known ahead of time about this so I would not have taken it. I could not really take my time enjoying the exhibits whilst worried that my purse would be stolen. Upstairs are two galleries featuring paintings and photographs. Downstairs is a nice group of historical exhibits.

Small but super fun. It's free so it's hard to beat that. Beautiful campus and friendly staff.

I was born in the Bay Area and didn't even know this museum existed. Here's to hoping my review helps to bring more traction to this museum. I discovered this hidden gem on one of my many walks through Santa Clara University on my way to the Santa Clara Mission. They are open limited hours, but it wasn't packed at all when I went. They had a few Andy Warhol collections. It was so peaceful when I went because I had the space to myself and just had my earbuds in listening to relaxing music as I slowly made my way through each piece. It's a small museum, but it's FREE and it's very calming because it's not crowded like other museums. If you go during the right time, you can have the space to yourself and just immerse yourself in some of the unique pieces.

Recommended for those who wants to know more about history of Bay Area and Santa Clara valley. You will find an exhibition that examines ways in which traditions and practices are passed down or change over time through the specific lens of Contemporary Native experience. Artists include Dugan Aguilar, Sarah Biscarra Dilley, Katie Dorame, Mercedes Dorame, Catherine Herrera, Fritz Scholder, Sarah Sense, Jean LaMarr, Frank LaPena, and Linda Yamane.Suggestion for the owners: improve the illumination so the exhibits will be more visible.

It's not often you find a family funded Museum of Art and History. This campus is amazing so you'll enjoy your walk up to this great Museum. This place does and amazing job of capturing this incredible history of Santa Clara and California. You'll be better off then you were before entering this place and can show off some fun facts with friends and family as well.

Very nice small museum inside Santa Clara university run by volunteers at the desk (super friendly, nice, welcoming, you girls made a good impression!) and interesting proposals and exhibits. I liked a lot the current exhibit Keep, Care and Collect On (where you can see some unknown to be Warhol art) and the fantastic zen looking metal sculptures outside at the garden and inside. In the permanent collection you will find lots of photos and other artifacts of the California good old days and how this Silicon Valley was the agriculture haven for so many. Everything is peaceful, clean and well maintained. Important to remember that is free and perfect to visit on a Saturday morning after a nice walk in campus.

This is a small museum inside Santa Clara University that is free. Some folks spent a lot of money and effort to make this available to the public, so I can't give it anything other than a 5 star.They have some exhibits showing the history of the mission next door which was the most interesting to me. They also had some exhibits showcasing the work of Fletcher Benton who is a local sculptor.

An oasis in the midst of madness. A lovely, free, museum right smack at the entrance to the University of Santa Clara. We walked in during an all day conference and were swept away.There was a terrific retrospective of sports on display that was phenomenal!A diverse and eclectic collection.We loved it.If you are near by, pop in - impressive and cool campus.