The Foster Museum

I visited The Foster Museum with my 4-year-old daughter today for Storytime with Anna. It was a fantastic event for kids 2-8. It was more than just storytime; the staff set up a couple art crafts and an imaginative play area for before the storytime, and the scavenger hunt was a big hit for after storytime. The art crafts are also available after, and you can peruse the galleries after.We learned a little about Tony Foster and his art Journeys. I really wanted to give the galleries good time and attention, but my daughter couldn't take herself away from the fun crafts.I will definitely come back for an adult visit to appreciate the art, and very likely we'll come back for another storytime. Major props to Anna! She was a great coordinator, engaging for the kids, and very prepared for running the event. The other museum staff at the desk were kind and helpful, and I expect they also help make storytime such a success.

The Foster Art Museum is an absolute MUST VISIT for nature and plein air painting enthusiasts like myself. With its free admission and wonderful events, it's a true gift to the Bay Area art community. What sets this museum apart is the captivating narrative that unfolds as you wander through Tony Foster's exquisite works. Each painting transports you on a journey, with the Foster's accompanying notes providing insight into his adventures and travels. It's as if you're right there beside him, experiencing the world through his eyes.Foster's dedication to art and the environment is truly inspiring. His ability to capture the beauty of nature with his watercolors and nature journaling is unparalleled. The museum's curation allows you to follow his artistic evolution as he explored various landscapes and cultures across the globe. It's a testament to the power of art to connect us with the natural world and foster a deeper appreciation for its wonders. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or a newcomer, the Foster Art Museum promises a delightful and immersive experience. It's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with the great outdoors.

Probably my favorite art museum experience ever. That had to do with the fact that I fell in love with Tony Foster's paintings. And not just paintings but his "journeys." Being a nature-lover, I was so drawn to his work. Not only is he an artist but an explorer and an adventurer. I loved the diary entries and artifacts attached as they truly connected me to Foster--to his pieces and his adventures. It also helped that I have been to many of the places that Foster painted. I also loved the tables throughout the gallery for kids to sit down and draw and let them make a connection themselves.I will be back by myself and do the self-guided audio tour. It's a very special place and you can thank me later.

This was a top-5 art museum experience for my wife and me, rivaling the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam in a more intimate fashion. We took the free audio tour, which provided a roughly two-hour narration through multiple of Tony Foster's "Journeys". Although his work can be admired online, it is something else to appreciate the scale of these plein air pieces in person. We highly recommend anyone with an appreciation of landscapes or watercolor paintings to visit!

My teenage niece and I enjoyed this free museum exhibiting landscape water color paintings by Tony Foster. The orientation was worthwhile and I wish we'd had more time. We allowed 90 minutes and had to rush through the last few paintings. I will go back again and try the audio tour next time. Street parking was plentiful and it was easy to make a reservation on line.

I was incredibly surprised that my 6 year old declared our visit to the Foster Museum as his favorite mommy date. To put this into perspective, we went to the California Museum of Science last weekend where he watched his first IMAX film (he gets about an hour of screen time per month) followed by a bite at the Japanese Tea Garden. Prior to that, we rode all the rollercoasters he was tall enough for at Great America.Back on track. We visited on a weekday. Parking was plentiful and easy. There are parallel street parking in the front and additional spaces in the back. Appointments are required but admission is free. The docent was welcoming and personable. She provided just enough information to arouse curiosity in my child. From seeing Foster's water cup with handles intentionally broken off, paint, brushes to broken bits of erasers--his journey felt tangible. I opted in to the scavenger hunt at the gallery when I made our appointment without great expectations. When the docent handed him the list of items, he sprung into action, uncharacteristically motivated. Lol.We spent about 1.5 hours meandering through the gallery, stopping at various activity stations. I haven't fully grasped my child's takeaways from the visit but Foster's work prompted discussion about preservation and fed our wanderlust. Viewing his work also provided lessons in painting and ideas for journaling. We plan on visiting again with the rest of the family that missed out today.

I LOVE this place because it is quite different from a typical art museum. Visitors need to make reservation online but it is free. Really appreciate how they tried to keep the place as quiet as they could; the guy who worked there is so so friendly and fun to talk to! As a fan of watercolor art, I was totally mesmerized by the artwork. It feels like Foster is taking us on a journey to beautiful places around the world through the paintings. I also love how the artist collected mementos (ie rocks, leaves...) anywhere they went to. It is such a nice touch to the travel story. Overall we had a great experience, I've recommended many friends to visit this museum and all of them really enjoyed it!!

The artist has a childhood heart even he is an elder guy, he collected a lot of small stuff while paiting each work, like stones, leaves in different colors, natural raw gold gains, water from streams, map marked the location where the painting was done.I like his job, with watercolor it is not easy to present very strong or blight colors neither describing the details, but he is able to do both well. Focused on landscope scenes, including Grand Canyon, England, Bering Straint...

A gem of a museum....you'll be surprised by the charming and incredibly beautiful artwork. I don't want to say more because you need to discover it on your own. The audio guide is wonderful also...just go!

Fantastic museum. The art is beautiful but you experience way more than the art. It's a journey. Highly recommended.