Japanese Prints in Transition

Japanese print culture, which had flourished with color woodcuts (so-called ukiyo-e or “floating world” images), changed course in the Meiji era (1868–1912) as societal changes provided a wealth of new subjects for artists to capture.

Artistic California

Art made in California forms a core component of the Museums’ collection and demonstrates the institution’s history of supporting the region’s artists.

Botticelli Drawings

The first exhibition dedicated to the drawings of Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli explores the foundational role drawing played in his work, revealing the artist’s quest for ideal beauty and command of the line.

Chiura Obata

One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most influential and respected artists, Obata found inspiration throughout his life in what he termed “Great Nature.”

Wayne Thiebaud

Northern California’s beloved artist is known for his colorful works depicting everyday objects as well as cityscapes, landscapes and figure paintings.

Women Artists

Previously overlooked artists, past and present, are now gaining recognition and significance as presented with these important collection highlights.

Chiura Obata

Evening Glow of Mono Lake, 1930

Wayne Thiebaud

Three Machines, 1963

Claude Monet

Water Lilies, ca. 1914-1917

Beth van Hoesen

Matilija Poppy, 1976

Frank Stella

Lettre sur les aveugles II, 1974

Purvis Young

Angels and Their Horses, 1985

Robert Bechtle

Four Palm Trees, 1969

Richard Diebenkorn

Seawall, 1957

Bernice Bing

Mayacamas No. 6, March 12, 1963, 1963