Art and Culture in Oakland

Diverse Oakland is the creative arts hub of the West Coast, representing cultures from all around the globe. If you love to express yourself, you've come to the right place!

With over 50 art galleries to explore, Oakland is an art lover's paradise. Whether you enjoy historic fine art or conceptual contemporary pieces, there's plenty to take in, including some fantastic galleries championing artists from under-represented communities. Talk about inspirational.

The industrial arts scene is huge in Oakland, celebrating creators from varied disciplines like glassblowing and blacksmithing. Visit a buzzing studio to see the magic happen or pick up a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.

You don't even need to visit a gallery or studio to experience Oakland's vibrant art. The city is home to over a thousand street murals, bringing colour and emotion to every walk you take.

Dive into this vibrant scene with our top art picks:

Art Galleries

  • Visit the Joyce Gordon Gallery in the Bay Area for accessible fine arts from a diverse community.
  • Oakland Museum of California has a huge collection of over 70,000 works of Californian art, spanning from the 1800s right up to the present day.
  • The Betti Ono Gallery is a lively arts space and gallery that presents an ever-changing celebration of bold works from under-represented artists.

Industrial Arts

  • Catch the latest exhibitions at Warehouse416 - a funky downtown warehouse gallery showcasing the work of local artists.
  • The Crucible is one of the top industrial arts facilities in the US. Head along to see makers at work and learn more about this fascinating scene.
  • Check out the NIMBY DIY space - a hive of activity where artists and craftspeople are busy working on their crazy creations, including for the next Burning Man Festival.

Street Art

  • Take a walk to see the Alice Street Mural, one of the best-loved in the city. It was created by the local community and is a colourful whirlwind of multicultural art.
  • Chinatown is home to some fantastic street art, all with a dramatic Asian vibe. Stroll along 7th Street to see its spectacular dragon graffiti.
  • Graffiti Camp for Girls develops the talents of Oakland's young women, helping them create some amazing public art. You'll find their work all over the waterfront Bay Area.