Peninsula Museum of Art

Neat little space to tour art with free parking and admission.
Gift shop a bit lame.
There is a little artist studio but I did not venture to that part of the area.

The Peninsula Museum of Art provides you with a wonderful opportunity to see the work of local artists.
I especially recommend visiting during Open Studios, when you can see the resident artists’ work… and perhaps chat with them. You’ll find quite a variety of work, from delicate «wearables» to large sculpture, abstract photography to naturalistic watercolors, in styles from quirky and funky to highly realistic.
Of all the studios, my absolute favorite is Wayne Wichern, the milliner. I adore his cloches and berets. just gotta save up :)
The museum itself has interesting rotating exhibits, which are worth visiting when you’re there. Last time I went, they had 3D printing-​as-​art on display.
Don’t miss the gift shop! Cute unique gifts in there too.

Peninsula Museum of Art is a fab collection of very small private exhibits (like 2 rooms), a museum shop & a diverse hosting of artists whose workshops are located in this same building… and touring the place is FREE! The day we visited, there was a private collector who had graciously lent the museum some wonderful pieces including a David Hockney… who was *just* featured at the De Young, I’ll have you know
Everything from sculpture to photography to painting to millinery — you’ll find it being designed, inspired & crafted here. Best part is that most — if not all — of the artists’ work studios are open to the public & there are opportunities to purchase finished pieces, commission new pieces, schedule classes to make it yourself, etc…
Some studios require appointments but you can peek in the doors & gain an awesome sense if you’d like to contact said artist for just such an appointment & contact info is handily located right outside each studio
Classes are conducted on premises (as a hat-​crafting class was going on the day we were there) so you can find your creative inner self & be wowed in the process
Huge fan!

What a super cool addition to the Peninsula!
The Peninsula Museum of Art’s exhibition on «The Art of Science Fiction» drew me in, but there was much more there to capture my attention! Not only is it a museum with a couple different gallery exhibitions, it’s also an active working studio environment where artists are actually creating art… what a novel idea! Sadly on the day I went, Sunday, there weren’t many studios open, but a few have windows where you can peer in and get a glimpse at the style/​medium in which they create. From sculpture to hats to traditional painting, I was impressed with the variety.
The Sci-​Fi exhibit had a good mix of different artwork styles from 3D renderings to concept art. Lots of movies and television featured and the whole wall devoted to Star Trek made this Trekkie’s heart sing! Highlights for me where the storyboard sequences from «Star Trek: First Contact» and even more surprisingly «Spaceballs: The Movie!»
In addition, there was a gallery showing by Neil Murphy. He was actually there, which was a real treat, since we got to talk to him about his art and his creative process!
What I most enjoyed about the PMOA is that it’s actually a living breathing space in which art is created and displayed. It reminds me a lot of the Torpedo Factory in downtown Alexandria, Virginia. And it’s all right there for the public to enjoy… free of charge! Yes, it’s free. How awesome is that.
I can’t wait to go back when more of the studios are open and get a closer look at these artisans and their craft. The POMA is a wonderfully accessible experience on the Peninsula that shouldn’t be missed. A great way to spend an hour or more!

Peninsula art lovers have a promising new museum in their own backyard: the Peninsula Museum of Art in Burlingame, open as of 3÷15÷13, and housed in a fresh, modern building on California Drive. My wife and I visited on a recent Saturday, and although the museum is small compared to large city museums, the experience was delightfully personal, as Diane from the museum staff escorted us throughout the rooms explaining the exhibits and the highlights.
The facility is a unique blend of the museum exhibits as well as studios for working local artists, dozens of which can be found here. Wandering around, we found one artist conducting a hat making class, and another invited us into her studio to see some of her work. This is not an experience you’re likely to find at the large, impressive, but impersonal urban museums.
One of the museum’s goals is to highlight the work of local artists, such as the works of well known artist and local art teacher Joe Price.
Peninsula art lovers owe the Peninsula Museum of Art a visit.