Arts Listings
Museums-East Bay Through September 26
AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND LIBRARY AT OAKLAND -- The
Oakland Public Library's museum is designed to discover, preserve, interpret
and share the cultural and historical experiences of African Americans in
California and the West. In addition, a three-panel mural is on permanent
display.
Free. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. 659 14th St., Oakland.
(510) 637-0200, www.oaklandlibrary.org.<
ALAMEDA MUSEUM -- The museum offers permanent displays of
Alameda history, the only rotating gallery showcasing local Alameda artists
and student artwork, as well as souvenirs, books and videos about the rich
history of the Island City.
Free. Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4
p.m. 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-1233, www.alamedamuseum.org.<
BADE MUSEUM AT THE PACIFIC SCHOOL OF RELIGION -- The museum's
collections include the Tell en-Nasbeh Collection, consisting of artifacts
excavated from Tell en-Nasbeh in Palestine in 1926 and 1935 by William Badh,
and the Howell Bible Collection, featuring approximately 300 rare books
(primarily Bibles) dating from the 15th through the 18th centuries.
"Tell en-Nasbeh," This exhibit is the "heart and soul"
of the Bade Museum. It displays a wealth of finds from the excavations at
Tell en-Nasbeh, Palestine whose objects span from the Early Bronze Age
(3100-2200 BC) through the Iron Age (1200-586 BC) and into the Roman and
Hellenistic periods. Highlights of the exhibit include "Tools of the Trade"
featuring real archaeological tools used by Badh and his team, an oil lamp
typology, a Second Temple period (586 BC-70 AD) limestone ossuary, and a
selection of painted Greek pottery.
"William Frederic Bade: Theologian, Naturalist, and
Archaeologist," This exhibit highlights one of PSR's premier
educators and innovative scholars. The collection of material on display was
chosen with the hopes of representing the truly dynamic and multifaceted
character of William F. Badh. He was a family man, a dedicated teacher, a
loving friend, and an innovative and passionate archaeologist.
Free. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Holbrook Hall, Pacific
School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-0528,
http://bade.psr.edu/bade.<
BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE --
"Thom Faulders: BAMscape," through Nov. 30. This commissioned
work, a hybrid of sculpture, furniture, and stage, is the new centerpiece of
Gallery B, BAM's expansive central atrium. It is part of a new vision of the
gallery as a space for interaction, performance, and improvised experiences.
"Himalayan Pilgrimage," through Dec. 19. Exhibition features
sculpture and painting dating from the ninth to the eighteenth centuries and
drawn from a private collection on long-term loan to the Berkeley Art Museum
and Pacific Film Archive.
"Hauntology," through Dec. 5. Drawn primarily from the museum's
recent acquisitions of contemporary art, this exhibition explores a wide
range of art through the lens of the concept of "hauntology,'' a term coined
by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida in 1993 to refer to the study of
social, psychological, and cultural conditions in the post-Communist period.
2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. <
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM --
AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of
internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars
are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to
admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is
a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the
Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which
is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing
exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.
"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving
photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes
of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a
wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.
ONGOING EVENT --
Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided
tours of the museum's exhibitions.
$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10
a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925)
736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.<
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY --
HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- A series of walking tours that
explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour
guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a
different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine
so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place
will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.
678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848,
www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.<
CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER -- State-of-the-art facility
unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive
exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing
and films.
"Beyond Blastoff: Surviving in Space," An interactive
exhibit that allows you to immerse yourself into the life of an astronaut to
experience the mixture of exhilaration, adventure and confinement that is
living and working in space.
"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," Explore the
history of the Chabot observatories and how its historic telescopes are used
today. Daytime visitors can virtually operate a telescope, experiment with
mirrors and lenses to understand how telescopes create images of distant
objects and travel through more than a century of Chabot's history via
multimedia kiosks, historical images and artifact displays.
EVENTS --
"Galaxy Explorers Hands-On Fun," Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
The Galaxy Explorers lead a variety of fun, hands-on activities, such as
examining real spacesuits, creating galaxy flipbooks, learning about
telescopes, minerals and skulls and making your own comet. Free with general
admission.
"Live Daytime Planetarium Show," Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
Ride through real-time constellations, stars and planets with Chabot's
full-dome digital projection system.
"Daytime Telescope Viewing," Saturday and Sunday, 11
a.m.-5 p.m. View the sun, the moon and the planets through the telescopes
during the day. Free with general admission.
Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children
under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. Telescope viewing only: free.
Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday,
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000
Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.<
HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM -- A museum especially for children ages
7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual
water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a
child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior
thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station
and a water table, designed to teach about water.
"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience
of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.
"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which
includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond
and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food,
gardening and agriculture.
"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide
with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair
here.
"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give
children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net
covered openings and giant optic lenses.
"Architects at Play," This hands-on, construction-based
miniexhibit provides children with the opportunity to create free-form
structures, from skyscrapers to bridges, using KEVA planks.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS --
$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St.,
Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.<
HALL OF HEALTH -- A community health-education museum and
science center promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health.
There are hands-on exhibits that teach about the workings of the human body,
the value of a healthy diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of
smoking and drug abuse. "Kids on the Block'' puppet shows, which use puppets
from diverse cultures to teach about and promote acceptance of conditions
such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, leukemia, blindness, arthritis and
spina bifida, are available by request for community events and groups
visiting the Hall on Saturdays.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"This Is Your Heart!" An interactive exhibit on heart
health.
"Good Nutrition," This exhibit includes models for
making balanced meals and an Exercycle for calculating how calories are
burned.
"Draw Your Own Insides," Human-shaped chalkboards and
models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their
bodies.
"Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention," An exhibit
on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent
cancer.
Suggested $3 donation; free for children under age 3.
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510)
549-1564, www.hallofhealth.org.<
HAYWARD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM -- The museum is located in
a former post office and displays memorabilia of early Hayward and southern
Alameda County. Some of the features include a restored 1923 Seagrave fire
engine and a hand pumper from the Hayward Fire Department, founded in 1865; a
Hayward Police Department exhibit; information on city founder William
Hayward; and pictures of the old Hayward Hotel. The museum also alternates
three exhibits per year, including a Christmas Toys exhibit and a 1950s
lifestyle exhibit.
EVENTS --
50 cents-$1. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 22701 Main St.,
Hayward. (510) 581-0223, www.haywardareahistory.org.<
JUDAH L. MAGNES MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent collection
includes objects of Jewish importance including ceremonial art, film and
video, folk art and fine art, paintings, sculptures and prints by
contemporary and historical artists.
"Projections," Multimedia works from the museum's
extensive collections of archival, documentary and experimental films.
Located at 2911 Russell Street.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS --
$4-$6; free for children under age 12. Sunday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4
p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. CLOSED APRIL 3-4 AND 9-10; MAY 23-24 AND 28;
JULY 4; SEPT. 3, 13 AND 27; OCT. 4; NOV. 22; DEC. 24-25 AND 31. 2911 Russell
St., Berkeley. (510) 549-6950, www.magnes.org.<
LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE --
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small:
nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this
microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.
"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows
and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on
water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride
earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay
with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the
exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra
Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There
are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock
compression wall.
"Real Astronomy Experience," A new
exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real
astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a
remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.
"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may
hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to
4 p.m.
"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of
math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations
of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.
"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most
popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to
complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting,
comparing, weighing and counting.
"Animal Discovery Room,,' 1:30-4 p.m. Visitors of all
ages can hold and touch gentle animals, learn about their behavior and
habitats and play with self-guided activities and specimen models.
"Forces That Shape the Bay," This science park shows and
explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on
water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building.
"Ingenuity in Action," Summer 2010. Enjoy the best of
the Ingenuity Lab. Engage your creative brain and use a variety of materials
to design, build and test your own innovations.
"Kapla," Play with simple, versatile building blocks
that can be used to build very large, high and stable structures.
"KidsLab," This multisensory play area includes
larger-than-life blocks, a crawl-through kaleidoscope, the Gravity wall, a
puppet theater and a reading area.
"NanoZone," Discover the science of nanotechnology
through handson activities and games.
"Planetarium," Explore the skies in this interactive
planetarium.
"Science on a Sphere," Catch an out-of-this-world
experience with an animated globe. See hurricanes form, tsunamis sweep across
the oceans and city lights glow around the planet.
EVENTS --
"Scream Machines -- The Science of Roller Coasters, through Jan.
2. This head-spinning, stomach-churning exhibition for thrill-seekers
features interactive exhibits, artifacts and images to explore.
$6-$12; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132,
www.lawrencehallofscience.org.<
LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM -- This is the oldest and largest wildlife
rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned
animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum
offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals
to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum
includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent
exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild
animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital
complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory
facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping
and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.
WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The
hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned
animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there
are no public viewing areas in the hospital.
EXHIBITS --
SPECIAL EVENTS --
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.<
MEYERS HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM -- The Meyers House, erected in
1897, is an example of Colonial Revival, an architectural style popular
around the turn of the century. Designed by Henry H. Meyers,the house was
built by his father, Jacob Meyers, at a cost of $4000.00.
EXHIBITS --
$3. Fourth Saturday of every month. 2021 Alameda Ave., Alameda.
(510) 521-1247, www.alamedamuseum.org/meyers.html.<
MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE VILLAGE --
A science museum with an African-American focus promoting science education
and awareness for the underrepresented. The science village chronicles the
technical achievements of people of African descent from ancient ties to
present. There are computer classes at the Internet Cafi, science education
activities and seminars. There is also a resource library with a collection
of books, periodicals and videotapes.
$4-$6. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m.;
Sunday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. 630 20th St., Oakland. (510) 893-6426,
www.ncalifblackengineers.org.<
MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART -- A museum of art for and by children,
with activities for children to participate in making their own art.
ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for
children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per
day.
CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12,
led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each
week.
"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older
with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.
"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists
age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media.
Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.
"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole
family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.
FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire
family.
"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the
artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free.
EVENTS --
"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free.
Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770,
www.mocha.org.<
MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY -- The museum features local
artifacts, pictures, flags and drawings commemorating the valley's history.
It also houses a historical narrative frieze. In addition to a permanent
exhibit on the valley's history, the museum sponsors revolving exhibits and
several guided tours. The restored railroad depot that houses the museum was
built on the San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad 108 years
ago.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS --
Free. August: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Depot, West
Prospect and Railroad avenues, Danville. (925) 837-3750, www.museumsrv.org.<
MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET -- Located in a former town hall building,
this museum is a piece of local history. It has a photo and document archive,
collection of artifacts, local history publications for purchase, and a
history library. It is supported by the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical
Society.
EXHIBITS --
$2. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.;
CLOSED DEC. 23-JAN. 8. 603 Main St., Pleasanton. (925) 462-2766,
www.museumonmain.org.<
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA --
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Art a la Carte," Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. Art docents offer a
variety of specialized tours focusing on one aspect of the museum's permanent
collection. Free with museum admission.
"Online Museum," Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the museum's
collection on videodisks in the History Department Library.
Docent Gallery Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
"Explore our New Gallery," through Dec. 2. The new Gallery of
California Art showcases more than 800 works from OMCA's collection-one of
the largest and most comprehensive holdings of California art in the world.
"Gallery of California History," through Dec. 2. This new gallery
is based on the theme of Coming to California.
OPENING -- "Pixar: 25 Years of Animation," through Jan. 9.
Exhibition presents an unprecedented look at the Emeryville-based animation
company.
$5-$8; free for children ages 5 and under; free to all on the
second Sunday of the month. Special events are free with museum admission
unless noted otherwise. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5
p.m.; first Friday of the month, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510)
238-2200, www.museumca.org.<
PARDEE HOME MUSEUM -- The historic Pardee Mansion, a
three-story Italianate villa built in 1868, was home to three generations of
the Pardee family who were instrumental in the civic and cultural development
of California and Oakland. The home includes the house, grounds, water tower
and barn. Reservations recommended. Group tours may be arranged between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Private Tours and Teas: Take a private tour followed by tea in the
Pardee family dining room (available for 4-12 persons).
Tour with light tea: $12 per person
Tour with high tea: $25 per person.
High tea without tour: $20 per person.
$5-$25; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: 10:30 a.m.
every Wednesday and second Saturday of each month; 2 p.m. the second Sunday
or each month. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.<
SAN LEANDRO HISTORY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY -- The museum
showcases local and regional history and serves as a centerpiece for
community cultural activity. There are exhibits on Ohlone settlements, farms
of early settlers, and contributions of Portuguese and other immigrants.
There will also be exhibits of the city's agricultural past and the
industrial development of the 19th century.
ONGOING EXHIBIT --
"Yema/Po Archeological Site at Lake Chabot," An exhibit
highlighting artifacts uncovered from a work camp of Chinese laborers,
featuring photomurals, cutouts and historical photographs.
Free. Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 320 West Estudillo Ave., San
Leandro. (510) 577-3990, www.ci.sanleandro.
ca.us/sllibrarymuseum.html.<
SHADELANDS RANCH HISTORICAL MUSEUM -- Built by Walnut Creek
pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwood-framed house is a showcase for
numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It
also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its
collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records.
EXHIBITS --
$1-$3; free-children under age 6. Wednesday and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4
p.m.; Closed in January. 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. (925)
935-7871, www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us.<
SMITH MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY,
HAYWARD -- The museum houses significant collections of archaeological and
ethnographic specimens from Africa, Asia and North America and small
collections from Central and South America. The museum offers opportunities
and materials for student research and internships in archaeology and
ethnology.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS --
Free. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meiklejohn Hall, Fourth Floor,
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward. (510) 885-3104, (510) 885-7414,
www.isis.csuhayward.edu/cesmith/acesmith.html.<
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY HEARST MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY
--
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Native California Cultures," This is an exhibit of some
500 artifacts from the museum's California collections, the largest and most
comprehensive collections in the world devoted to California Indian cultures.
The exhibit includes a section about Ishi, the famous Indian who lived and
worked with the museum, Yana tribal baskets and a 17-foot Yurok canoe carved
from a single redwood.
"Recent Acquisitions," The collection includes Yoruba
masks and carvings from Africa, early-20th-century Taiwanese hand puppets,
textiles from the Americas and 19th- and 20th-century Tibetan artifacts.
"From the Maker's Hand: Selections from the Permanent
Collection," This exhibit explores human ingenuity in the living
and historical cultures of China, Africa, Egypt, Peru, North America and the
Meditteranean.
$1-$4; free for children ages 12 and under; free to all on
Thursdays. Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. 103
Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way and College Avenue, Berkeley. (510) 643-7648,
http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu.<
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY --
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Tyrannosaurus Rex," A 20-foot-tall, 40-foot-long
replica of the fearsome dinosaur. The replica is made from casts of bones of
the most complete T. Rex skeleton yet excavated. When unearthed in Montana,
the bones were all lying in place with only a small piece of the tailbone
missing.
"Pteranodon," A suspended skeleton of a flying reptile
with a wingspan of 22 to 23 feet. The Pteranodon lived at the same time as
the dinosaurs.
"California Fossils Exhibit," An exhibit of some of the
fossils that have been excavated in California.
Free. During semester sessions, hours generally are:
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5
p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Hours vary during summer and holidays. Lobby,
1101 Valley Life Sciences Building, #4780, University of California,
Berkeley. (510) 642-1821, www.ucmp.berkeley.edu.<
USS HORNET MUSEUM -- Come aboard this World War II aircraft
carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched
in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was
never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of
enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11
space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later
recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic
Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today,
visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and
experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are
being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear
comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in
layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for
the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not
allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of
the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will
show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then
let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum
admission.
"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John
Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge.
Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the
service. Sundays, 11 a.m.
SPECIAL EVENTS -- Closed on New Year's Day.
"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four
with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the
areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family
of four; $5 for each additional family member.
"Family Overnight Experience," Sept. 17 through. Enjoy the
ultimate family experience by spending the night onboard the aircraft carrier
USS Hornet. Tour the ship at night, hear fascinating ghost stories, sleep in
bunks and have fun learning about history! Call for reservations. (510)
521-8448 X280.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while
it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories
about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448
X282.
"Flashlight Tour," 8:30 a.m. Receive a special tour of
areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that
have limited access during the day. $30-$35 per person.
$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily,
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda.
(510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<