Museums & Galleries in Oxnard

Exhibitions and lifelike dioramas containing more than 150 vehicles sprawl across Petersen Automotive Museum's 300,000-square-foot confines, illustrating the impact of the automobile on American culture. On the first floor, permanent collections elucidate with detailed displays covering the role of the car in Los Angeles and motion picture, the history of alternative power, and the favorite engine sounds of each president. The Hot Wheels Hall of Fame parades more than 1,000 Hot Wheels vehicles, original models, and design sketches. Five galleries on the second floor shelter rotating exhibits, and the third floor's May Family Discovery Center introduces tykes to the fundamental functions of cars with interactive driving stations. Patrons wander among the extensive displays individually or join tours for groups, schools, car clubs, or families of parking cones.

The Gamble House was constructed between 1908 and 1909, an astonishing achievement designed by the brother-architects Greene & Greene for Mr. and Mrs. David and Mary Gamble of the Midwest. Built as a retirement sanctuary, the estate exemplifies architecture's Arts and Crafts movement through its incorporation of natural materials, handcrafted detail, bold aesthetics, and ample googly eyes. One-hour guided group tours lead keen-eyed spectators through the inspired views of the exquisite abode. Knowledgeable guides illuminate the natural beauty of the spacious yards and gardens and describe the cultural and architectural context of the stunning interior.

Pacific Asia Museum, which first opened its doors in 1971, is one of four U.S. institutions dedicated to the multilayered arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Immerse yourself in the multihued surroundings during the Fusion Fridays premiere, taking in more than 15,000 pieces of historical art dating back more than 4,000 years while sipping on a cocktail, nibbling gourmet nosh, and celebrating the museum's 40th birthday with complimentary cupcakes. Boogie-worthy tunes and lessons in Bollywood and belly dance abound as partygoers and ancient statues try their hips at shimmying moves. Don snazzy cocktail attire or your best museum hat while mingling among permanent collections, which include more than 800 Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Island graphic-art prints inspired by culture, politics, religion, and scenes from Ghostbusters.

Dr. Adalbert and Eva Fenyes’s 1906 Beaux-Arts mansion served as a haven and gathering place for local musicians, artists, writers, and scientists for decades. In 1970, in an effort to ensure this salon atmosphere would live on, their descendants transferred the family mansion, its gardens, and scores of original furnishings and artwork to the Pasadena Museum of History. Today, the more than 85-year-old museum fills the Fenyes Estate with tours, exhibits, and a range of events as part of its mission to preserve and display Pasadena's history and culture.

Docents lead tours through the rooms of the National and California Historic Landmark mansion, which once served as the Finnish Consulate. (Nearby, the Finnish Folk Art Museum resides in the estate’s former sauna and guesthouse.) The history experts also conduct regular spotlight tours of specific collections that embody local high-society life at the turn of the 20th century.

In the History Center Galleries, the staff curates rotating exhibits on local history. Outside, visitors can wander the verdant landscaped gardens that separate the History Center Galleries from the Finnish Folk Art Museum and prevent staff members from reaching each other with volleys of water balloons.