Museums & Galleries in Simi Valley

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.

The Skirball Cultural Center is a renowned museum, vibrant performing arts center, and prestigious educational institution that is dedicated to sustaining Jewish heritage while welcoming visitors of all ethnic and cultural identities. Members get unlimited year-round access to museum exhibits, including Noah's Ark. The popular interactive gallery inside a massive wooden ark is filled with animal puppets (made from recycled materials) and hours worth of creative, challenging activities for kids of every shoe size, all aimed at teaching the value of community and sustainability without having to live among Himalayan monks for seven years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and members should call ahead to schedule a timed entry or book online.

Since its inception in 1979, The Museum of Contemporary Art has devoted itself to post-1940 artwork, a focus that sets it apart from all other Los Angeles museums. Its permanent collection harbors more than 5,000 art objects, encompassing media from video installations and documentary photography to pop art. Works from renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Diane Arbus share gallery space with pieces from up-and-coming artists across the museum’s three facilities.

To complement its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating temporary exhibits, such as the current Amanda Ross-Ho exhibit, Teeny Tiny Woman, which incorporates architectural elements and large-scale paintings. The museum staff also augments these displays with events, such as their summer concert series in Geffen Plaza, which explores the intersection of music and art like a guitar decoupaged with pages from DaVinci’s journal.

Gull Wings Children's Museum appeals to many childhood aspirations as it teaches—the Blast Off area lets kids pretend to be astronauts, the Home Town Hero exhibit lets them play firefighters, and the Lego-a-Go-Go room lets them portray immobile plastic bricks. Aside from the many exhibits, there are a series of regular programs in reading, science, and other subjects. The museum also hosts special events such as storytellers and dance groups.

Each year, more than 60 galleries and artists from Los Angeles and the intangible web of the art world beyond flock to Art Los Angeles Contemporary like butterflies in migration. During their stay, they display their colors in Santa Monica's Barker Hangar, which hosts 40,000 square feet of exhibition space with 40-foot ceilings ideal for extra-tall installations or human pyramids made of Shaquille O’Neal sculptures. In addition to paintings and functional furniture from emerging and established artists, Art Los Angeles Contemporary also hosts a programming series of talks, curator-led panel discussions, and film screenings. This year, the exposition will spotlight Ceci n’est pas… Art Between France and Los Angeles, a cultural-exchange program culminating in more than 30 French-American collaborations.