Arts
Bakersfield has five popular museums that promote the local artwork, history and culture. Bakersfield Museum of Art represents the work of aspiring regional artists and internationally known artists. A generous donation from the Osborn family in honor of Marion Osborn Cunningham prompted the museum’s establishment in 1956. Originally called the Cunningham Memorial Art Gallery, the name was changed to Bakersfield Museum of Art in 1990. A movement to expand the museum was begun in 1997, leading to the re-opening of an updated, larger facility in 2001.
The Kern County Museum emphasizes local history and culture. Located on Chester Avenue, the museum has 56 historic exhibits featuring thousands of artifacts on display. More than 94,000 people visit the museum annually to experience hands-on exhibits, educational programs and the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center.
The focus of the Buena Vista Natural History Museum is to educate the public about geological events that transformed most of Kern County from an ocean bay to dry land. The museum holds the world’s largest private collection of Sharktooth Hill Miocene fossils. Sharktooth Hill is a bonebed of fossilized organic remains that is mainly underground. Only an area east of Bakersfield is at the surface of the land.
A tour of modern animal and plant life is available at the California Living Museum located on Alfred Harrell Highway. Botanical gardens feature woodlands and desert habitats, and animal exhibits include bald eagles, black bears and more.