San Jose museums offer a wealth of beautiful art and fascinating exhibits to see, and of course there’s additional fun to be had in their specialty museum gift shops. If you’re searching for uniquely local gifts, look no further. We’ve outlined a few of our favorites below!
Focusing primarily on California artists (and those throughout the West Coast and the Pacific), the Museum of Art is a must-see for culture lovers making their first trip to San Jose. Inspired pieces in various formats such as painting, sculpture, photography, and more offer visitors a glimpse into the diverse and talented community right here in our backyard. The Museum Store continues the celebration of creativity, offering art books and kits, stationery, jewelry, and a special section for children including books, puzzles, and toys. Memorialize your trip to the city’s artistic heart with a gift from The Museum Shop.
Our own Museum of Quilts & Textiles has inspired the local community for nearly 50 years. In fact, it’s the country’s first quilts and textiles museum! Guests can view a multitude of different exhibits featuring unique fiber artworks and continue their arts education with the crafts they love most. In their gift shop, you’ll find a selection of handmade gifts, including custom quilts designed by Navajo shepherds and weavers, bags and jewelry, perfect for the crafting enthusiast in your life!
Chronicling more than a century of Japanese American history, The Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) offers visitors a glimpse into the early immigration of Japanese people to America, their leadership in the agricultural community, their incarceration during World War II and the challenges they faced while adapting and contributing to West Coast communities. In addition to the permanent and rotating cultural exhibits, JAMsj hosts educational programs and interactive forums for the benefit of its guests. Their gift shop is a treasure trove of handmade stationery – including greeting cards made by museum volunteers – alongside Asian American books, toys and housewares. Pick up a unique gift for someone you love, and support San Jose’s vibrant Japanese American community!
Known locally as simply “The Tech,” this downtown San Jose icon has been delighting curious guests of all ages with its hands-on exhibits and stunning science presentations since 1998. It’s also home to the largest IMAX dome on the West Coast, making it the perfect place to spend a day in a city synonymous with technology and innovation. Stop by the Tech Store for science-themed books, toys, souvenirs, and kits. Branded apparel and jewelry are available as well as Gift Certificates for any science lovers in your gifting list.
One of the best-known landmarks in the City of San Jose, The Winchester Mystery House has thrilled visitors for one hundred years. With its fascinating architecture including stairways to the ceiling and doors that lead nowhere, its 160 rooms tell a story of grief, mysticism, and American perseverance unlike anywhere else! Enjoy a guided tour of the mansion itself or participate in one of the many seasonal events available on the grounds. And don’t forget to stop by the Mercantile for unique gifts and souvenirs themed after The Winchester House and Victorian-era California, as well as books, apparel, and stationery — perfect for the mystery lover in your life!
What is your favorite museum here in San Jose? We hope you enjoy all that our dynamic city has to offer – and that you find the perfect souvenir as a memento of your day at the museum.
