San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles is an art museum in the heart of the SoFA Arts District housed in a 13,000-square-foot building. It displays over 1,500 textile pieces and contemporary fiber artworks ranging from traditional handmade quilts to modern experimental works.

Founded in 1977 as the American Museum of Quilts and Related Arts in Los Altos, it became the first museum in the United States dedicated to textile arts. The institution later relocated to San Jose and gained recognition as a leading center for preserving and presenting textile works.

The collection spans traditional quilts from the 19th century alongside contemporary works that merge modern technology with textile traditions. Visitors can observe how artists combine time-honored techniques with current artistic approaches.

The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1 PM to 7 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM. Plan to spend one to two hours exploring the galleries at a comfortable pace.

The museum runs an Artist in Residence program providing textile artists with a three-month workspace in the institution's Maker Space. Visitors often encounter live demonstrations and workshops where artists showcase their craft techniques.

Location: California

Inception: 1977

Website: http://sjquiltmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 37.32810,-121.88400

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01