Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology

The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum is an anthropological institution on the UC Berkeley campus that houses extensive collections of artifacts from around the world. Its galleries display archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, and photographic records that document human cultures across different regions and time periods.

The museum was founded in 1901 thanks to the patronage of Phoebe Apperson Hearst and relocated to the Berkeley campus in 1931 from its original location. This move positioned it within an academic setting that supported the expansion of its collections over the following decades.

The collection reflects the artistic practices and daily lives of many cultures across the globe, from indigenous basketmaking to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Walking through the galleries, visitors encounter objects that show how different societies created meaning and beauty through their material traditions.

The museum is conveniently located on the Berkeley campus and accessible by public transportation, making it easy to reach from around the Bay Area. Plan to spend several hours exploring the galleries since the collections are extensive and diverse.

The museum preserves extensive field notes and audio recordings alongside its physical objects, creating a record not just of ancient cultures but also of the researchers who discovered them. This documentation allows visitors to understand the history of exploration and scholarship that brought these items to light.