Your quilting skills are about to level up! 🪡 ✨ Join artist Kena Tangi Dorsey for two incredible events — Saturday, June 27, dives into the bold world of African wax print quilts, and Sunday, June 28, puts the fabric in your hands. Join us for one or both, you're in for an inspired weekend!

Did you know that Bunker Hill once served as the landmark that defined the very heart of Los Angeles? 🌟 Emil Kosa Jr. immortalized this beloved neighborhood — the iconic dividing line between Downtown LA and the rest of the city — in rich, warm watercolor.

🎲 Your quest begins June 20, 10AM–4PM! Join 4Horsemen Gaming Club at Bowers for a full day of Dungeons & Dragons — all ages, no experience needed! ⚔️ 🤔 Did you know?: D&D was first published in 1974 and has since been played by over 50 million adventurers worldwide!

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we share a piece of our past. Do you recognize this gallery? Most of you will still recognize the entrance room to our Historic Wing in this 1988 photo of a kimono exhibition, despite some layout changes.

More than fabric and wool — this WWI U.S. Army uniform from our digital collection once belonged to Frank D. Bowland, who served with the Signal Corps in France. The stripes on his sleeve mark foreign service, discharge, and a life of dedication.

What a night! 🪡✨ Our members got a first look at our brand-new exhibition, The American Quilt: Cloth & Commerce. From a captivating curator’s talk with Tara Miller to live folk music by Joselyn & Don, the good vibes were stitched right in. 🎶

⏳ 3 days until American Quilt opens — and we can't stop thinking about Florence. 🧵 Around 1889, ten-year-old Florence Hess pieced together this beautiful cotton quilt in upstate New York, a bustling waterway that brought fabrics from across the Northeast right to her doorstep.

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we share a piece of our past. 🎉 This 1972 photo shows children playing in our short-lived 1970s addition — later replaced by our 1990s wing. Can you spot the historic tile floor and doors? #bowers90 #90anniversary

Happy International Museum Day! 🎨 Today we celebrate art, culture, and curiosity — and while our doors are closed today, we invite everyone to visit us this week and explore our nine incredible global art galleries.

🐱📚 Story time just got a whole lot cuter! Join us Saturday, May 30 as guest author Kaitlyn Truong brings Let's Practice Counting with Boba to life — right here in the galleries! Meet Boba, the most mischievous little cat, and the sweet grandma who has no idea what he's up to. 👀

Blue skies, blooming branches, and brushstrokes full of light ✨ Conrad Buff’s Peach Tree feels like the kind of day you wish could linger a little longer. Fun fact: Buff’s signature on this painting is so faint it was once thought to be unsigned 👀

Tiny bottles, big history ✨ Snuff bottles once traveled with Qing Dynasty elites and were even thought to help ease headaches and coughs. Designed to preserve powdered tobacco in China’s humid climate, no two are alike.

Tiny bottles, big history ✨ Snuff bottles once traveled with Qing Dynasty elites and were even thought to help ease headaches and coughs. Designed to preserve powdered tobacco in China’s humid climate, no two are alike.

#HappyMothersDay This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength, love, and care that mothers bring into the world. 💐 Featured in Wayside Madonna (1939) by Edith Catlin Phelps, a mother gently holds her sleeping child close—a timeless reminder of comfort, resilience, and unconditional love.

Hello, weekend! 👋✨ Spend your weekend at the Bowers exploring nine global galleries, relaxing in the Key Courtyard, or strolling through the Sculpture Garden — whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or on a family outing. 🖼️ Who are you bringing to the museum this weekend?

✨ Members’ Opening Night is almost here! Join us May 22 for an exclusive first look at The American Quilt: Cloth & Commerce featuring live music, a curator talk with Tara Miller, shopping perks, and more. 🧵🎶 Not a member yet? Join today and enjoy special events and year-round perks: bowers.org/join

A huge THANK YOU to all of the incredible educators, school representatives, and community partners who joined us tonight for Evening for Educators at the Bowers! 🍎✨ From exploring galleries to engaging with local organizations, it was a wonderful evening of creativity, collaboration, and community.

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, we’re sharing a piece of our past each week. This 1974 photo shows two students learning about Mesoamerican corn grinding with volcanic stone tools. The flour is mixed with water to make masa, used in various foods.

🧵✨ Join the opening lecture, “Reading the Material Evidence in American Quilts,” with curator Tara Miller on May 23, 1:30-3:00 PM. Using works from “The American Quilt” exhibition, it reveals social and commercial forces woven into quiltmaking, from Revolutionary boycotts and global cotton trade.

Celebrate Mom with a day full of art, food, and time together at Bowers Museum 💐 Moms & grandmothers enjoy free general admission (onsite only), plus special savings at the Gallery Store.

Behind the seams 👀🧵 Our interns are hard at work preparing quilts for The American Quilt: Cloth & Commerce, opening May 23! From careful handling to final touches, it’s all part of bringing these stories to life—one stitch at a time.

Mahj Club’s Social Play is back for Bowers Game Night on May 15! 🀄✨ Join us from 5–8 PM for an evening of tiles, laughter, and community—plus extended museum hours to explore in between rounds. Bring your set, meet fellow players, and enjoy the fun. For full details, visit bowers.org/programs.

Sew Much to See this Season 😉 🧵✨ Our May/June Program Guide is here and packed with can’t-miss experiences, from festivals and family fun to lectures, workshops, and more! Take a look, mark your calendar, and grab your tickets early—these programs tend to fill up fast.

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’re sharing a piece of our past. In the photo, Mexican dancers swing their colorful skirts during a performance at Bowers’ Festival de la Gente in 1993. #socalmuseums #bowers90 #90thanniversary

Fiesta mode: ON 🎉 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a little early with a day full of music, color, and family fun! Enjoy mariachi and folklórico performances, get hands-on with mini piñatas and more!

Glue, texture, and a little time travel 🎨 Young artists will bring early California missions and ranchos to life through layered collage and hands-on creativity—where 2D meets 3D. Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM–12 PM Details: Bowers.org/programs

One month to go: The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce 🧵   Opening May 23, this exhibition brings together over 40 quilts and coverlets that trace how materials, trade, and new techniques shaped American quilt making across centuries.

Fun fact: George Gibson didn’t just paint California landscapes—he also worked behind the scenes in Hollywood, creating storyboard illustrations and eventually leading the scenic art department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 🎬

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we share a piece of our past. This photo from 30 years ago shows a wood artist demonstrating his craft by using traditional techniques to carve a table leg during a Bowers Americana Festival in 1996. #bowers90 #90thanniversary

Want a summer that builds confidence and stands out on college apps? 🎤✨ Join us at the Bowers Museum Junior Ambassadors Open House 📅 Sat, May 2 | ⏰ 10–11 AM Hands-on museum experience, leadership skills, volunteer hours & more. Enrollment includes a Bowers Family Membership (easy to get started!).

Sun, sand, and watercolor fun ☀️🎨 Join us Sunday, April 26, from 11 AM – 12 PM to paint a dreamy California beach scene with artist Erna van Dyk. Family-friendly and perfect for all ages! 🌴✨ What would your beach day look like on canvas? Visit Bowers.org/programs for details.

Did you know? Studies show that experiencing art and culture in person—especially while traveling—can deepen understanding and create longer-lasting memories than seeing it in books or online 🌍✨

Fun Fact 🤔 Did you know this beautifully woven shield was used for more than just protection? Made by the Topoke people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this shield features intricate patterns created from plant fibers and palm bark.

Get ready to shop, sparkle, and support local makers ✨    Join us for Art of Adorning at the Bowers Museum on Saturday, April 25 from 10 AM–4 PM, Orange County’s go-to celebration of handcrafted jewelry, artisan goods, and creative finds.

In celebration of Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’re sharing a piece of our past. This week we’re flashing back to 2011 and the gala celebrating our second exhibition hosting China’s famous terracotta figures – Warriors, Tombs, and Temples.

Take a walk through our blooming courtyard and sculpture garden, ideal for a relaxing moment surrounded by fresh air and a touch of spring. 🌸 Then head inside to explore stunning floral paintings across our galleries, bringing the season to life with every brushstroke. 🎨

New Exhibit Now Open: Discover California Through Watercolor! 🎨   Explore "California Watercolor: A Changing Scene, 1930–1980," where artists capture the state's evolving story through light, color, and everyday moments.

In celebration of Bower’s Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’ll share a piece of our past. Spring has sprung and the roses are blooming on our South lawn! - much like in this photo from the 1970s which depicts a weekend art show and sale put on by the Torana Art League.

Lesson plans can wait—this night is for you 🎨✨ Join us on May 7 for Evening for Educators, an after-hours mix of art, wine, light bites, and creative fun. Explore the galleries, preview upcoming exhibitions, and connect with fellow educators in a relaxed, inspiring setting.

Last call for Global Threads! 🧵✨ Only this weekend left to experience the rich colors, stories, and craftsmanship behind India’s textile revolution before it’s gone. Whether it’s your first visit or a second look, there’s always something new to discover.

♟️✨ Checkmate your Friday plans! Join us April 17 for Bowers Game Night: Chess with ChessPalace. All levels welcome—play, learn, and challenge friends! Boards provided + coaches on site. Explore the galleries, including our new exhibit, California Watercolor, while we’re open late, from 4 pm - 8pm.

To celebrate the Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’ll share a piece of our past. This weekend, our new California Watercolor exhibition opens in the newly renovated Ettinger Gallery. Here’s a peek at what the gallery looked like in 1968! #socalmuseums #bowers90  #90thanniversary

Opening April 4, see California in a whole new light! 🌅 California Watercolor: A Changing Scene, 1930–1980 captures the Golden State through bold, expressive works by artists like Millard Sheets and Rex Brandt, revealing a region in transformation.

Final week to experience the vibrant world of Indian textiles! 🧵✨ From intricate handwoven silks to bold block prints, India’s textile traditions are a living story of artistry and cultural identity, passed down through generations and still inspiring global fashion today.

#FunFact Cranes in ancient China weren’t just admired for their beauty, they symbolized long life, harmony, and good fortune. This intricate cloisonné crane, created during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736–1796), comes from a peak era of craftsmanship known for its richly detailed enamelwork.

To celebrate the Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’ll share a piece of our past. This photo from 1972 shows visiting children learning a lively Greek folk dance. We love seeing so many different cultures represented throughout our history! #socalmuseums #bowers90 #90thanniversary

From cave walls to California coastlines, discover the vibrant journey of watercolor 🎨💧 Join us for The Historical Development of Watercolor Painting with Jean Stern on Saturday, April 4 at 1:30 PM.

⏳ Less than a month left to experience Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution! Did you know? Indian painted cottons were once the luxury fabric of the world—so coveted that they reshaped global fashion and trade routes. 🌍✨

Spring has arrived—and so has a touch of royal luxury. 🌸✨   As we prepare for tomorrow’s Bowers Bollywood Bash, we’re spotlighting a stunning centerpiece: a vintage 1932 Duesenberg sports roadster once owned by Azam Jah.

Please be aware that the Bowers Museum will be closed on Saturday, March 21, for preparations for our annual fundraiser, the Bowers Bollywood Bash. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you the following day, Sunday, during our regular opening hours from 10 AM to 4 PM! ✨