The Oakland Museum of California was opened in 1969 with the objective of providing "unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California's environment, history, art and people". It is located at 1000 Oak Street, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station.

For people intersted in the history of California, the Oakland Museum is a gold mine of information and scholarly resources. Visitors to California would benefit greatly by a visit before or after touring the state. Quite simply it is the very best museum in existence which is focused entirely on California.