BMoA - Bakersfield Museum of Art

The Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) is a vital cultural hub dedicated to enriching the lives of residents and visitors through meaningful engagement with the visual arts. For more than six decades, the Museum has played an essential role in Bakersfield and Kern County, offering a wide range of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community-centered events designed to foster creativity and cultural appreciation.

Founded in 1956 as the Cunningham Memorial Art Gallery, the institution was established through the generosity of the Walter Osborn family, who sought to honor their daughter, Marion Osborn Cunningham—a celebrated artist known for her ethereal pastels and prints. Marion’s legacy lives on through the Museum’s commitment to supporting artistic excellence and accessibility.

Over the years, the Museum has evolved in scope and stature. In 1990, it was renamed the Bakersfield Museum of Art, and a year later achieved national recognition with accreditation from the American Association of Museums. Thanks to significant endowments and strong community support, the Museum expanded in 2001 to its current 17,400-square-foot facility, offering enhanced gallery spaces and educational areas that serve a growing audience.

BMoA’s mission is grounded in the belief that the arts can inspire, educate, and unite diverse communities. Through rotating exhibitions that highlight both regional and nationally recognized artists, as well as robust educational programming for children, students, and adults, the Museum invites visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore the richness of visual expression.

By preserving its historical roots and continually seeking new ways to connect with the community, the Bakersfield Museum of Art stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural engagement in California’s Central Valley—an enduring tribute to its founders and a vibrant space for artistic discovery.