Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
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Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

4.5
·300 reviews·Davis, United States

A free, modern art museum on the UC Davis campus, showcasing old masters, East Asian art, and contemporary exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy free parking.

CrowdLow
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Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy free parking.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, modern art museum on the UC Davis campus, showcasing old masters, East Asian art, and contemporary exhibits.

4.5
(300 reviews)

"A completely FREE modern art museum filled with works from the latest and greatest minds at UC Davis."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry & Parking

Admission and weekend parking are free! A great budget-friendly art experience.

🅿️ Weekend Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends for easier parking, especially around noon.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 300 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Family Collection

Impressive Family Collection

Explore a diverse collection, including old master prints and East Asian art, curated by the Manetti Shrem family.

Reddit
Thought-Provoking Exhibits

Thought-Provoking Exhibits

Discover contemporary and abstract art that sparks conversation and contemplation.

Reddit
Architectural Gem

Architectural Gem

Admire the museum's striking modern architecture, a work of art in itself.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art without breaking the bank! Admission is free, and parking is also complimentary on weekends, making it an accessible cultural outing. Reddit

Weekend Parking Tips

While parking is free on weekends, it can fill up. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended, especially if you have a specific time constraint. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy free parking.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere for focused viewing.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

let’s meet at the shrem! May 9-10 🌳 #dfff2025 #davisfeministfilmfestival #ucdavis #davisca #manettishrem
@davisfeministfilm
19 likes • 350 views

🎯 Free Entry & Parking

Admission and weekend parking are free! A great budget-friendly art experience. Reddit

🅿️ Weekend Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends for easier parking, especially around noon. Reddit

Graduate student composer Joseph Vasinda talks about how he created a series of compositions entirely for electronically-processed bundt pan. The work was on display at the Manetti Shrem Museum as part of this year’s UC Davis Graduate Student Exhibition. Listen via Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7dQn5kh0qvzfmbL86zQEzv?si=iI4UKoZ4SYSsbyTtaHH_vA #newmusic #livingcomposers
@ucdavismusic
20 likes • 1.1K views
It's Give Day at UC Davis! Hear Manetti Shrem Museum Deputy Director Randy Roberts talk about the power of art, and support a campus community where the arts are an indispensable part of everyday life for all. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3nfs7per or the link in our bio to give now! #UCDavisGiveDay #FreeforAll
manettishrem
66 likes • 1.3K views

🚫 Respect the Art

Remember the 'no touch' policy to preserve the exhibits for everyone. Reddit

💡 Engage Your Mind

The art here is designed to make you think – take your time to absorb it. Reddit

I'm thrilled to announce that last Friday I was a speaker at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis. There, I spoke a little more about my creative process during my series entitled "The uncertain future of California". This series is featured in the latest edition of the Magazine "Exit 71". You can purchase it online on the @open.ceilings website, or see the series on my website, link in the...
cairo_arte
17 likes • 322 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry & Parking

Admission and weekend parking are free! A great budget-friendly art experience. Reddit

🅿️ Weekend Parking Strategy

Arrive early on weekends for easier parking, especially around noon. Reddit

🚫 Respect the Art

Remember the 'no touch' policy to preserve the exhibits for everyone. Reddit

💡 Engage Your Mind

The art here is designed to make you think – take your time to absorb it. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(300 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art for its free admission and weekend parking, making it an accessible cultural gem. The collection, featuring old master prints and contemporary works, is often described as impressive and thought-provoking. While some wish for more interactive elements, the beautiful architecture and delightful staff contribute to a positive overall experience.

"My teenage son , husband and I loved visiting the museum- the building, the family’s collection and current exhibit were very impressive."

Blakely Bass

"A small gallery for contemporary and abstract art. The gallery is free to enter and so is parking on the weekend. The gallery lets you get up close to the displayed work but a no touch policy of course."

Ton T

"Laura Compton has been great to work with!
Beautiful Museum and Delightful People involved."

Veale Outdoor Advertising

What People Like

Free admission and parking
Impressive art collection
Beautiful architecture

What People Dislike

Limited interactive features

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the UC Davis campus. Visitors can drive and utilize campus parking structures. On weekends, parking is free. During weekdays, be mindful of parking regulations and fees. Reddit

UC Davis is served by local bus routes. Check with your local transit authority for specific routes and schedules that connect to the campus. Reddit

Parking is free on weekends. During weekdays, you'll need to find available spots in campus parking structures, which can be competitive around midday. Reddit

Weekday parking can be challenging, especially around noon. Arriving earlier or later might increase your chances of finding a spot. Reddit

Yes, UC Davis is a bike-friendly campus. There are bike racks available near the museum for secure parking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is completely free. Reddit

Museum hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Reddit

The museum typically observes university holidays. Check their official schedule for specific holiday closures. Reddit

Since admission is free, advance booking is not required. You can simply walk in during operating hours. Reddit

All exhibitions at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art are free to the public. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a collection of old master prints, East Asian art, ceramics, and rotating contemporary and abstract art exhibits. Reddit

While the museum has a family-friendly atmosphere, some visitors wish for more interactive features. The current focus is on observation. Reddit

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to look for signage or ask museum staff if photography is permitted. Reddit

Yes, due to its size and free admission, it's a great option for a shorter visit or a meaningful distraction. Reddit

The 'no touch' policy is in place to protect the artwork. Visitors are asked not to touch any of the exhibits. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a cafe. However, the UC Davis campus offers various dining facilities and eateries nearby. Reddit

Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside art galleries to protect the artwork. Please consume them outside the museum. Reddit

The surrounding UC Davis campus and the city of Davis offer a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks to explore. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The museum's modern architecture itself is a popular subject for photos. Look for interesting angles and light play. Reddit

Tripod usage is usually restricted in museums to avoid obstruction and potential damage. Always check with staff before using one. Reddit

While general photography might be allowed, some special exhibitions may have restrictions. Always confirm with museum staff. Reddit

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