Los Altos is an interesting city with a rich artistic scene and many cultural opportunities. In addition to the local history museum, you can also see Los Altos, California exhibits at one of the area’s top Asian fine art galleries.
Located in the highly desirable Silicon Valley in the Bay Area, Los Altos and the surrounding cities are known for being home to some of the world’s finest technology firms. As such, the area boasts a highly educated population that places value on art and culture. There are many different ways to explore this side of Los Altos. Here’s a look at some top aspects of the cultural scene in this attractive city, which sits only 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Culture
The Los Altos History Museum features three-stories of cultural exhibits that depict the rich past of this charming community. Museum admission is free, and there are many things here for kids to see and do, including the locally famous J. Gilbert Smith History House, which is adjacent to the museum. Built in the early 1900s, it features period items and gives a look into this period of time in the United States. Outside the house, there are gardens to explore, as well as one of the last remaining active apricot orchards in Santa Clara County.
Chinese Fine Arts Gallery
334 State St # 104, Los Altos, CA 94022
650-941-7955
A prime force on the cultural arts scene in Los Altos, this noteworthy gallery presents a vast array of Asian and Chinese fine arts.
Public Art
The city of Los Altos also has numerous public art sculptures around the city. Some are centrally located within the downtown area, making a walking tour a lot of fun. The city has 14 permanent public art sculptures, and about a dozen other pieces that are on loan to the city from their artists. These public art pieces enrich the cultural landscape of Los Altos and beautify the area with their artistic elegance. To see a map of the locations of all the city’s public sculptures, click here.
A popular annual event in Los Altos that’s focused on arts and culture is the Los Altos Art and Wine Festival. This event is traditionally held in July and features hundreds of vendors, including many local artists, offering their unique art and products. There’s also great food and drink at this festival, including family friendly entertainment and things to do. This is one of the Bay Area’s biggest and most popular art festivals. It attracts numerous visitors who come to enjoy the art and beauty of Los Altos.
Los Altos, CA Theaters
Bus Barn Theatre
97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-941-0551
Website: www.busbarn.org
A prime choice near Los Altos, the company that performs at this theater, which is near Hillview Community Center, produces a handful of shows every year and delights crowds with its diverse offerings. Another popular option is the Los Altos Youth Theatre, which puts on a handful of shows every year, as well.