NEAREVIEW.COM

The UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Address 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA
Phone (510) 642-0808
Hours
Wednesday11:00am-7:00pm
Thursday11:00am-7:00pm
Friday11:00am-7:00pm
Saturday11:00am-7:00pm
Sunday11:00am-7:00pm
Website bampfa.org
Categories Art Museum, Art Gallery, Movie Theater, Museum, Performing Arts Theater
Rating 4.3 23 reviews
Similar companies nearby
The Broad — 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Fullerton Museum Center — 301 N Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA, United States

The UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive reviews

23
Sort by: date highest rated lowest rated most helpful
Art
February 24, 2020 12:13 pm

Great place for kids/toddlers! There is a reading nook downstairs where they have a small collection of books. In the same room there are building blocks which are also neat. From 2-7, they usually host an art lab where they have pens/markers/glue/stamps. All of this for free!

Steven
February 13, 2020 2:43 pm

I went to the theatre to see the film's of David Lynch. The chairs are uncomfortable. There's no food or drinks. The theatre was hot and the bathrooms are down 2 flights of stairs from the theatre. The particular 35mm print I saw was awful quality and think they should have shown the DVD instead. This isn't a good movie going experience place. I won't go back until they've reworked it.

Iris
February 08, 2020 10:57 pm

Wonderful experience for art and so Centra to all things Downtown Berkeley. Your entrance fee allows for a movie featured at the museum (a lil perk w/fee).

Andrew
January 27, 2020 9:35 am

Lovely space to spend ~1.5 hours. It's $14 for the exhibits (2 levels and ~8 big rooms) and they have plays there regularly.

Judith
December 29, 2019 11:31 pm

18th century silk paintings and related art was excellent. All exhibits were organized and thematically displayed. It made things accessible. They have attempted to make it handicap accessible, but you will need to ask for lots of assistance.

Linus
December 19, 2019 12:27 pm

2 galleries were closed today for renovation, but it was still a great experience! I went with a friend who is a berkeley student, so our admission was free. A dance practice was being held in the auditorium near the entrance, for a series of dance-focused performances/talks. I believe there are more events in the series planned for the near future, so check the schedule of the museum if you're interested.

Sebastian
November 18, 2018 7:45 am

Rude security left me outside while being threatened even though I had a pass to get in. Fk bamfa

komoriblues
November 13, 2018 11:23 pm

Was so-so for me. Still a great place to visit, but for whatever reason I felt a bit uninspired. Purely personal opinion.

Khan
November 03, 2018 3:15 pm

One of many favorite spot to bring my 4 month old, 4 & 6 yo kiddos. They love the art lab, and library area. Now they have unique public art based classes for 6-12 yo every second Saturdays of the month. My 4 yo attended Cecilia Vicuña's work based class. Instructor thought he was to young to follow instructions but they were so surprised how independent he was. Both boys had a blast, we are planning on going again. Plus it's free class and ppl there is awesome.

Deborah
September 22, 2018 5:40 am

I’ve seen so many great movies at The Pacific Film Archive, emerging young film makers, classic directors, international stars, one offs and series. The programing is always interesting. I just watched a 1943 French thriller with a friend from Argentina and was surprised how intrigued we both were.

Joseph
September 03, 2018 10:41 am

Great space with lots of small galleries and changing exhibitions. The cafe upstairs is different and is cantalevered over the street below. They are open super late which was nice and the staff was courteous and helpful. Nice clean restrooms and facilities was a plus.

Art
August 23, 2018 7:19 pm

The most dynamic art and film programs anywhere. The new building in Berkeley is a tremendous addition not only to the cultural life of downtown but also to the entire Bay Area. Terrific selection of public lectures, exhibition and events every week. Beyond lucky to have this in our Berkeley backyard.

Toby
August 22, 2018 5:31 pm

Several great shows previewed tonight for members. Open to the public tomorrow. Worth a visit definitely!

Christine
August 17, 2018 3:28 am

I have enjoyed the quality of the outdoor screen as well as the diverse and unique selection of international films.

kanu
August 15, 2018 3:50 pm

Again: next very much for Museum time and consideration and I look forward to seeing everyone at the moments

Lisa
August 08, 2018 9:37 pm

Lovely building. Interesting and diverse collection. When we were there they had some art making going on as well in a nice open studio space downstairs. The cafe on the top floor had a nice selection of coffee, teas and snacks.

nik
August 06, 2018 1:58 pm

This is a terrific smaller museum in the sense that curators have a lot of freedom to combine interesting objects from a pretty big collection ranging from ancient to contemporary. The new building is modern and inviting.

It has some real gems especially with respect to the diversity of the collection and ancient Tibetan art on loan. Sometimes the curation hits and others it misses. Yesterday, in observing the museum's new acquisitions, my friend and I were giggling at two particularly crappy pieces, one resembled a giant, poorly crafted ceramic sandal filled with clay vomit. We were doubly amused to see both pieces had been donated by the artists themselves. Most museums probably wouldn't display such things but BAMFA does and it made the museum's purchases look very smart in comparison (and gave us a good laugh.)

Jerome
July 22, 2018 7:04 am

This is a fantastic mid sized art museum with many events and the Pacific Film Archive. Make sure to visit the Art Lab and become an artist yourself.

lisa
July 01, 2018 7:45 pm

Beautiful architect and nice pieces of art. I was there for a dance performance and it was perfect. The seating view and staff was great.

Kalki
June 22, 2018 8:30 pm

The museum is not as big as MoMAs, they have few floors. Yet, I loved what they have. When I visited, I saw art installations by Ugo Randinone (clowns) and other artists works. I liked it a lot. They also have some beautiful Indian artworks.

There is a room where you can sit and try your own art and they provide basic art materials for free. If you are in Berkeley, a must visit place.

Add review