ventura county museum of history & art

Went to this museum a couple of time. They usually have a special exhibits and then they also have their everyday exhibits. I went for a special doll show, showcasing various costomes royalty would wear from all parts of the world. The museum also has items around the Ventura area, etc. Very well layed out. Nice a peacefull to enjoy your time there.

I'd never think of the Museum as an event space, but once visiting it has a beautiful indoor and outdoor space perfect for all kinds of events. Any time my company wants to have a corporate event big or small I'd consider the Museum. They have a huge projector screen and sound system with plenty of space. If someone is getting married the space is perfect for weddings and is close to downtown and the beach! Check it out!

A beautiful structure and nice ambiance! The layout is great and there is always something new! Art and history combined together to accentuate both in a unique and stylish way.

Return visit for the latest Stuart's miniatures; as usual, dazzling. This time there's an additional component with the exquisite diamond replicas.

The museum is a very nice modern building staffed by very friendly people. An exhibition of photographs of famous actors was very well arranged.

I have visited the Ventura County Museum several times before to enjoy the beautifully sculptured 1/4 life-size figures of famous historical personalities created by artist/historian George Stuart that are part of the permanent collection of the museum. On this occasion, I came to see "Diamonds Are Forever", a special exhibit of museum quality cubic zirconia replicas of some of the world's most famous diamonds created by world-renown gemologist Scott Sucher. Mr. Sucher's exact replicas were displayed along with sculptures of the historical personalities that played a part in their history. Mr. Sucher also created 1/4 life-size miniatures of the famous stones that Mr. Stuart then embedded into the various accessories worn by the historical figures on display. Mr. Stuart also unveiled a new figure of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal. The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, displayed in the exhibit, was once embedded in his Peacock Throne.As part of the opening ceremonies, Mr. Sucher gave two fascinating presentations in the museum's new 3500 sq. ft. event pavilion. His first lecture was about the history of the Hope Diamond and how Mr. Sucher along with other scholars used precise measurements of the French Blue Diamond recovered from historical records and a software program called GemCad to virtually recreate the French Blue and the Hope Diamond in efforts to prove the French Blue (no longer in existence) was recut into the Hope Diamond. Mr. Sucher's second lecture focused on the history of diamond cutting itself. I learned that even though diamonds are considered the hardest known natural material on earth, they can be damaged if they are dropped on a hard surface and the impact point occurs along a cleavage plane of the crystal's structure. The first attempts at faceting diamonds were a result of grinding off damaged areas. Mr. Sucher included animations that clearly demonstrated how the brilliance of diamonds has improved over the centuries by the practice of removing more and more points on the raw diamond's structure. This process was faciliated in 1475 when the scaifing machine was invented.In the early 1900's diamond saws and jewelry lathes were developed enabling the "modern round brilliant" cut so popular today. This was just in the nick of time as on June 25, 1905 the largest gem-quality diamond in the world was found in Cullinan, South Africa. From this stone the "Great Star of Africa", weighing 530.2 carats, was produced.Not only was there a replica of the "Great Star of Africa" in the exhibit itself, but Mr. Sucher brought a case of replicas to the lecture and, after he finished speaking, he opened the case and encouraged attendees to pick them up. It was a thrill to hold the replica of the "Great Star of Africa", also called the Cullinan I, in the palm of my hand.These types of presentations, especially historical monologs by Mr. Stuart, are frequently scheduled at the museum and if you are going to be in the area, I would suggest that you check the museum's website for current information. In addition to the historical figures permanently on display in the museum's Smith Gallery, the work of other local and regional artists is often on display as well. Although the museum does not have its own cafe, there are some excellent restaurants within a short walk of the facility. There is a visitor's parking lot on the north side of the museum and there is no charge to park there.

I guess the figurines were my favorite. It was interesting to see how intricate the details were. I have been to small museums before and I guess I was expecting more. I did not understand all of the first exhibit with the large stuffed animal and golf ball pooping pig. I was interested in the local Indian artifacts. The stone carvings really did not interest me but I am not especially sophisticated. I did however, enjoy the small figurines. I also did not especially enjoy the sculpture garden. I think maybe they could diversify...have an exhibit room with various local artist...photographers whatever. That would interest me. It only takes about an hour to see. The staff was very friendly.

Glad we stopped by. The lady at the desk was very enthuastic and helpful. Gift shop is really, really nice with an excellent selection. Enjoyed the Stewart exhibit. Do watch the video. The artifacts from the area were interesting. We lucked out and got in free because the exhibits were being built but what we saw, we liked and recommend a visit. Great for kids.

We were just there for the Guy Webster photography exhibit. So much movie making in Ventura County.. every Western, Even Gone with the Wind was shot here.. Charlie Chaplin studios, really enjoyed the exhibit. Wish it was larger.

This was a working visit so didn't look around much, I spent my time in the research library. The two volunteers were very, very friendly and helpful.

Well worth stopping by here - its a great little museum, well laid out, with accessible displays. The displays rotate frequently so there's always something new to see. I'd recommend around an hour, possibly 90 minutes if you really want to spend time over the exhibits. And do take a look at the George Stuart Historical Figures - http://venturamuseum.org/george-stuart-historical-figures/ - I wasn't entirely sure about these when i stepped into the gallery but once you start to look at them and understand them - they are fascinating. I'd definitely recommend a stop at this museum if you are visiting Ventura

Musuem is always getting better and better. Pay it a visit when you can. The new event space is great.

When I was a little girl, my best friend's mom was the secretary of the director of the Pioneer Museum, forerunner of the Ventura County Museum of History & Art. Gone are the big glass cases and all the personal memorabilia of the old families. This small but beautifully organized museum presents exhibits pertinent to our time and locale. Local artists stage one person shows in adjacent galleries. There is a wonderful research library with helpful staff. Included are terrific photographs. The new farm implement museum in Santa Paula is absolutely enthralling with restored equipment and beautiful photographs and paintings which reflect our historical as well as continuing dependence on agriculture.

The Ventura County Museum of History and Art is the front line in Ventura's battle to overcome the image problem Ventura has when contrasted to its richer and more sophisticated neighbor, Santa Barbara. Ventura's best weapon in this struggle is the world-class display of George Stuart historical figures at the museum. With many on permanent display, and many others traveling the globe for exhibition elsewhere, these 1/4 scale figures are extraordinary works of detail and craftsmanship, reflecting tremendous research and skill. The rest of the museum is good, but not enough to help Ventura rise above the "Ventucky" insult spat by snooty Santa Barbarians.

The Ventura County Museum is a good place to learn about both the flora and fauna of the coast and Ventura's history. In particular it often has special programs in its new exhibition hall. An example was the recent presentation of live Raptors, hawks and owls, by the Ojai Raptor Center. The program was effective for both children and adults. It is a worthwhile stop on a trip up the Coast.