San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

Three small galleries, one being upstairs. Free admission. Most pieces appeared to be for sale. Perhaps this is how they finance the museum.
Nothing to complain about here. Snappy visit possible. Worth a quick pop-​in.

The SLO Museum of Art is a wonderful representation of the city itself — cozy, interesting and low-​key. It was a welcome surprise to find such interesting work in such a small space.
Don’t let the somewhat gaudy statue outside fool you; There will be plenty of well-​made and inspired art to find inside. I particularly appreciated the geometric installations on the first floor and the prints in the room upstairs. It’s well worth the free entry price, so check it out next time you’re in downtown SLO.

Art of the Figure: Michael Hannon & David Limrite exhibit was the best I’ve seen!!!
I don’t think it’s there anymore, which is a pity! I spent 2 hours just looking at everything. Definitely one of the best art exhibits I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many all over the world!
This place is FREE too!

At the SLO Museum of Art, they almost care more about the art viewers than the art, almost. I happened upon the gallery while meandering through San Luis Obispo’s gorgeous creek area, the «free admission today» sign immediately caught my attention. As I began to peruse the art, a curator noticed me. She let me know that a tour would be beginning soon that I might be interested in. The tour was focused on visual thinking strategies, and took a different approach to art tours than I have ever experienced. Rather than learning only the history of each relatively famous piece, the guide took us to a group of the most thought-​provoking pieces in the museum and asked our opinions. Practically unheard of, but thoroughly enjoyed. I will be waiting patiently for new exhibits.

This is a very small museum. I’m not entirely sure it should even be called a museum. With prices on some works, it has characteristics of an art gallery. There is also a flyer in the gift shop that talks about making submissions for display in the museum. The exhibits also don’t educate about the artist or period like most museums.
For those unfamiliar with SLO like me, the museum is near the old Mission and the cute mini-​riverwalk. Also, bring coins because all the parking in the area is metered.

Yes San Luis Obispo is a small town. The Art center is a small art center. The Art center is a wonderful place where many artists get to display their work. Specializing in Living Artists makes all openings extra fun as you get to meet and chat with the artist. Watch the calendar on their website and come on up for some good times.

I like the SLO art museum. Sometimes they have some great exhibits, and every time I go it’s new art. They have free admission, but donations are appreciated. I think it’s a hidden little gem in SLO. It’s kinda small, but I like it that way. It’s nothing to go wild about, but I’m glad it’s here.

Formerly the San Luis Obispo Art Center, this organization has acquired a new name, along with a plan for a new building and display space. The museum currently houses three main display areas, and features both local artists, and artists from around California. Their busy painting, printmaking, and crafts groups produce themed shows all year, and the museum also features specialized shows.
Most recently, they held a show of Plain Air painters, showing the work of artists who had traveled to the central coast to produce stunning landscapes of the local scenery. The artists were members of teh California Art Club, which was established in Pasadena in 1909 and participates in landscape painting throughout the state, and the nation.
A small photography show featured renditions of the Buddha, enhanced with photoshop and collage techniques.
For bringing world class art to the Central Coast, and for celebrating the unique beauty and talent that are found here, this new Museum deserves all of the stars!