The Lafayette Museum of Fine Art, Inc. 501c3 was founded in 2016 with a large collection of 17th and 18th century European art collected over 60 years, along with an interesting selection of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai antiques. It has been augmented by another collection of vintage photography, contemporary oil paintings, and graphics. The collection became so large that it became essential to share it with the public. The combination of all these treasures from different parts of the world is meant to engender thoughtful respect for the intersection of the various cultures they represent. The obvious message is that beauty transcends politics. 

The new location on Cricket Hill is meant to be interactive and engaging. After strolling through the six-acre botanical gardens, which feature rare, unusual plants, a visitor might enjoy the picnic tables beneath the trees, cooking demonstrations of different ethnicities, traditional tea ceremonies in the Henry Matsutani tea house, reading in the lending library, or learning fun art projects in the large crafts hall.

COVID-19 decreased inside lectures and events, so the Museum reached out to broadcast its message of art through murals that engender both the understanding and performance of art as well as the idea of social justice and equity. These murals hang in several schools, the county courthouse, and even the Marine Mammal Center. The museum is coordinating with different youth projects to project these murals along with lost Afghani and Ukranian art onto buildings at night. Altogether, this combination of elements is meant to engage the entire community and bring peaceful unity.

The Museum and Botanical Gardens are open to the public free of admission by appointment.

Hours: Wednesdays, noon to 4 pm (please call to arrange a tour).

Open Monday through Sunday by appointment.

You may call 415-830-1215 to ask questions or arrange your private tour.