The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, located in Kroeber Hall at the heart of the UC Berkeley campus, houses one of the world’s major university collections of human cultural heritage. Founded in 1901 with support from Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the museum’s founding vision was to build a collection that would support the university’s anthropology department and document human cultures globally.

The Collection

The museum’s 3.8 million objects represent the breadth of human creativity and culture. Displays feature artifacts from indigenous cultures across the Pacific Rim, including California’s Native American peoples, as well as items from ancient Egypt, Peru, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The collection includes pottery, textiles, tools, artwork, jewelry, ritual objects, and everyday items that reveal how people lived across different times and places. Beyond physical artifacts, the museum stewards extensive archives of photographs, film recordings, and documents that provide additional context to the collections.

Purpose and Approach

As a museum and research center, the Phoebe Hearst Museum functions as both a scholarly resource and a public space for learning. The museum works to interpret its collections in ways that honor the cultures represented and support ongoing research and teaching in anthropology and related fields. The institution’s work includes consultation with descendant communities and attention to the histories and significance of the objects in its care.

Location and Access

The museum is located in Kroeber Hall, a historic building in the central campus area. The surrounding campus provides context for the museum—visitors can explore other universities museums and campus landmarks nearby. The main collections facility includes a second location in Richmond for specialized storage and research access.

Hours and Visiting

The Hearst Museum’s gallery currently operates limited hours: Fridays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum also provides limited access to its collection for UC Berkeley research and teaching purposes, as well as for visits from tribal and descendant communities. Please contact the museum before visiting to confirm current access and any temporary closures. Contact information: (510) 643-1191 or [email protected].

Getting There

The museum sits on the UC Berkeley campus and is accessible from most campus entry points. The Downtown Berkeley BART station is about a 15-minute walk, and AC Transit buses serve the campus. Limited visitor parking is available on campus nearby. The Koret Visitor Center can provide directions and parking information.

Tips for Your Visit

Allow time to explore thoughtfully—the breadth of the collection invites hours of discovery. Audio guides or printed guides can deepen your understanding of specific objects and themes. The museum shop offers books and catalogs related to the collections. The campus setting means you can combine your museum visit with exploring other campus attractions like Sather Tower, Sproul Plaza, or the UC Botanical Garden.