Palm Springs Art Museum (Closed Temporarily)

Excellent Oasis of Culture

It's not the size that matters. Surprisingly top notch collections, and plenty to see. Fun sculpture garden next to the cafe. Gorgeous theater and lecture hall in the basement. The enormous Sam Francis in the lobby made me very happy. More than one canvas by Picasso. A Warhol paper dress. Lots of light (and aircon). A shop with some welcome quirkiness and maps of modernist Palm Springs.

Interesting Small Art Museum

This is a very small art museum, and certainly doesn't compete with the great ones. But it is a very nice little museum in its own right. I've visited several times. Earlier this year, the museum had a special exhibition of Wayne Thibault paintings that were very interesting. There was also a special exhibition of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs. For some reason, I'm always captivated by the huge white dog sculpture in the lobby. If you are an art lover, check the museum website for any special exhibitions that might be of interest to you. This is a wonderful place to spend a couple of quiet hours, and perhaps get a bite to eat in their little cafe.