The Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public museum dedicated to the exhibition and study of global arts and cultures, with an emphasis on the visual and material cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Established in 1967 as part of UCLA’s Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance, the museum serves both the university community and the general public.
History
The museum is named after Charles and Trude Fowler, who provided significant financial support for its founding. Initially housed in a modest space on UCLA’s campus, the Fowler Museum moved in 2006 to a purpose‑built facility designed by architect Wurster, Dean & Anderson. The new building, covering approximately 23,000 square feet, provides galleries, a conservation laboratory, an education center, and public spaces.
Collections
The Fowler Museum’s permanent collection comprises over 12,000 objects, including artifacts, textiles, ceramics, masks, costumes, and contemporary artworks. The collection is organized into four primary geographic regions: the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Notable holdings include pre‑colonial Andean metalwork, West African ceremonial objects, Southeast Asian textiles, and contemporary works by Indigenous and diaspora artists.
Exhibitions and Programs
The museum presents rotating exhibitions that combine scholarly research with public engagement. Exhibitions often explore themes such as cultural exchange, identity, and social justice. In addition to exhibitions, the Fowler Museum offers educational programs, lectures, workshops, and community outreach initiatives aimed at diverse audiences, including K‑12 students, college students, and the broader Los Angeles community.
Governance and Funding
As a component of UCLA, the Fowler Museum receives funding from the university, state and federal grants, private donations, and membership contributions. The museum is overseen by a director and staff of curators, educators, registrars, and conservators. An advisory board comprising scholars, artists, and community leaders provides strategic guidance.
Architecture
The museum’s building features a contemporary design that integrates natural light and flexible gallery spaces. Sustainable design elements include energy‑efficient systems and environmentally responsible materials. The layout allows for both large‐scale installations and intimate display cases.
Affiliations
The Fowler Museum collaborates with other cultural institutions, academic departments, and research centers. Partnerships facilitate traveling exhibitions, joint research projects, and shared educational programming.
Public Access
Open to the public six days a week, the museum provides free general admission, with additional fees for special events and some ticketed exhibitions. Facilities include a museum shop, accessible restrooms, and a café.
Mission
The museum’s stated mission is to “increase understanding and appreciation of world cultures through the presentation of scholarly exhibitions and public programs that foster dialogue, education, and cultural exchange.”
