de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University

The de Saisset Museum at Santa Clara University is the South Bay’s free museum of art and history. The museum was founded adjacent to Mission Santa Clara de Asis on the SCU campus in 1955. It is currently one of three museums in the South Bay accredited by the American Association of Museums. Operated by the University, the de Saisset is member-supported and privately funded.

The de Saisset presents twelve to fifteen exhibitions every year that highlight the diversity of our community, address issues of contemporary society, showcase the work of recognized and under-recognized artists, and emphasize the strengths of our permanent collection. The museum also serves as the caretaker of the University’s California History Collection, which is on permanent display.

The de Saisset Museum’s permanent collection houses more than 11,000 objects collected in six main areas: California History, Mission-era liturgical vestments, decorative arts, works on paper and photography, painting and sculpture, and new media. The collection includes works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, 19th century, and modern periods as well as pieces by contemporary artists.

We offer a variety of educational programs including lectures, panel discussions, workshops and family days. In addition, the museum provides docent tours of all of our exhibitions during the regular academic year.