If you haven’t been to picturesque downtown Los Gatos in a while, you may not know that the New Museum Los Gatos, or NUMU, recently took over the old library space on Main Street. This is not your run-of-the-mill museum where everything is strictly hands off, but a building full of interactive art exhibits that will definitely draw in the younger generation of art lovers. Take a look at what’s in store when you visit the NUMU.

Art for a New Generation
The moment you walk into the NUMU you can tell that you will be in for a different sort of art experience. A huge fluorescent NUMU sign welcomes you. Patrons can truly interact with many of the exhibits like “More Than Your Selfie,” an exploration of the history of self-portraits. See paintings and drawings by different artists and contribute your own expression of self by taking a selfie with one of the tablets in the exhibit or create a drawing.

Art Lovers and Sports Fans Unite
Part of the appeal of the NUMU is that is has exhibits that draw in many different audiences. Through March 27 you can see memorabilia from the 1986 Super Bowl hosted at the Stanford stadium. A TV mounted to the wall shows footage from the game and tells some of the story of how Stanford came to host this historic game. You can even see a real super bowl ring on display.

Local History Preserved
Those who grew up in the South Bay will likely have fond memories of going to Frontier Village, Santa’s Village and Lost World. These kiddie amusement parks were truly one-of-a-kind. The “It Take a Village” exhibit shares much of the history of these parks from costumes worn by employees at the park to pieces of the actual rides that were enjoyed by generations of local children. Kids will have fun putting on the cowboy hats and taking their photo in the stocks.


Photo: NUMU

The Art of Education
Beyond the art exhibits (which are changed every three months), the NUMU offers tons of events geared towards kids and families. Artists aged 12 and up can participate in the after school art studio program as they hone their drawing and painting skills. School groups can sign up for a tour and hands-on art class geared towards grades K-5. The NUMU also offers free workshops for kids a few times a year like the upcoming Digital Arts Workshop. Check their events page to stay up-to-date on all museum happenings.

Spring Exhibits Celebration
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 12 as the NUMU will be hosting their Spring Exhibits Celebration. There will be painting demonstrations, a photo booth, interactive displays and hourly tours. Bring a picnic and eat outside on the museum’s expansive and well-shaded lawn.

The Details
The New Museum Los Gatos is a great place to take the kids for an afternoon of art. Call ahead and you can even schedule your own docent-led tour which is free with admission.

A short walk away is Yogurt & Love if you are looking for a cool treat or the Purple Onion for more substantial eats. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the museum or you can often find spots on Main Street.

Hours: Wed. 1-5 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults are $9, seniors/military/students are $6 and kids 18 and under are free
Location: 106 East Main Street
Los Gatos, Ca
Online: numulosgatos.org

What are you looking forward to seeing at the NUMU? Let us know below!

–Kate Loweth

All images by the author unless otherwise noted

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