UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History

The Fowler Museum features global arts and cultures with an emphasis on works from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and United States. The mission of the UCLA based museum is to enhance understanding of people, culture, and religions of the world through the displays and exhibits. The Fowler provides exhibitions and events for the UCLA community and the people of Los Angeles and beyond.

The museum was established in 1963 by UCLA Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy as the Museum and Laboratories of Ethnic Arts and Technology. It was first housed in the basement of Haines Hall on the UCLA campus. The goal of the new museum was to consolidate the collections of non-Western art and artifacts on campus. In addition to active collecting, the museum initiated research projects, fieldwork, exhibitions and publications.

In 1971 the museum changed names to the Museum of Cultural History. In 1975 it ranked among the top four university museums in the country. In 2006 the name of the museum officially changed to Fowler Museum of UCLA. The location also has a store where merchandise can be purchased. Fowler is open Wednesday thru Sunday from noon 5 pm. K-12, private, and family visits can be arranged by calling the museum office ahead of time.