The Essig Museum is not open to the public for unscheduled visits. Please visit during one of our public events. We can accommodate visits from Researchers, Classes, and Artists by special arrangement with the Collections Manager.
DIRECTIONS
The Essig Museum is located within the Valley Life Sciences Building on the west side of the UC Berkeley campus. The easiest approach is from downtown Berkeley along Oxford Street. Both the BART train system and the AC Transit bus system have stops in downtown Berkeley one block from campus on Shattuck Avenue.
Flying – Both the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are relatively close to Berkeley. The BART train system connects either airport to downtown Berkeley.
Driving – From north or south of Berkeley, follow Interstate 80 or 580, and take the University Avenue exit in Berkeley. Follow University Avenue all the way to the UC Berkeley campus. From east of Berkeley take California 24 west and follow signs for Berkeley, or California 4 west and connect with I80 south to the University Avenue exit in Berkeley.
Public transportation – Get off at the Downtown Berkeley BART station and walk one block east to the UC Berkeley campus. Several AC transit buses stop in downtown Berkeley – consult the AC Transit website for the most convenient bus route.
PARKING
Both UCB campus and Berkeley city are ruthless with parking tickets. There is limited public parking available at UC Berkeley parking garages between 5:00am and 2:00am (closed 2:00-5:00am) all week. After hours and weekend permits for regular campus parking lots can be purchased at an automated kiosk at West Gate (top of the crescent at the end of University and Center Streets). Metered parking is available on most streets surrounding campus, usually for two hours (except one hour for Heart Ave.) until 6:00 pm, after which it is free. There are also a few parking garages (for all day parking) scattered around downtown Berkeley. There is no need for a parking permit or authorization to be dropped off on campus at the West Circle (200 feet from the Essig Museum).
