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10 Great Ways to Enjoy the Holidays at OMCA

While you and your loved ones are around this holiday season, stop by OMCA for a break from all the hubbub. With new exhibitions on view, special hours, and treats for yourself and your loved ones, check out these great ways to spend your holidays at the Museum of Us.

1. Get in extra time. It’s even easier for you to come enjoy the Museum during the last week of December with our special holiday hours. We’re open Monday and Tuesday, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and are even staying open late on Fridays with special hours in Blue Oak café. 

2. Try our new exhibition on for size. Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture has its West Coast premiere at OMCA on December 22. Don’t miss your chance to check out over 140 iconic sneakers, from rare collectibles from brand-name manufacturers to selections from renowned sneaker collections. Reflect on these fashion staples and cultural icons that transcend generations and socioeconomic status.

3. Feel empowered. Make a date to see All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50, the blockbuster exhibition in OMCA’s Great Hall exploring the legacy of this revolutionary group. Through art, music, media, storytelling, rare objects, and ephemera, learn about the way these activists continue to influence social movements today.

4. Go into overtime. With the final weeks of Oakland Pride, Warriors Pride upon us, check out this popular installation in the Gallery of California History, with sneakers from players like Festus Ezeli and Klay Thompson and an original 2015 Championship Ring. Tell us what the Warriors mean to you and for Oakland.

5. Pick up last minute gifts. Get that last person crossed off your list with the OMCA Store‘s wide selection of awesome gifts, including discounted items from the exhibition Altered State: Marijuana in California and an array of Black Panthers and sneakers-inspired swag. Local artistanal crafts, cards, and books, as well as a broad selection of toys and educational games for kids make this a one-stop-shop for all your holiday needs.

6. Get a little something extra with your Membership. Join now—just in time for the New Year—and get an awesome benefit: all 18 Bay Area Detour audio tours for free! Already a Member? Get a Gift of Membership for a friend and they’ll enjoy this great benefit for free along with your purchase.

7. Get ready for the rummage sale of your life. Tickets for the White Elephant Preview Sale—the biggest and best rummage sale in Northern California, on January 29—are going fast. Make sure to pick yours up at the OMCA Store during your visit, or get ’em online at WhiteElephantSale.org.   

8. Revisit a family favorite. Get cozy in the Gallery of California Natural Sciences with Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact, extended by popular demand. Learn about the difference between honeybees and native bees, try on a beekeeper suit, and even make your own menu inspired by foods that these powerful pollinators make possible.

9. Give a little something back. Right now you can contribute to both the Mayor’s Toy Drive and the Alameda County Community Food Bank drive at OMCA through the New Year. Bring in canned goods or wrapped toys to the collection bins on Level 2 and help share the holiday joy with your community.

10. Plan to party in the New Year. Friday Nights @ OMCA is on hiatus till January 20, 2017, but we’re still here for you on Fridays! Come after work or with the kids for special extended hours through 9 pm on Fridays.

What’s your plan to holiday at OMCA this year? Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to doing with friends and family at the Museum.