Your Guide to Visiting the Riverside Art Museum and Cheech Marin Center

Found within the heart of downtown Riverside, the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) and the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are exquisite treasures offering a unique exploration of art and culture. From contemporary ceramics to vibrant abstract paintings, these locations deliver an unmatched experience for art enthusiasts, residents, and visitors alike.

Located at 3425 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA, 92501, the Riverside Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., ensuring ample opportunity for exploration. Keep in mind that walk-in ticket sales cease 45 minutes before closing time. With its wide array of exhibits and education programs, RAM is an art mecca attracting a diverse audience.

A short walk away at 3581 Mission Inn Ave., you'll find The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. As part of RAM, this hub dedicated to Chicano art and culture, showcases the work of a range of artists, including those from Cheech Marin’s renowned collection. Please note, installation processes may affect access to certain sections, so check their website for real-time updates.

Admission, which covers entry to both the museum and center, ranges from free (for military personnel and children under 12) to $15.95 for adults. Discounts are available for seniors, educators, and students, making the museum accessible to a wide demographic.

Three key exhibits run this year. The first, "Ceramic Beacon," showcases the work of renowned artist Joan Takayama-Ogawa until July 9, 2023. Takayama-Ogawa's ceramics blend humor, color, pattern, and form into an engaging narrative. Her work prompts reflection on significant contemporary issues, ranging from the housing crisis and fossil fuel dependency to the pandemic and human-induced species loss.

The second exhibit, "Colliding Visions: Contemporary California Collage," runs from May 18 to October 15, 2023. Featuring 25 works from five Southern California artists, the collection offers a visually captivating dialogue about identity, race, gender, and memory.

Finally, an art-lover’s trip to Riverside isn't complete without a visit to the Paulden Evans’ exhibit. Showcasing a series of recent abstract paintings and sculptures, this exhibit is a must-see. Evans' use of salvaged metals to create layers of colors and textures is stunning. This exhibition runs until October 1, 2023.

RAM's dedication to art education is evident in its diverse programs for children and adults alike. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking for inspiration or a visitor eager to learn more about art, RAM provides a plethora of opportunities to engage with the art world.

RAM and The Cheech are not just museums – they are vibrant community hubs fostering appreciation for diverse art forms. These two interconnected institutions truly embody the spirit of Riverside's rich cultural landscape, offering enriching experiences for all visitors. So, why not plan your visit to Riverside Art Museum and the Cheech Marin Center today? You won't be disappointed.