Autry National Center of the American West Opening Sept. 24 Siqueiros in Los Angeles. Through Nov. 7 The Art of Native American Basketry: A Living Tradition. Tu–F 10 am–4 pm; Sa–Su 11 am– 5 pm. $3–$9, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, 323.667.2000 Map northwest of A1

Bowers kidseum Children's museum with a focus on ethnic arts and culture. Tu–F 10 am–3 pm; Sa–Su 11 am–3 pm. $6, under 3 free. 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.480.1520 Map G13

Bowers Museum Dedicated to preservation and exhibition of world cultural fine arts. Sept. 4–Nov. 14 Weird and Wonderful: Celebrating 75 Years of Collecting at Bowers. Ongoing Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Island; Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt. Tu–Su 10 am–4 pm. $9–$12, under 6 free. Additional admission for certain exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13

Fullerton Museum Center Through Oct. 10 Kegged, Casked, Bottled or Canned: 10,000 Years of Beer. Opening Oct. 23 Hungry Planet: What the World Eats. Continuing Solid Design: Leo Fender's Telecaster. Tu–Su noon–4 pm, Th until 8 pm. $1–$4, under 6 free. 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545 Map A3

Getty Center Superb museum is housed in stunning structure on West L.A. hilltop, features breathtaking contemporary gardens and European masterpieces. Call for exhibition schedule and hours. Free. Parking $15, free after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles., 310.440.7300 Map northwest of A1

Getty Villa The Getty Center's exquisite coastal counterpart is a replica of an ancient Roman seaside villa, an ode to splendor showcasing Roman and Greek antiquities. W–M 10 am–5 pm. Free, parking $15. Advance timed tickets required. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.440.7300 Map northwest of A1

Huntington Beach IntERNATIONAl Surfing Museum Board culture. M–F noon–5 pm; Sa–Su 11 am–6 pm. Free. 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.3483 Map N8

Irvine Museum California Impressionism within office building. Tu–Sa 11 am–5 pm. Free. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565 Map J14

Laguna Art Museum Focuses on regional art, especially California impressionism, and contemporary cultural art. Through Oct. 3 Art Shack. Opening Oct. 31 John Paul Jones; E. Roscoe Shrader; Sean Duffy: Searcher. Daily 11 am–5 pm. $12–$15, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15

LYON AIR Museum New. Displayed are some of the world's rarest operational 20th-century aircraft and other historical vehicles; located on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. Daily 10 am–4 pm. $4–$8, under 5 free. 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585 Map J13

Mission San Juan Capistrano Exhibits at the
jewel of the California missions (1776). Opening Nov. 5 Lewis & Clark. Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 8:30 am–5 pm. $5–$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17 missionsjc.com

MUZEO Through Sept. 5 Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. Opening Sept. 16 Miradas: Mexican Art From the Bank of America Collection. Opening Oct. 10 Divine Reflections: Russion Icons and Artifacts. In historic Carnegie Library building. Daily 10 am–5 pm. $9–$13. Admission fees, hours subject to change by exhibition. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936 Map H10

Newport harbor nautical museum Continuing Sea of Adventure. Museum relocates near Balboa Fun Zone, becomes ExplorOcean. Su-Th 11 am-6 pm, F-Sa 11 am–7 pm. Suggested $5 donation. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915 Map N14

Orange County Museum of Art California art from 20th and 21st centuries. Through Sept. 19 15 Minutes of Fame: Portraits From Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol; New Art for a New Century: Recent Acquisitions 2000-2009; Charles Long: 100 Pounds of Clay. Opening Oct. 24 2010 California Biennial. W–Su 11 am–5 pm; Th until 8 pm. $10–$12, under 12 free. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122 Map L15

Pretend City Children's Museum This child-size town of firefighters, master chefs, rock stars and doctors centers around one thing: children learn best when they are actively having fun. The creative minds behind Pretend City have spent the last 12 years designing a fun and educational playground, helping children learn through whole-body experiences. The museum's foundation rests on the findings of developmental psychologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, combined with extensive research on early childhood education and brain development, plus years of experience working with children. Infants to eight-year-olds can dress in costumes and make their way around the city, from the grocery store to the construction site to the amphitheater, with their grown-ups in tow. Through role-play based onreal-world experiences and social interaction with other Pretend City residents, children will have the opportunity to build better brains and expand their world. Tues.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $2–$10. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6 www.pretendcity.org