Livermore museums are a great way to learn about the rich history and background of this special city in Northern California. There are notable art museums and historical sites in Livermore that residents and tourists can both enjoy.

Here’s an overview of the historical sites you’ll find in Livermore:

Carnegie History Center Museum

The Carnegie History Center Museum building was originally the location of Livermore butcher Peter McKeany’s slaughterhouse and corrals. The current building was built as the City's Library through a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, local contributions, and City taxes. The Library's doors first opened to the public in May of 1911. In 1966 a new facility was built near the current Civic Center on South Livermore Street as the new home of the City Library. This museum has shared a building with the Livermore Heritage Guild and Livermore Art Association since 1974. It is a great place to start learning about local history.

The Carnegie Museum is located at 2155 Third Street in Livermore and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A docent is always in attendance to assist visitors with access to information in our archives.

The History Center is located in the Carnegie Building. The History Center contains displays and information on Livermore's past. The History Center has guided, walking tours of the historic business and residential areas in Livermore. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you need assistance, a member of the Livermore Heritage Guild will available to help you.  Also in the building is an art co-op.
 

Ravenswood Historic Site

Ravenswood was built by Christopher Buckley Sr. in 1889.  The property has been carefully and accurately restored to its original grandeur.  Ravenswood is on the National Register of Historic Places, a State of California Historical Point of Interest and a City of Livermore Historic Preservation Landmark Site. This is famous local historic site was one of Livermore’s first vineyards. The vineyards and amazing wine of the area shaped the character of this unique city. Tours are given by docents dressed in 1890s period costume and are free to the public. Open second and fourth Sundays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The Duarte Garage & Lincoln Highway Museum

Those who love antique and classic cars must visit this excellent museum. The museum has numerous events during the year and showcases beautiful automobiles from different eras.

The Duarte Garage was built in 1915 by F.H. Duarte on the original Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental U.S. Highway.  The garage sold gasoline and oil products and also served as a repair shop. In 1923, the south half of the garage was added and became an automobile dealership, selling Durant Star and Flint models.  Robert Livermore Jr. was one of the salesmen in the early 1920s. The Duarte Garage and Lincoln Highway Museum is open on the third Sunday of each month. The Annual Heritage Guild Dinner and Auction is held the Saturday evening of Memorial Day weekend and is a beloved event for people from near and far. 

Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is located in the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Center offers insight on the lab’s history and gives a good overview on different aspects of science and technological advances. The lab is known worldwide for its research and tools. The Lawrence Livermore Lab also happens to be one of the biggest employers in the Livermore area. The Center is open Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.