As I zipped through campus on the way to meet a friend for lunch today, I drove past the Cantor Museum at Stanford University. This little gem is just off Campus Drive and is a true treasure for those of us in the Bay Area.

Founded at the same time Stanford University was founded, Cantor started as a collection of items from the travels of the Stanford Family. It has evolved into a thoughtfully designed space with curated collections and rotating exhibits, both indoor and out.

There are several reasons I enjoy this museum – it is a wonderful place to meet a friend during the week for bit of culture followed by lunch in the Cantor Café. I also love taking my children to the museum, as there is much to capture their interest, including a life-size mummy in the Egyptian collection.

And, the best part about this museum? Free admission, every day! Well, every day the museum is open, which is Wednesday through Sunday.

Even on the days the museum is closed, visitors can still spend time in the Rodin sculpture garden and view other outdoor works of art, including Stone River, a beautiful stone sculpture that is popular with the kids. I highly recommend a visit to the Cantor Museum at Stanford University!