San Jose isn’t well known for it’s museums but they do have some gens.

Rosicruciann Egyptian Museum (History) This is a great place to learn about the ancient Egyptians. Some of their religion is alive and well being practiced by the Rosicrucians.

Japanese American Museum (History) This museum showcases unique collection of permanent and rotating chronically more than a century of Japanese American history.

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum (History) The stately 1854 Casa Grande manor sets the stage for visitors to discover the significance of local mercury mining to the California gold rush, the evolution of processing cinnabar into mercury, and the lifestyles of mining communities at New Almaden.

San Jose Museum or Art (Art)

The Tech Interactive Museum (Science) Much like the Exploratorium in SF, this museum offers many science interactive science exhibits. As a bonus they have an IMAX theater.