You don't have to spend a bundle for a cultural or civic experience that enlightens the mind and lifts the spirit. Here are 15 more low-cost attractions:

Tech Museum of Innovation: The museum is focused on technology - how it works and the way that it is changing the ways in which we work, live, play and learn. Located at 201 South Market Street in downtown San Jose. Admission is $8 for seniors and $9 for adults under 65. For information, see www.thetech.org or call (408) 294-TECH.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: Architecturally inspired by the Temple of Amon at Karnak, the museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in the Western United States. Located at 1342 Naglee Avenue in San Jose. Admission is $7 for seniors and $9 for adults under 65. For information, see www.egyptianmuseum.org.

Judah L. Magnes Museum: The museum explores the vitality and complexity of Jewish life and culture, through exhibitions of fine arts and ceremonial objects and innovative educational programs. Located at 2911 Russell Street in Berkeley's Elmwood District. Admission is free, with small contribution requested. For information, see www.judahmagnesmuseum.org or call (510) 549-6950.

Contemporary Jewish Museum: The museum features art exhibitions and programs that explore the Jewish spirit and imagination. Located at 121 Steuart Street (between Mission and Howard streets, one block west of The Embarcadero) in San Francisco. Admission is $4 for seniors and $5 for adults under 65. For information, see www.jmsf.org.

Arion Press: Tours of the deluxe bookbinding and printing facility are conducted every Thursday at 3 p.m. Cost is $7. A gallery of artist works is on display Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at no charge. Located at 1802 Hays Street (behind the abandoned Public Service Health Hospital) in the Presidio of San Francisco. For information, see www.arionpress.com or call (415) 561-2542.

Crown Point Press: This printshop, which focuses on etchings, has an exhibitions gallery that is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 20 Hawthorne Street (between 2nd and 3rd streets) in San Francisco. Admission is free. For information, see www.crownpoint.com or call (415) 974-6273.

Headlands Center for the Arts: The center hosts an eclectic array of public programs throughout the year, bringing experimental artists of different disciplines together for conversations, performances, film screenings, readings and more. Events often include dinner with the featured artist(s). Located at Fort Barry in the Marin Headlands. Admission to most programs is $8 for seniors and $10 for adults under 65. For information, see www.headlands.org or call (415) 331-2787.

City Arts & Lectures: Lectures and onstage conversations with leading figures in the world of art and ideas. Most programs are held at the Herbst Theatre, located at 401 Van Ness Avenue (at McAllister) in San Francisco's Civic Center. Tickets for most events cost about $20. For information, see www.cityarts.net.

Magic Theatre: One of the most prominent theatres in the nation dedicated solely to development and production of new plays. Located in Building D at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Seniors (age 62 and over) get $5 off regular price advance tickets. $10 rush tickets are also available for seniors beginning 30 minutes before curtain. For information, see www.magictheatre.org or call (415) 441-8001.

Cal Performances: Features a wide variety of music and dance. Ticket discounts available for people aged 65 and above. Performances are held in Zellerbach Auditorium on the UC Berkeley campus. For information, see www.calperfs.berkeley.edu.

Golden Gate's spectacular Conservatory of Flowers was re-opened in 2003, following a $25 million restoration.
A visit to the Conservatory is like a mini tropical vacation (without the bugs).

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi: Free concerts every Sunday at 4 p.m., featuring guest artists and the shrine's own musicians in performances of choral and organ music. The acclaimed Schola Cantorum choir sings (Gregorian Chant, Renaissance polyphony and a variety of other liturgical music) for the 12:15 p.m. Solemn Mass and for Solemn Vespers at 3:15 p.m. on Sundays, and for other concerts throughout the year. Located at 610 Vallejo Street (at Columbus) in San Francisco. For information, see www.shrinesf.org.

Conservatory of Flowers: A living museum of tropical plants, housed in a recently renovated glass jewel of Victorian architecture. Located on John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. Admission is $3 for seniors and $5 for adults under 65. The Conservatory is free to all visitors on the first Tuesda of each month. For information, see www.conservatoryofflowers.org.

Filoli Center: A 654-acre estate featuring a Georgian mansion and formal garden. Located at 86 Cañada Road in Woodside. Admission is $10 for adults (includes self-guided and guided tours). For information, see www.filoli.org or call (650) 364-8300. Note that Filoli is closed from November through January.

California Academy of Science & Steinhart Aquarium: Admission is free the first Wednesday of each month. Other days, admission for seniors is $4.50 and $7 for adults under 65. For information, see www.calacademy.org or call (415) 321-8000. Note that the academy is located temporarily at 875 Howard Street (between 4th and 5th streets) in San Francisco.

Oakland Zoo: Nestled in the rolling hills of Knowland Park, the zoo features 440 native and exotic animals living in naturalistic habitats. Located at 9777 Golf Links Road (off Highway 580) in Oakland. Admission is $5.50 for seniors and $9 for adults under 55. For information, see www.oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525.

(This article originally appeared in the Fall 2004 issue of Bay Area Summit)

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