
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Sacramento, California, United States
1. California State Railroad Museum
Discover the rich history of California's railroads. Explore vintage trains and interactive exhibits.
- Historical Artifacts: Features over 200,000 historical artifacts
- Ride-able Train: Offers a ride-able train on weekends
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for kids and adults alike
2. Crocker Art Museum
Explore American art spanning 5 centuries from the Colonial era to today.
- California Art: Features one of the world's foremost collections of California art
- Rotating Exhibits: Hosts rotating exhibits showcasing international artists
- Family-Friendly: Offers family-friendly programs and activities
3. Museum of Sacramento History
Learn about the history of Sacramento from its indigenous roots to the Gold Rush era.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits for an immersive learning experience
- Community Stories: Shares the stories of Sacramento's diverse communities
- Research Library: Houses a research library with over 30,000 books and documents
4. The California Museum
Explore the story of California through its people, events, and culture.
- Ongoing Exhibits: Offers ongoing exhibits that showcase California's history and culture
- Community Engagement: Encourages community engagement through education programs and events
- Multimedia Presentations: Features multimedia presentations for a dynamic learning experience
5. Sacramento Fine Art Center
Support local artists and explore various art forms at this community art center.
- Art Classes: Offers a variety of art classes for all skill levels
- Art Gallery: Features an art gallery showcasing local and regional artists
- Community Events: Hosts community events, workshops, and demonstrations
6. Wide Open Walls
Experience large-scale murals by international street artists in Sacramento's vibrant downtown.
- Street Art Tours: Offers guided tours of the street art murals
- Community Engagement: Engages local communities in the creation and maintenance of the murals
- Urban Art Movement: Contributes to Sacramento's growing urban art movement
7. Powerhouse Science Center
Ignite your curiosity with interactive exhibits on science and technology.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features over 100 hands-on exhibits focused on science and technology
- Planetarium Shows: Offers planetarium shows with immersive, educational experiences
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for kids and adults alike
8. The California Automobile Museum
Explore the history of automobiles with over 140 rare and classic cars.
- Rare Vehicles: Features rare vehicles, including a 1907 Model T
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits and restored vehicle demonstrations
- Rotating Exhibits: Hosts rotating exhibits showcasing different themes
9. The Haggin Museum
Admire American and European art, as well as historic artifacts from the Gold Rush era.
- European Art: Features a significant collection of European art
- Gold Rush Era Artifacts: Showcases artifacts from the Gold Rush era, including a comprehensive collection of photographs by Carleton Watkins
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for kids and adults alike
10. Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Experience live performances of classical music and opera in Sacramento.
- Classical Music Performances: Offers a wide variety of classical music performances
- Opera Productions: Produces operas from famous composers like Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through educational programs and events
11. Tower Theatre
Enjoy live performances at this historic art deco theater in Sacramento.
- Historic Theater: Built in the 1930s, it is one of the few remaining art deco theaters in the United States
- Live Performances: Offers a variety of live performances including music, comedy, and dance
- Architectural Tours: Offers guided architectural tours during the day
12. The Gold Discovery Museum
Learn about the discovery of gold in California and its impact on Sacramento.
- Gold Rush History: Features artifacts, photos, and interactive exhibits showcasing Gold Rush history
- Simulated Gold Panning: Allows visitors to simulate gold panning in a controlled environment
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for kids and adults alike
13. The Museum of Slavery & Freedom
Explore the history of slavery and freedom in the United States with a focus on California.
- Historical Artifacts: Features over 1,500 historical artifacts related to slavery and freedom
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for kids and adults alike
- Community Engagement: Engages the community in discussions about race, equality, and social justice
14. Sacramento Zoo
Meet over 150 species of animals at this family-friendly zoo in Sacramento.
- Animal Encounters: Offers animal encounters and interactive exhibits
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species
- Family-Friendly Activities: Offers family-friendly activities and events throughout the year
15. The Sacramento History Museum
Explore the history of Sacramento from its indigenous roots to the modern era.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits for an immersive learning experience
- Community Stories: Shares the stories of Sacramento's diverse communities
- Research Library: Houses a research library with over 30,000 books and documents