Best Museums & Art Galleries in Sacramento, California, United States

Sacramento, United States, Sacramento, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

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