California Museum
California is and has always been the land of dreams, an idyllic paradise of sun, gold, and happiness. The California Museum is dedicated to preserving the culture, history, and art of California’s citizens. Originally founded along with the Secretary of State’s office, the California Museum was and is a place to showcase state archived collections and newly curated exhibitions. Learn about every era of California history and about what makes this state a unique collection of cultures bound together by a dream.
Permanent exhibits feature Californian Indians, California Hall of Fame, and California Missions which highlights the 21 religious outposts that Catholic priests created in the 18th and 19th centuries to bring Christianity to Native Americans. Other exhibits include California’s Remarkable Women co-created with Maria Shriver, the Constitution Wall, and a new exhibit, “We Are All Californians: Stories of Modern Immigration,” an interactive, multi-media collection featuring testimonies from new Californians. Explore work by local artists, archived pieces, video collections, and the artifacts in permanent and temporary exhibitions.
California Museum guides and employees are all highly knowledgeable of the exhibits and California’s history. Docent-guided tours are always available for groups along with boxed lunch options for groups larger than ten. For groups with young children or students, pick up some activity sheets, a bear flag kit, or learn about the artifact of the month. Research resources are available for students on immigration, the California missions, Japanese Internment camps, the Gold Rush, and more. If you are looking for a venue for a private event, there are several locations at the California Museum available for rental upon request.
