Plan Your Visit

Overview

Museum Hours

Please note the Museum is closed on Mondays, with the exception of federal and state holidays that fall on Mondays.

Monday:  CLOSED

Tuesday-Saturday:  10:00am–5:00pm

Sunday:  12:00pm–5:00pm

Last admittance:  4:45pm

General information

Admission

Admission Fees:

  • Adults:  $8.50
  • Seniors 65+ & College Students with valid ID:  $7.00
  • Youth (ages 6-17):  $6.00
  • Kids 5 & under:  Free

Group Pricing:

Discounts are available for group tours when reserved two weeks in advance. Please call (916) 654-1729 for rates.

Please note, the Museum has the right to alter admission fees without notice. Museums On Us, sponsored by Bank of America, provides free admission on the first weekend of every month. One free admission will be granted to visitors who present a valid Bank of America check or credit card and a valid ID.

General information

Museum Store

Museum Store Hours:

Monday:  CLOSED

Tuesday-Saturday:  10:00am–4:45pm

Sunday:  12:00pm–4:45pm

The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and closes at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The Museum is open all other major holidays.

Overview

Directions

The California Museum

1020 O Street, Sacramento. Located in the California State Archives building on the corner of 10th and O Streets in downtown Sacramento, one block south of Capitol Park.

From I-5 (North or South), take the Q Street exit. At 10th Street, turn left. The Museum is two blocks up on the right.

From Highway 50/I-80 West, take the 10th Street exit. Turn right at 10th Street. The Museum is eight blocks up on the right.

1020 O Street Sacramento, CA 95814
General information

Parking

Parking is free on weekends and holidays. Look for the Museum Parking signs indicating the lot directly across the street from the Museum, at 10th and O Streets. This parking lot is also available during after-hours events, opening at 5:30 p.m.

On-street parking is free on Sundays.

During the week, metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the Museum. There also are parking garages located within a short walk of the Museum (open Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm). Most of the garages are cash-only. They are located at:

  • Tenth Street between P and O Streets
  • Tenth Street between L and K Streets
  • Eleventh Street between O and P Streets
  • Fourteenth and P Streets
General information

Public Transportation

SACRT (Sacramento’s Light Rail system) provides direct access to the Museum via the Archives Plaza stop.

Amtrak provides convenient access to downtown Sacramento, with its station located at 4th and I Streets. It is a 12-block walk to the Museum. Amtrak passengers may take Light Rail’s Gold Line directly to the Archives Plaza stop, or a connecting Amtrak San Joaquin bus, which stops on request at the State Capitol, 1 block from the Museum.

Overview

Group Tours

Our mission at the Museum is to engage each visitor and for them to walk away from the Museum inspired by California’s rich cultural history. The Museum focuses on all aspects of California’s diverse society, thus encouraging each visitor to feel a deeper sense of belonging to the community and an appreciation for what could only be achieved in California.

We offer a variety of programs and exhibits to match each group’s interests as they plan their next California adventure.

Overview

Accessibility

The California Museum’s goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for people of all backgrounds and abilities. The Health Happens Here exhibit offers information in Braille and all videos are captioned. Texts are provided in both Spanish and English.

The galleries provide easy access for people using wheelchairs. Elevators located in the lobby provide access to the basement restrooms and to the second floor exhibits. Wheelchairs are available free of charge for use at the Museum.

Service animals are always welcome.

The Museum invites comments about how we might continue to improve our programs for all visitors. Please email us with any suggestions or concerns.

 

Overview

Frequently asked questions

Is the Museum wheelchair accessible? Are wheelchairs available in the Museum?

Yes, the Museum is wheelchair accessible including galleries, restrooms, and the courtyard. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the security desk. See Accessibility.

Are there things for my kids to do?

There are hands-on activities in the Museum that children will enjoy. Kids can learn about the state symbols as well as the state seal.  A family guide that helps engage children as they explore the Museum is available at the Admissions window.

What are the membership benefits and how would I become a member?

Members receive free admission to the Museum. Information on membership can be found here.

Is there a restaurant at the Museum?

The Gold Rush Grille is located on the second floor of the Secretary of State building. It is accessible from the Museum Courtyard, and is open weekdays until 2:30pm. Several other small restaurants located within one block of the Museum offer lunch on weekdays. See Area Attractions

Can I take pictures?

Yes, you are welcome to take pictures in the Museum, but flash is not allowed. Bright light can damage the historic documents that are on display.

Can I bring food or drinks into the Museum?

Please finish your food and drinks before you enter the Museum. Even with a lid, accidents can happen.

How long will it take to tour the Museum?

There is no set tour time, and the amount of time visitors spend varies greatly. On average, a Museum visit takes at least an hour.

Do I need to make reservations to visit the Museum?

No, reservations are not required to visit the Museum. However, reservations are required for school tours or for the group discount.

Is there parking?

Free weekend parking is available right across the street from the Museum.