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Crocker Art Museum: A Sacramento Cultural Gem

Explore California's art history and world art at the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the West, in Sacramento.

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The Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Western United States, is located in Sacramento, California, and was founded in 1885. The museum boasts a diverse collection, including Californian art from the Gold Rush era to the present, European paintings, master drawings, international ceramics, and Asian, African, and Oceanic art.

A brief summary to Crocker Art Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-9 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wednesdays and Fridays are typically the least crowded days to visit.
  • Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum is open until 9 PM for a less crowded experience.
  • Take advantage of the 'Pay what you wish' donation program on the third Sunday of every month for free admission.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Crocker Art Museum is accessible via Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) Light Rail. The closest stops are 7th Street & Capitol and 8th & K Street. From either stop, it's a short walk to the museum at 216 O Street. Several bus lines also stop within walking distance, including Yolobus route 42B at Capitol Mall & Front Street and Capitol Mall & 7th Street. A basic fare is $2.50, and a day pass is $7. Youth and students in grades TK-12 can ride SacRT for free.

  • Walking

    The Crocker Art Museum is located in downtown Sacramento at 216 O Street, near Capitol Mall and the Riverfront Promenade. From the California State Capitol, walk south on 7th Street, then turn right onto O Street. The museum will be on your left. From Old Sacramento, walk east on Capitol Mall, turn left onto 3rd Street, and then turn right onto O Street. The museum will be on your right. Walking is free.

  • Driving

    The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. From I-5, take the J Street exit and turn right onto 3rd Street. Turn right onto P Street, then right onto 2nd Street, and finally right onto O Street. There is no on-site parking. Street parking is available, metered parking, which accepts coins, credit cards, and payment via the ParkMobile app. Parking lots are also available near the museum. Lot Y, located on 2nd Street, costs $1.50 per hour. Lot X, at the corner of 2nd and N Street, costs $15 for all-day parking or $5 after 4 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.

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Discover more about Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum, a cornerstone of Sacramento's cultural landscape, stands as the oldest art museum in the Western United States. Founded in 1885, its roots trace back to Edwin B. Crocker, a wealthy California lawyer and judge, and his wife, Margaret. During a European trip from 1869 to 1871, the Crockers amassed a significant collection of paintings and drawings. Upon their return, they transformed part of their grand home into an art gallery, opening it to the public in 1872. Margaret Crocker gifted the gallery and its collections to the City of Sacramento in 1885. The museum's collection spans continents and centuries, featuring Californian art from the Gold Rush to today, European paintings and master drawings, international ceramics, and Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The museum is housed in a building with two wings: the original Victorian house built in 1873, and the modern Teel Family Pavilion, which opened in 2010. With three floors and 15 gallery spaces, visitors can explore a diverse collection of art. The Crocker offers a variety of programs, classes, and tours for all ages. The museum also hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions.

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