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Crocker Art Museum: Sacramento's Artistic Heart

Explore California's artistic heritage at the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the West, featuring diverse collections and exhibitions.

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The Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Western United States, has been a cultural cornerstone of Sacramento since 1885. Housing a diverse collection from Californian art to European master drawings, it offers a rich and varied artistic experience.

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

  • Visit on the third Sunday of the month for 'Pay What You Wish' day.
  • Explore the museum's family-friendly areas like Tot Land and The Story Trail for engaging art experiences for kids.
  • Check the museum's calendar for drop-in events, workshops, and guided tours.
  • Take advantage of the free admission for youth and students in grades TK-12 on SacRT.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the California State Capitol, walk south on 10th Street, then turn right onto O Street. Continue for approximately six blocks. The Crocker Art Museum will be on your left. The walk is about 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Sacramento Regional Transit Light Rail to the 7th & Capitol Station (SB). From there, walk south on 7th Street, then turn right onto O Street. The museum will be on your right. Alternatively, several bus lines stop within walking distance of the museum, including Yolobus 42B. A basic fare is $2.50, and a day pass is $7.

  • Driving

    From I-5, take the J Street exit and turn right onto 3rd Street. Turn right onto P Street, then right again onto 2nd Street. Turn right onto O Street. The museum will be on your right. Street parking is available, metered through ParkMobile. Several parking lots are also nearby, including Lot Y on 2nd Street ($1.50 per hour) and Lot X at 2nd and N Street ($15 for all-day parking, $5 after 4 PM on weekdays or all day on weekends). Metered parking costs vary.

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Discover more about Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum, located in downtown Sacramento, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural history. Founded in 1885, it holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the Western United States. Its origins trace back to Edwin and Margaret Crocker, who amassed an impressive collection of European paintings and drawings during their travels in the late 1860s. Upon their return, the Crockers established an art gallery in their mansion, opening it to the public in 1872. Margaret Crocker's donation of the gallery and its collection to the city in 1885 marked the birth of the Crocker Art Museum. Today, the museum comprises the original Italianate-style gallery and mansion, alongside the modern Teel Family Pavilion, which dramatically expanded the museum's size in 2010. The Crocker's collection spans centuries and continents, showcasing Californian art from the Gold Rush era to contemporary pieces, European paintings and master drawings, and international ceramics. Visitors can explore works by European masters, view American art, and discover collections of Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

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