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Crocker Art Museum: A Sacramento Treasure

Explore California's oldest art museum, featuring a diverse collection from Californian art to European masterpieces in a historic setting.

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The Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum in the Western United States, is a cultural cornerstone in Sacramento, California. Founded in 1885, it boasts a diverse collection ranging from Californian art to European masters, housed in a historic mansion and a modern pavilion.

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' admission.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions and events.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the museum's collection and history.
  • Explore the Museum Store for unique art-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the California State Capitol, walk south on 7th Street towards Capitol Mall. Turn right onto Capitol Mall and walk two blocks west. Turn left onto 3rd Street and walk south for three blocks. Turn right onto O Street. The Crocker Art Museum will be on your left. This walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak), walk south on 4th Street towards O Street for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus 51 from I and 7th Street towards Downtown - Florin Town Centre and get off at 7th and O Street. Continue walking onto O Street toward 3rd Street. The Crocker Art Museum will be on your right. Bus fare is approximately $2.50.

  • Driving

    From I-5, take the J Street exit and turn right onto 3rd Street. Turn right onto P Street, then turn right onto 2nd Street. Turn right onto O Street. The Crocker Art Museum will be on your right. Parking is available in nearby parking lots and garages, with rates ranging from $1.50 per hour to $15 for all-day parking. Metered street parking is also available. Check signage for specific rates and limitations.

Unlock the Best of Crocker Art Museum

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Discover more about Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum stands as a testament to Sacramento's rich cultural history and commitment to the arts. Founded in 1885, it holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the Western United States. The museum's story began with Edwin and Margaret Crocker, avid art collectors who, in the late 1860s, amassed a significant collection of European paintings and drawings during their travels. Upon their return, the Crockers transformed part of their grand Italianate-style home into an art gallery, opening it to the public in 1872. Margaret Crocker later donated the gallery and its collection to the City of Sacramento in 1885, establishing the first public art museum west of the Mississippi. Today, the museum comprises the original historic house and gallery, along with the modern Teel Family Pavilion, which opened in 2010 and more than tripled the museum's size. The Crocker's collection is remarkably diverse, spanning centuries and continents. Visitors can explore Californian art from the Gold Rush era to the present, European paintings and master drawings, a vast collection of international ceramics, and art from Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Highlights include works by Californian artists like Wayne Thiebaud and Roy Arneson, European masters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Claude Monet, and an impressive collection of German drawings. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing both established and emerging artists. The Crocker Art Museum offers a multifaceted experience, blending historical charm with contemporary art. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual visitor, the Crocker provides a space for discovery, inspiration, and appreciation of artistic expression.

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