Museums and Galleries in Sacramento
There's a lot of history in Sacramento, and while it's not a major cosmopolitan city (a fact we locals are immensely proud of), there are also some impressive art galleries. Here are some museums and galleries to check out in and around Sacramento:
Crocker Art Museum
216 O Street, Sacramento, 916.264.5423
www.crockerartmuseum.org
Edwin Crocker was a major figure in Sacramento's history. He was a philanthropist, state Supreme Court justice, and an abolitionist. He traveled to Europe with his family and acquired a collection of hundreds of paintings and drawings. He also collected Asian art, photographs, art from California during his time, and sculptures. The Crocker is a great museum with a wonderful collection, and impressive rotating collections. Don't miss it.
California Military Museum
1119 Second Street, Sacramento
916.442.2883
In this three-story Old Sac building you will find military memorabilia dating back to 1775. Arranged chronologically, you can learn of America's military history in an interesting and entertaining way. And if you like guns, this museum contains on of the largest collections of military long-arms in the Western U.S. Very cool place.
California State Railroad Museum
Second and I Streets, Old Sacramento, 916.445.7387
www.csrmf.org
A famous and moving museum for train-lovers, and fascinating place for those even remotely interested in locomotives. Amazing photographs, 46 exhibits tracing the history of trains in America, and real steam engines (including the first and last ones built by Central Pacific). A play area for the kids, and 21 full-size locomotives in rotating display. An interactive museum, kids can climb up into rail cars, and feel a rocking car. Absolutely not an option to miss this museum.
California State Archives
1020 O Street, Sacramento, 916.653.7715
Stacks and stacks of preserved, reproduced and other archived materials of the California legislature. There are also educational and interactive elements, teaching about the California state government system.
California State Indian Museum
2618 K Street, Sacramento, 916.324.0539
This museum features all elements of Native American culture, and is the first of its kind in California. Art and craft exhibits teach of lifestyles, eating and survival habits, and social systems of America's native peoples. Absolutely stunning displays.
My favorite local art galleries:
- The Artery
207 G Street, Davis, 530.758.8330, www.arteryart.com
Local artists from Northern California. Great downtown-Davis location as well.
- 
Art Foundry Gallery
1025 R Street, Sacramento, 916.444.2787, http://www.artfoundryinc.com/index.html
Right in the middle of Sacramento's up-and-coming urban art scene. Check it out.
