Founded in 1885, Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum is the longest continuously operating art museum in the West. The personal collection of the Crocker family is on permanent display, and the museum hosts many rotating exhibits during the year. Past exhibits have included art by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Japanese photography from SFMOMA, and historical antique quilts. There are paintings, sculptures and ceramics to name a few. Items include modern works, as well as pieces from the 1600s and earlier. Anyone with an appreciation for art will enjoy visiting the museum.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Crocker Art Museum
The best time is any weekday. Even with the occasional school field trip, the museum will be less congested and more quiet during the week to allow for deep study of the displays.
The worst time is Free Admission Day, when it's extremely crowded.
Must See/Do at the Crocker Art Museum
The original building is a must. It is the actual home of the historic Crocker family who were involved in both the building of Sacramento's railroad and with banking. It is a Victorian era structure, with rich woods and hand carved details. Both the grand ballroom and the display of china settings from the 1700s are here.
The basement of the original building houses the Waldorf-inspired children's art area. Kids can create projects, put on a puppet show or read books. There is an interactive touch screen wall on which to 'paint'.
Do not miss the Wayne Thiebaud paintings in the new building. Thiebaud is a local treasure known for his images of commonplace things such as gumball machines, pies and lipsticks.
Admission to the Crocker Art Museum
Prices range from free to $10. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays (except Labor Day) and the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Every third Sunday of the month is a free admission day, or if patrons would like, they can pay what they wish.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Crocker Art Museum
There is plenty of metered street parking (quarters) near the museum, as well as a small paid lot (VISA and debit cards). There is a row of paid (VISA and debit cards) parking spaces on the far west of the new building. Additionally, the Westfield Mall has a paid parking garage, and nearby Old Sacramento has both metered street parking and a paid parking garage.
The meters and the lot near the museum are free after 6:00 p.m. during the week, and free all day on Sunday. The lots and meters are owned and operated by the City of Sacramento.
A more detailed breakdown, including bus schedules, can be found here.
Food at the Crocker Art Museum
There is an on-site cafe in the new building. Visitors can enjoy bottles of water, tea or juice. There is also a barista to create coffee drinks. Food includes sandwiches, salads, fruit and bags of chips.
Full-service dining is available for parties of 10 or more with a 72-hour advance reservation. Please call 916-808-1865.
Members receive 10% off cafe purchases. Museum admission is not required to dine at the cafe.
Other dining options can be found in the nearby downtown area, including both Old Sacramento and Westfield Mall.
If a picnic lunch is desired, there is a shaded park across the street from the museum.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Crocker Art Museum
Enrolling in basic memberships will give visitors a 10% discount on entrance, cafe dining and gift shop purchases. Enrollment in Associate Membership level and above will give visitors free admission to not only the Crocker, but 600 other museums around the nation, as well as express admission during peak hours and discounts on programs and studio art classes.
The museum is wheelchair accessible. There are three elevators that service all three levels of the museum, the restrooms are accessible, and there are accessible drinking fountains on every level. The museum is architecturally barrier-free.
The museum is also available for everything from child's birthday parties to weddings.
Author's bio: Shawna McGregor-King is a freelance writer in the greater Sacramento area who can also be found traipsing through Tamriel in her spare time.