As local museums continue to ramp-up, fully reopen, and welcome the community back, many favorite destinations offer plenty of must-see and must-do experiences perfect to explore this summer. In compliance with all state, city and county guidelines, most local museums have reopened in some capacity (while some have modified hours/offerings, are open by appointment only, etc.).
The community is encouraged to show support for local museums by making plans to visit their favorite destinations (or discover new ones). As a starter list, a sampling of must-see and must-do experiences and activations offered by local museums this summer include the following:
- California Museum – Developed by the California Museum in collaboration with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the must-see exhibit“Fight for the Right: 100 Years of Women Voting” continues through August 29. The limited-time exhibition features artifacts, historic photographs and interactive activities that chronicle the struggle for women’s suffrage from the mid-19th century to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, drawing parallels to the ongoing fight for women’s equality that continues today. For details, please visit www.californiamuseum.org/fight-right.
- California State Capitol Museum – Surrounding the California State Capitol is a free, must-see luxurious 40-acre park in downtown Sacramento with shady winding paths, flowers in bloom, benches, and plantings from all around the world…some of which are the largest trees of their kind in the state. And, for virtual tours inside the museum and more, please visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.
- California State Railroad Museum – Presented and curated by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), the must-see “The Magic of Scale Model Railroading” exhibit appeals to all ages and is designed to introduce and attract a new generation of scale model railroading enthusiasts. Visitors are treated to an impressive number of model train layouts and locomotives, information panels, a Timeline of Scale Model Railroading, and much more. For more, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.
- Crocker Art Museum – Organized by the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection is a celebration of beauty. The must-see exhibition revels in Tiffany’s artistry and craftsmanship, featuring 60 objects that span more than 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career. Now on view through September 12, 2021, more information is available at www.crockerart.org/exhibitions.
- Locke Boarding House Museum – Located in the historic and picturesque town of Locke, one new and must-see exhibit at the museum is titled “Locke – From Its Founding to WWII.” The fascinating exhibit offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the early Chinese residents and merchants of Locke. A sample of artifacts on display include an extensive collection of pre-war clothing, household items, tools, musical instruments, traditional Chinese medicines, and information placards. For more information, please visit http://www.locke-foundation.org/locke-museums/boarding-house-museum/.
- Sacramento History Museum – An absolute must-do experience is to take an interpretive Old Sacramento Underground tour (the cool underground spaces are especially nice on a hot summer day). Guests have the unique opportunity to explore what has been hidden beneath the city for more than 150 years, while uncovering the facts and legends that lie below historic buildings and sidewalks. Tour guests explore excavated foundations, enclosed pathways and interesting archaeology exhibits while hearing sounds of 1860 street life. Old Sacramento Underground Tours are offered Fridays through Sundays. For tour times and more details, please visit www.sachistorymuseum.org.
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park –New this summer, California State Parks is offering extended evening hours during the months of July and August. On Fridays and Saturdays, operating hours will be extended to 8 p.m. so visitors can enjoy an evening visit that often provides more shade, a nice delta breeze, and must-see sunsets during self-guided tours or the Park. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort.
- Verge Center for the Arts – To kick-start creativity, Clay Lab is a must-do, hands-on experience that is open to everyone (supplies and firings provided) on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. & Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested in “playing in the mud” can simply drop in this open lab and explore on their own or receive guidance from friendly and knowledgeable staff. For more about classes and pass options, please visit www.vergeart.com.
For more information about upcoming activities offered by Sacramento area museums, “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @SacMuseums or visit the user-friendly website at www.SacMuseums.org.
