The main entrance to the Crocker Museum is through the original museum building, which was built by Judge Erwin B. Crocker in 1872 as his family’s home. The grand, Italianate mansion originally included a bowling alley, skating rink and billiards room on the ground floor; a natural history museum and library on the first floor; and gallery space on the second floor to exhibit the Crocker’s private collection. The museum recently underwent a massive expansion, and re-opened in October 2010. The addition tripled the museum’s size and provides space for an atrium and event space, special exhibition galleries, education center, and more.
Established in 1885, the museum was the first public art museum founded in the West and remains a stronghold for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. AAM-accredited, the museum shows off its diverse collections of European and Asian art, California art, and international ceramic art.
Crocker Art Museum Information
- Public Transportation: Very Good (easily accessible from several bus lines; a 10-minute walk from both Blue and Gold Light Rail lines at either the 8th Street/O Street or 7th Street/Capitol Mall stops; about 6 blocks from the Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; open until 9 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month; Closed Mondays; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Admission: $6 for adults; seniors 65+ pay $4; students with valid ID $3. Free for museum members and children 6 and under. Free admission across the board on Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Membership: Memberships start at $45 for individuals and $55 for families. Membership discounts available for seniors. Benefits include free museum admission, free admission passes for guests, invitations to member-only exhibition previews, 10% discount at the museum store, and discounts on lectures and events.
