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April – June 2025 Exhibitions & Events
APRIL
EVENT: VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE
4/12/25
The California Museum invites prospective volunteers to attend the Volunteer Open House on Saturday, April 12. This free, informational event offers prospective volunteers an overview of our program and requirements, as well as the opportunity to meet staff, enjoy complimentary refreshments, tour current exhibits and start training to be a volunteer. Join us for an open house from 10 – 11 am and an optional new volunteer orientation from 11 am – 2 pm. Open to volunteers ages 16 and older with parental consent. Register in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11. For more information or to register, californiamuseum.org/volunteer-open-house
MAY
BLUE STAR MUSEUMS FREE ADMISSION
5/17/25 – 9/1/25
A collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and up to 5 family members from Saturday, May 17 (Armed Forces Day) through Sunday, September 1 at the California Museum. Please note the Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 5 pm. Advance ticket registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more or purchase tickets at californiamuseum.org/bluestarmuseums
EXHIBIT: 18TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME ARTIFACT EXHIBITION
Opens 5/24/25
Explore the lives and legacies of the 18th class of the California Hall of Fame in a new artifact exhibit opening Saturday, May 24. Featuring photos and memorabilia of Julia Child, Tina Turner, Vicki Manalo Draves, Ina Donna Coolbrith, Mitsuye Endo, Dian Fossey, and Alice Piper, the exhibit will celebrate the first all-women class of the California Hall of Fame in a newly redesigned exhibit space. Inductee representatives have collaborated closely with the Museum to co-curate their displays, with many contributing items from an inductee’s personal collection. Spanish language translations will be available. Learn more about the exhibit at californiamuseum.org/california-hall-of-fame/exhibitions/onsite-exhibition-2/
JUNE
EXHIBIT: “MISSION GRÁFICA: REFLECTING A COMMUNITY IN PRINT”
6/8/25 – 9/14/25
Experience four decades of powerful activist printmaking in “Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print,” a striking exhibition that showcases the rich legacy of Mission Gráfica, a renowned community print center in San Francisco. Featuring 42 vibrant screenprints from influential artists such as Carmen Lomas Garza, Rupert Garcia, and Favianna Rodriguez, the exhibit explores themes of cultural celebration, political resistance, and social justice—from gentrification and gender equality to international solidarity. With bilingual text panels and a newly published companion book, this touring exhibition offers a visually compelling and historically significant lens into the intersection of art and activism. Details will be posted by May 1at californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/temporary/
EVENT: BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE: A BLACK PANTHER PARTY CELEBRATION
6/14/25
Join us for By the People, For the People: A Black Panther Party Celebration, a powerful community event marking the opening of “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories,” an exhibition honoring the Black Panther Party’s mission and enduring legacy. Rooted in Northern California history, this day of education, culture, and activism offers a unique opportunity to engage with former Party members, gain insight into their impact beyond common misconceptions, and explore the relevance of their Ten-Point Program today. Highlights include a discussion with exhibit photographer Susanna Lamaina, a panel with Black Panther Party members, live music from Bob Jones and the Chosen Few, line dancing with Tina B., and family-friendly activities. Guests are encouraged to bring food donations for a local pantry, continuing the Party’s tradition of community care. Enjoy food from Soul Ona Roll and beverages from Urban Roots Brewery as we celebrate history, resilience, and the power of the people. Details will be posted by May 1at californiamuseum.org/visit/events-public-programs/
EXHIBIT: “REVOLUTIONARY GRAIN: CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF THE BLACK PANTHERS IN PORTRAITS AND STORIES”
6/14/25 – 11/2/25
“Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories” offers a powerful reexamination of the Black Panther Party through the lens of photographer Susanna Lucia Lamaina, capturing the faces and stories of former members decades after the Party’s rise to prominence. Unlike the widely circulated images of the 1960s that often framed the Panthers as militant and radical, Lamaina’s portraits reveal the humanity, resilience, and ongoing commitment of those who fought for justice and equality. This collection challenges historical misconceptions, presenting the Panthers not as symbols of defiance but as parents, workers, and activists who continue to shape their communities. Through these intimate photographs, “Revolutionary Grain” honors the legacy of the Black Panther Party and invites viewers to reflect on its lasting impact. Details will be posted by May 1at californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/temporary/
CALIFORNIA TIME TRAVELER CAMP: SESSION 1
6/23/25 – 6/27/25
Young adventurers are invited to explore over 150 years of history, arts and culture in the California Time Traveler Camp. Ideal for kids ages 6 to 11, this week-long day camp offers engaging learning experiences as participants travel back in time to some of the state’s significant eras. A combination of exhibit tours, excursions to nearby sites and hands-on activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily itineraries begin on Monday over 150 years ago in pre-statehood California and end on Friday in the near future that California campers will create. For details or to book a passage, visit californiamuseum.org/camp
ONGOING PROGRAMS
BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US® FREE ADMISSION
1st weekend of every month
Free admission for all current Bank of America®, Merrill Lynch® and U.S. Trust® cardholders through Museums On Us® with valid photo ID. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/visit/special-offers-promotions/museums-on-us-free-admission/.
FIELD TRIPS
Through Spring 2025
The California Museum is now booking seven unique in-person and online field trip experiences to inspire and educate students on California’s rich and diverse history and culture during the 2024-25 school year. Bring learning to life with a one-of-a-kind interactive learning experience, aligned with state standards. To learn more about each experience and how to book, visit https://californiamuseum.org/visit/field-trips-groups/.
DOCENT ON DUTY
Join docent Steve Sasaki in “Uprooted: An American Story” or docent Doreen Wong in “Gold Mountain: Chinese Californian Stories” at designated times. Steve shares his family’s experiences of life in the incarceration camps and returning home after WWII, while Doreen dives into military history and her upbringing as a Chinese Californian. Their tours are free with the price of Museum admission. View the current Docent on Duty schedule at https://californiamuseum.org/visit/events-public-programs/docent-on-duty/.
FOURTH FRIDAYS
The California Museum invites all current California state employees to visit for free on the fourth Friday of each month from 12p.m.-3 p.m. Free admission will be provided to the first 100 state employees with a current state employee ID badge who visit the Museum during the 12-3 p.m. Fourth Friday timeframe. Walk-in only. Offer does not apply to advance ticket purchases. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/visit/special-offers-promotions/fourth-fridays/.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL
Organized by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this branded access program encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Those receiving food assistance benefits can gain reduced $2 admission for themselves and up to three guests by presenting their SNAP EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/visit/special-offers-promotions/museums-for-all-low-income-access/.
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
“CALIFORNIA INDIANS: THE FIRST PEOPLE”
Initially developed under the direction of a Native Advisory Council in 2011, “California Indians: The First People” is the only exhibit of its kind in the state to present the unique contributions of California’s Native Peoples in their own voice. Through artifacts, original art, oral histories and an interactive language kiosk, the exhibit chronicles the histories and cultural legacies of over 100 tribes. Highlights include the Chipped Stone Bear, California’s official prehistoric artifact; baskets woven by Native artists; and a fur cape owned by Ishi. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/california-indians/.
“CALIFORNIA MISSIONS: A JOURNEY ALONG THE EL CAMINO REAL”
Designed to correspond with State standards for 4th grade students, this exhibit includes rare artifacts from Missions across the state, such as iron tools handmade at Mission Santa Barbara, a marriage registry document written by Father Junípero Serra, an 1893 painting of Mission San Luis Rey on an original tile from that mission and more. In addition, oral history brings this pivotal chapter of history into the present through the modern perspective of Andrew A. Galvan, the first Native curator of Mission Dolores in San Francisco. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/california-missions/.
“GOLD MOUNTAIN: CHINESE CALIFORNIAN STORIES”
Discover the overlooked but significant history and contributions of Chinese Californians from the Gold Rush to the present in “Gold Mountain: Chinese California Stories.” This ongoing exhibit explores the history of Chinese immigrants who came to California in search of a better life and helped build the modern state while triumphing over racism and other obstacles with ingenuity and perseverance. In their stories, visitors will see the contributions Chinese Americans have made to our state’s economy, governance and culture. For more information, go to https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/gold-mountain/.
“HEALTH HAPPENS HERE”
Learn how and why your zip code determines how long and how well you live in the multimedia exhibit “Health Happens Here.” Discover what Californians are doing to build health in communities across the state in this interactive journey through all the places and all the ways health happens in California. Through a series of high-tech games and interactive stations, visitors explore key factors that affect health beyond traditional diet and exercise while earning points that can be donated to one of 10 charities to make health happen for all Californians. Winner of the American Alliance of Museum’s “Excellence In Exhibition” award, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/health-happens-here/ for more information.
UNITY CENTER AT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM
Initiated in 1999 in response to a series of Northern California hate crimes and launched in 2017, the Unity Center at the California Museum celebrates the state’s diverse people, customs and cultures. Featuring multimedia exhibits exploring significant chapters of California’s civil rights history and a state-of-the-art classroom, the interactive 4,000 sq. ft. gallery encourages visitors to find common ground while embracing their own individuality. Through advocacy tools and engaging educational programs, visitors are empowered to be Unity Activists, exercising their rights and standing up for the rights of others – regardless of belief, background, identity or gender. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/unity-center/.
“UPROOTED: AN AMERICAN STORY”
Reopened in 2023, this fully rebuilt, technology-enhanced signature exhibit focuses on the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII and explores how they responded to their forced removal and incarceration, ranging from quiet endurance to heroic valor to conscientious resistance. The exhibit also highlights Japanese Americans’ ongoing efforts to ensure no other groups experience similar civil rights violations. All-new interactive displays, and never-before-exhibited artifacts from survivors supplement visitor favorites from the previous installation including a video introduction by George Takei and a replica barracks and guard tower. New features include a theater experience and an AI-based component allowing visitors to hold virtual conversations with three incarceration survivors. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/uprooted/.
“WOMEN INSPIRE: CALIFORNIA WOMEN CHANGING OUR WORLD”
Developed in collaboration with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and a statewide advisory council of historians, this all-new long-term signature exhibit features the stories of Golden State women from the 1700s to present who inspire change and reflection on the ongoing struggle for equality. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/signature/women-inspire/.