July – September 2026 Exhibitions & Events 

JULY

AMERICA’S 250th: 10% OFF ADMISSION FOR GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE
7/1/26 – 7/31/26

America turns 250 this year, and we’re celebrating all month long! Book a group of 4 or more anytime July 1-31 and save 10% on admission. There’s no better time to discover the lesser-told stories of California, the 31st state, and what they reveal about the American story. Book in advance with code AMERICA250 at checkout. For walk-up admission, mention the America’s 250th group special. Not valid on field trip tours or with other discounts or promotions. Offer only valid July 1-31, 2026. Learn more at CaliforniaMuseum.org/America250

CALIFORNIA TIME TRAVELER CAMP: SESSION 2
7/6/26 – 7/10/26

Young adventurers will explore over 150 years of history, arts and culture at 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. To learn more, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/Camp

IKEDA’S: PEACHES, PIES & PERSEVERANCE (MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT)
7/19/26

California Museum Members are invited to a behind-the-scenes experience at Ikeda’s Bakery in Auburn to discover the family, food and legacy behind one of California’s most beloved roadside landmarks. Hear the Ikeda family story firsthand from Derek Ikeda, grandson of founders Sam and Sally Ikeda, who were among the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII. Learn how they rebuilt their lives after the war to create their iconic market and then sample Ikeda’s famous pies and peaches. Reservations for this members-only event are now full. Not a member? Don’t miss out on future events like this! Join today at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Membership

AUGUST

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
8/7/26

The California Museum is looking for people who are passionate about sharing the diverse history of California, inspiring the leaders of tomorrow and working alongside a team that values community, culture and education. This free, informational event offers prospective volunteers an overview of our program and requirements, as well as the opportunity to meet staff, tour current exhibits and start training to be a volunteer. Join us for a program overview from 10-11 a.m. and an optional new volunteer orientation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to volunteers ages 16 and older with parental consent. No experience necessary. Register in advance by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5. Details will be posted by July 14 at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Events

“REFLECTING ON THE LAND” TEMPORARY EXHIBIT
8/25/26 – 10/4/26

Centering the voices, knowledge and visions of California’s Indigenous peoples, “Reflecting on the Land” challenges visitors to reckon with the stories that have shaped our understanding of this land, and those that have been left out. From the landscapes of 250 years ago to hard-won victories like the restoration of the Klamath River, the exhibit traces the living legacy of more than 200 tribes across the state and looks ahead to radical, hopeful visions of what sovereignty and self-determination can look like on this land. Thought-provoking, timely and deeply rooted in community, this is an exhibit for anyone ready to engage with California’s past, present and future on its own terms. “Reflecting on the Land” was developed by Exhibit Envoy in partnership with California Humanities, and tours through Exhibit Envoy thanks to generous funding from the 11th Hour Project, By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 and the Weingart Foundation.

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY (FREE ADMISSION)
8/30/26

In celebration of surpassing our Big Day of Giving fundraising target, the California Museum is offering free admission for all on Sunday, August 30 during regular business hours, 12-5 p.m. Stop by and explore our new temporary exhibit, “Reflecting on the Land,” on its opening weekend, then explore permanent exhibits such as “Women Inspire,” “California Hall of Fame” and more! Details will be posted by August 1 to CaliforniaMuseum.org/Events

SEPTEMBER

ALEBRIJE PAINTING WORKSHOP
9/20/26

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a hands-on alebrije painting workshop from 1-3 p.m. at the California Museum. Led by Balam Arts, this bilingual (English/Spanish) program explores the history and folklore behind alebrijes, the fantastical, vividly painted wooden figures rooted in Zapotec tradition. Then pick your very own creature and bring it to life with brushes, sponges, and acrylic paint. You’ll also take home a guide to the art and stories that have shaped Mexican culture for generations. Details will be posted by August 25 at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Events

ONGOING PROGRAMS

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS FREE ADMISSION
THROUGH 9/6/26 

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 16 (Armed Forces Day) through Sunday, September 6 at the California Museum. Please note the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. Advance ticket registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more or purchase tickets at CaliforniaMuseum.org/BlueStarMuseums 

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 2026 

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 2025-26 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 californiamuseum.org/visit/field-trips-groups/.

DOCENT ON DUTY  

Join docents Steve Sasaki and Kris Sazaki in “Uprooted: An American Story” at designated times each month. Steve and Kris will be in the exhibit, ready to share their unique family experiences of life in the incarceration camps and returning home after WWII. Available for full guided tours or quick Q&A, no reservation is needed to speak with them—just stop by the exhibit and join the conversation. View the current Docent on Duty schedule at CaliforniaMuseum.org/DocentonDuty. 

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 HALL OF FAME ARTIFACT EXHIBITION                                                      

Explore the lives and legacies of the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame in an all-new artifact exhibit featuring photos and memorabilia on loan from: John L. Burton, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Evans, Riane Eisler, Carl Lewis, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, Nobu Matsuhisa, Terry McMillan, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This year’s artifact exhibition features memorabilia on loan from the recently inducted 19th class, including Schwarzenegger’s leather jacket from 1991’s “Terminator 2,” Evans’ 1992 Olympic Opening Ceremony uniform, a clapperboard from Curtis’ 1983 hit “Trading Places,” and more. Inductees have collaborated closely with the Museum to co-curate their displays, with many contributing items from their personal collections. The California Hall of Fame exhibit also features artifacts from the posthumous inductees of the all-women 18th class of the California Hall of Fame, inducted in 2024: Julia Child, Ina Donna Coolbrith, Vicki Manalo Draves, Mitsuye Endo, Dian Fossey, Alice Piper, and Tina Turner. Learn more or plan a visit at CaliforniaMuseum.org/HallofFame. 

“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 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/.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Danielle Wood, Communications & Marketing Director 
dwood@californiamuseum.org