Membership
Members are the foundation of our community support
As a private non-profit 501(c) 3 institution, the California Museum relies on the generosity of our community and revenue from memberships to present exhibits and programs highlighting California’s history, arts, culture and diversity.
When you become a member, you receive benefits including free admission to the Museum all year long, discounted or free admission to ticketed public programs, member discounts at the Museum Store, and reciprocal benefits at up to 1,700 institutions across North America! Additionally, your support helps the Museum continue to offer quality programming in the coming years, meeting its mission to inspire visitors to make their own mark on history.
Three levels with a range of benefits and tax deductions are available to choose from, starting at only $50.00 per year at the Individual level.
Join us today and enjoy exclusive perks, free events, and discounts, such as:
- Unlimited visits: Free admission to our award-winning signature exhibits and exciting new temporary exhibits.
- Engaging Experiences: Invitations to exciting cultural experiences and complimentary events, including exclusive members-only events.
- VIP Treatment: Complimentary tickets and exclusive perks at select public programs, like our Día de los Muertos Fiesta in the fall.
- Exploring More: Free or discounted entry at up to 1,700 museums across North America.
- Supporting What Matters: Every membership purchase supports our mission to educate the public on California’s history, arts, culture and diversity. Learn more about the California Museum’s diverse offerings and why your support matters.
For questions or assistance, contact the membership department at membership@californiamuseum.org. Thank you for your support!
Individual
Great Solo Option
Admission for 1 adult, reciprocal Time Travelers benefits & more!
1 year: $50
2 years: $90
See what’s included +
– Admission for 1 adult
– 1 personalized member card
– 1 guest pass per year
– Monthly e-newsletter
– Invitations to members-only events
– Discounted or free admission to ticketed public programs & events
– VIP perks at select events
– 10% off California Time Traveler Summer Camp
– 10% off at Museum Store* & Gold Rush Grille
– Free or discounted admission at over 400 institutions across the U.S. through Time Travelers
– 100% tax-deductible
*No stacking discounts; excludes consignment and clearance items.
Traveler
Great for Pairs
Admission for 1-2 adults, reciprocal Time Travelers benefits & more!
1 year: $70
2 years: $130
See what’s included +
– Admission for up to 2 adults
– 2 personalized member cards
– 2 guest passes per year
– Monthly e-newsletter
– Invitations to members-only events
– Discounted or free admission to ticketed public programs & events
– VIP perks at select events
– 10% off California Time Traveler Summer Camp
– 10% off at Museum Store* & Gold Rush Grille
– Free or discounted admission at over 400 institutions across the U.S. through Time Travelers
– 100% tax-deductible
*No stacking discounts; excludes consignment and clearance items.
Explorer
Best Value for Individuals, Pairs & Families
Admission for up to 2 adults, all household children under 18, reciprocal NARM benefits & more!
1 year: $120
2 years: $230
See what’s included +
– Admission for up to 2 adults & all household children under 18
– 2 personalized member cards
– Free admission for 1 guest on weekends
– 4 guest passes per year
– Monthly e-newsletter
– Invitations to members-only events
– Discounted or free admission to ticketed public programs & events
– VIP perks at select events
– 10% off California Time Traveler Summer Camp
– 10% off at Museum Store* & Gold Rush Grille
– Free or discounted admission at over 1,700 institutions across the North America through Time Travelers & & North American Reciprocal Museums Association including the de Young Museum, Walt Disney Family Museum, California State Railroad Museum, & California Automobile Museum.**
– 100% tax-deductible
*No stacking discounts; excludes consignment and clearance items.
Hear from our members
Discover the magic of California’s history! Hear from some of our members about why they love the California Museum and its vital role in celebrating the people and history of the Golden State.
2026 California Museum Member Programming Calendar:
Saturday, January 24 – Exploring Sacramento’s Lost Japantown
Complementing the California Museum’s “Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown” exhibit, local historian and Preservation Sacramento President William Burg will lead two tours, offering members of both organizations the opportunity to explore a once thriving community that was later erased by redevelopment.
Saturday, February 7 – Where They Walked: Black History Walking Tour
Celebrate Black History Month with a members-only walking tour of Sacramento’s historic West End. Discover the stories of Black pioneers, entrepreneurs, abolitionists, educators, and cultural leaders who helped shape the capital city and California itself. Walk the streets where they lived and worked, and explore the lasting impact they made on our shared history.
Saturday, March 28 – Encore Tour – Exploring Sacramento’s Lost Japantown
In this encore program complementing the California Museum’s “Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown” exhibit, local historian and Preservation Sacramento President William Burg will lead two additional tours. Members of both organizations are invited to explore the story of a once thriving community later erased by redevelopment.