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October-December 2022 Exhibitions & Events
OCTOBER
BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US® FREE ADMISSION
10/1 & 10/2/22
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/event/mou-2022.
THE STORIES BEHIND “BETWEEN 2 WORLDS”
10/8/22
Presented by the Center for Lao Studies, this free special event features local Lao and Iu Mien community members speaking about their personal journeys from Laos to the Sacramento area. The afternoon will include stories and a Q&A, along with music and dance performances. Light refreshments will be provided; Museum admission is not required. Find all the details and how to register at https://californiamuseum.org/event/stories-behind-between-2-worlds.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FIESTA
10/14/22
The annual “Día de los Muertos Fiesta” returns to an in-person gathering this year. Activities include a performance and ceremonial blessing by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers; live music by Mariachi Bonitas de Dinorah Klingler; food and beverages for purchase by Mayahuel; sugar skull workshops with Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls; and a “Mercado de los Muertos” featuring pop-up shops by regional artisans and artists. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/event/fiesta2022.
MUJERES INSPIRADORAS: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2022
10/14/22
Opening at the Museum’s “Día de los Muertos Fiesta,” this annual exhibit explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones through altars and artwork. This year’s all-female roster of artists, Sonya Fe, Lila Solorzano Rivera and Willow Vielguth, will create altares de muertos (altars of the dead) dedicated to actors Lon Chaney, Bruce Lee and Betty White. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/mujeres-inspiradoras-dia-de-los-muertos-2022.
SUGAR SKULL WORKSHOPS WITH ARTIST ROB-O
10/22/22
The Museum will host two additional sugar skull workshops with artist Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls. Registered guests will learn how to design and decorate “calaveras de azúcar” (sugar skulls) for “Día de los Muertos.” For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/event/sugar-skull-workshops.
BETWEEN 2 WORLDS: UNTOLD STORIES OF REFUGEES FROM LAOS
THROUGH 10/28/22
The Museum will host two additional sugar skull workshops with artist Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls. Registered guests will learn how to design and decorate “calaveras de azúcar” (sugar skulls) for “Día de los Muertos.” For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/event/sugar-skull-workshops.
CALIFORNIA IS IN THE HEART
10/29/22 – 4/29/23
“California Is in the Heart,” presented in partnership with the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at UC Davis, underlines the critical role Filipino Americans have played in our state’s history. Never-before-exhibited family photos tie into a map depicting Filipino towns across the state, while artists provide unique perspective as their work supplements a historic timeline. Additional sections celebrate the lifesaving work of Filipino nurses during the pandemic, highlight women’s role in the Fil-Am community, and address efforts to combat AAPI hate. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/california-heart.
“CALIFORNIA IS IN THE HEART” EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING
10/29/22
The California Museum will host an opening event for this all-new exhibit exploring the critical role Filipino Americans have played in our state’s history. The event offers reduced $5 admission, food and drink for purchase from Filipinx vendors and pop-up shops from regional Filipinx artisans. Find all the details and how to register at https://californiamuseum.org/event/california-heart-exhibit-grand-opening.
NOVEMBER
BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US® FREE ADMISSION
11/5 & 11/6/22
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/event/mou-2022.
THANKSGIVING — MUSEUM CLOSED
11/24/22
METAPHOR, MYTH, & POLITICS: ART FROM NATIVE PRINTMAKERS
11/25/22 – 3/19/23
“Metaphor, Myth, & Politics: Art from Native Printmakers” features 36 contemporary works on paper by 29 Native and Indigenous artists from California and around the world. The colorful and inventive pieces, all drawn from the C.N. Gorman Museum’s collection at UC Davis, reveal the diverse points of view and styles of art present in the world of contemporary Native printmaking. This exhibition is organized and traveled by Exhibit Envoy. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/metaphor-myth-politics.
MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY
11/27/22
The California Museum will join more than 1,800 museum stores across 24 countries to offer a shopping experience showcasing our broad assortment of highly curated, unique, mission-specific gifts, including books, jewelry, children’s products and souvenirs. Revenues generated by California Museum Store shoppers support the Museum’s exhibits and education programs. For more information, visit https://californiamuseum.org/event/museum-store-sunday.
DECEMBER
BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US® FREE ADMISSION
12/3 & 12/4/22
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, https://californiamuseum.org/event/mou-2022.
PRIVATE EVENT — MUSEUM CLOSED
12/13/22
15th ANNUAL CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
12/13/22
The 15th class will be inducted into the California Hall of Fame by California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The public is invited to watch red carpet arrivals from 6 – 7 pm. The induction ceremony will be livestreamed on the California Museum’s YouTube channel starting at 7 pm. The new inductees will be celebrated alongside the honorees of the 14th class, who were inducted virtually during the pandemic. Details will be added to the California Museum website at https://californiamuseum.org/california-hall-fame.
15th ANNUAL CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME ARTIFACT EXHIBIT
12/14/22 – 10/31/23
Featuring artifacts and ephemera on loan from inductees’ personal collections, this temporary exhibition explores the lives and legacies of inductees in the 15th class of the California Hall of Fame, inspiring visitors to make their own mark on history. For more information, visit http://californiamuseum.org/artifact-exhibit.
CHRISTMAS EVE — MUSEUM OPEN 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
12/24/22
CHRISTMAS DAY — MUSEUM CLOSED
12/25/22
NEW YEAR’S EVE — MUSEUM OPEN 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
12/31/22
ONGOING PROGRAMS:
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/event/museums-all-low-income-access.
CONTINUING ONSITE 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; a fur cape owned by Ishi; and more. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/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/california-missions.
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/health-happens-here for more information.
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 Californian 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/gold-mountain.
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/unity-center.
UPROOTED! JAPANESE AMERICANS DURING WWII
Highlighting members of the Sacramento Japanese American community, this exhibit presents the history of immigration and mass incarceration during World War II, as well as their successful fight for redress for the loss of constitutional rights. Featuring replica barracks and guard tower, the display includes rare artifacts along with a video introduction by George Takei, an interactive map of the incarceration sites and oral history video kiosks. For details, visit https://californiamuseum.org/uprooted-japanese-americans-during-wwii.
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/women-inspire.
FREE ONLINE EXHIBITIONS:
CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME
This all-new website explores the inspirational lives of California Hall of Fame’s 14th class inducted by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Oct. 12, 2021. Highlights include virtual exhibitions and tribute videos on Ruth Asawa, Jerry Garcia, Larry Itliong, Phyllis Lyon, Del Martin and Ritchie Valens, along with a replay of the 14th class virtual induction and more. For more information or to take a self-guided virtual tour, visit https://cahalloffame.org.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2020
Launched in November 2020, this online exhibit features original works by California artists Francisco Franco, John S. Huerta, Oscar Magallanes, David Lozeau and Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls exploring the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on November 1 and 2, which has evolved from the Aztecs to modern-day Mexico and California. For details or related programs, go to https://californiamuseum.org/dotd-2020.
FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT: 100 YEARS OF WOMEN VOTING
Featuring artifacts, historic photographs and interactive activities, this online exhibit chronicles women’s struggle for the right to the vote from the mid-19th century to the ratification of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920, drawing parallels to the ongoing fight for women’s equality that continues today. Developed in collaboration with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who served as California’s representative on the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the project launched on Aug. 26. 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification. For details or to view, go to https://californiamuseum.org/womens-vote-100-online.
INDOMITABLE: THE STORY OF TOMMY KONO
Explore the life and legacy of legendary weightlifter Tommy Kono (1930-2016) in this all-new online exhibit presented in partnership with Google Arts and Culture for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Through historic photographs, video clips and artifact images, the virtual presentation chronicles the journey of the Sacramento native Japanese American who began weightlifting while incarcerated at Tule Lake and went on to set world records in four weight classes, becoming one of the greatest Olympic weightlifters of all time. For more information, go to https://californiamuseum.org/tommy-kono.
KOKORO: THE STORY OF SACRAMENTO’S LOST JAPANTOWN
Explore the experiences of local Japanese Americans in the early 20th century in the online version of “Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown.” Featuring photographs from the private collections of community members, the exhibit documents the memories of a once-thriving community devastated first by forced removal during WWII and again by redevelopment in the 1960s. Developed in partnership with former residents of the lost neighborhood and author of “Sacramento’s Historic Japantown” Kevin Wildie, “Kokoro” was originally presented as an onsite exhibit in 2017 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, the presidential decree that led to the unconstitutional incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. For more information or to view, go to https://californiamuseum.org/kokoro.
VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS: FIRST, BUT NOT LAST
Explore the life and career of Vice President Kamala Harris in this new online exhibit launched on the eve of her historic inauguration as the United States’ first woman, first African American and first Indian American Vice President. Developed in partnership with the California State Archives, the virtual presentation documents the rise of the California native from her childhood in Oakland growing up as the daughter of immigrants to becoming the highest-ranking female elected official in American history. For more information or to view, go to https://californiamuseum.org/kamala.
WOMEN INSPIRE: CALIFORNIA WOMEN CHANGING OUR WORLD
Discover the stories of selected Golden State women from the 1700s to the present who inspire change and reflection on the ongoing struggle for equality in the online version of “Women Inspire: California Women Changing Our World.” Developed in collaboration with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the online Google Arts and Culture project launched August 18, 2020—100 years to the day Tennessee became the 36th and final state to ratify the amendment granting the women’s vote. For more information or to view, go to https://californiamuseum.org/wi-online.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:
The California Museum celebrates the Golden State’s history, arts, diversity and unique influence on the world. Established in 1998, the Museum is home to the official California Hall of Fame, Unity Center and more exhibitions inspiring visitors to make their mark on history. Located at 1020 O Street in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex, galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission is $8-10. Learn more or get tickets at https://californiamuseum.org.