October – December 2025 Exhibitions & Events

OCTOBER

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FIESTA                                                                                                                                                        
10/11/25

On Saturday, Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the California Museum’s 12^th annual Día de Los Muertos Fiesta will celebrate the opening of its new Day of the Dead-themed exhibit “Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025.” Highlights will include appearances by exhibit artists; food and drinks by Mayahuel; live music and dance performances; sugar skull workshops; craft activities and more. Fiesta tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance. California Museum members will have access to an exclusive Members-Only Lounge & Terrace along with free admission to the event. To learn more or purchase your ticket, visit Fiesta25.eventbrite.com

CLOSED FOR GENERAL ADMISSION                                                                                                                                                             
10/11/25

“RECUERDOS ILUSTRADOS: DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS 2025”                                                                           
10/11/25 – 11/16/25

Opening at the Museum’s Día de los Muertos Fiesta on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the annual exhibit explores the Mexican cultural tradition of honoring deceased loved ones each year on November 1 and 2 by creating calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls), altares de muertos (altars of the dead) and ofrendas (offerings), which has evolved from the Aztecs to modern day Mexico and California. This year’s exhibit features the work of printmaking artists Álvaro D. Márquez, Stephanie Mercado, and Daniel Villa, whose altars will be centered around the topic of immigration. Members of the public are also invited to honor friends and family members who have passed with a remembrance in the exhibit’s accompanying community altar. Learn more at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Recuerdos-Ilustrados

I LOVE SUGAR SKULLS WORKSHOPS                                                                                            
10/12/25

In two workshops from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. led by artist Rob-O of I Love Sugar Skulls, participants will design and decorate “calaveras de azúcar” (sugar skulls) for Día de los Muertos. The $25 workshop fee includes pre-made sugar skull, royal icing and assorted decorations, and personalized instruction by Rob-O, plus admission to all current California Museum exhibits including “Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025.” To register, visit SugarSkulls.eventbrite.com

NOVEMBER

FREEDOM’S ALLIES: MARY BROWN & MARY ELLEN PLEASANT                                                                                                          
11/8/25

On Saturday, Nov. 8 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., the public is invited to celebrate two women who shaped California’s fight for freedom. Don’t miss the reveal of a significant new artifact in the Museum’s “Women Inspire” exhibit: a silver-plated chalice presented to Mary Brown—wife of famed abolitionist John Brown—by a Victorian-era group of formerly enslaved people, honoring her efforts in the fight for freedom. A historical performance by Emmy Award–winning actor Dr. Susheel Bibbs will follow, bringing to life the story of Mary Ellen Pleasant—abolitionist, activist, philanthropist, and the “Mother of Civil Rights in California.” Tickets are $17 and include light refreshments and Museum admission. Learn more and get your ticket at Freedoms-Allies.eventbrite.com

THANKSGIVING – CLOSED                                                                                                                                                                               
11/27/25

MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY                                                                                                                                                                               
11/30/25

The Museum Store Association’s international museum shopping event encourages visitors to shop unique, mission-specific gifts while supporting their local museum. This year, the California Museum Store will offer patrons 10% off select store merchandise and 20% off purchases over $100. Additionally, visitors can enjoy 20% off Museum admission. Details will be posted November 1 at CaliforniaMuseum.org/visit/events-public-programs/

DECEMBER

19TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME ARTIFACT EXHIBITION                                                        
TO BE ANNOUNCED

Featuring artifacts and ephemera on loan from inductees’ personal collections, this temporary exhibition will explore the lives and legacies of inductees in the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, inspiring visitors to make their own mark on history. For more information on the California Hall of Fame, visit CAHallofFame.org

CHRISTMAS EVE – CLOSED                                                                                                                                                                              
12/24/25

CHRISTMAS – CLOSED                                                                                                                                                                              
12/25/25

NEW YEAR’S EVE – EARLY CLOSURE, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
12/31/25

NEW YEAR’S DAY – CLOSED
1/1/26

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 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 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/.

TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS

“REVOLUTIONARY GRAIN: CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF THE BLACK PANTHERS IN PORTRAITS AND STORIES”                         
6/14/25 – 12/14/25

“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. Learn more or plan a visit at californiamuseum.org/revolutionarygrain.

CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS

18TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME ARTIFACT EXHIBITION                                                      

Explore the lives and legacies of the 18th class of California Hall of Fame in an all-new artifact exhibit featuring photos and memorabilia on loan from inductees’ personal collections. Inductees in this first all-women inductee class are Julia Child, Vicki Manalo Draves, Ina Donna Coolbrith, Tina Turner, Mitsuye Endo, Dian Fossey, Alice Piper. Learn more or plan a visit at californiamuseum.org/california-hall-of-fame/18th-class/

“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/.