FAQs & Accessibility
The following options are available for visitors:
No, it is possible to purchase tickets at the door. However, advance tickets are recommended. Reservations for group discounts must be made one week in advance. Please visit the Group Visits page for more information.
A minimum of 60 minutes is recommended for visitors on a self-guided tour, but the amount of time spent by individual visitors can vary greatly. A minimum of 90 minutes is recommended for group and field trip tours including a docent or special program.
No, food or beverages are not allowed indoors. There is a courtyard where you may consume refreshments.
Sorry, additional discounts on admission or tour rates are not offered to non-profit organizations.
Reduced admission is provided for group tours booked a minimum of 7 days in advance. For more information, please visit Group Visits page.
In addition, various reduced or free general admission programs are available. Please visit Special Offers & Promotions page for a list of current programs & offers.
- Visitors may take photos or videos using a handheld camera & existing light for personal use only.
- Flash photography & additional lighting are not permitted due to the potential for damage to artifacts.
- On occasion, some exhibits do not permit any photographs or video taken by visitors. Any restricted areas are indicated with signage.
- Media must coordinate all on-site coverage with a staff member in advance to conduct interviews and capture video or photographs. Press tours and on-site coverage are by appointment only. For details or to submit a request, visit the media inquiries page.
- Because the Museum is a non-collecting institution and does not own most of the items on display, authorization to film or photograph exhibits is limited to media outlets for the purpose of news coverage.
- Any commercial or other unauthorized use of any transmission, picture, film/type, writing, drawing, or other depiction or description of any of the Museum or the exhibits on display including name, graphics or logo are strictly prohibited.
Sorry, the Museum is not available for film or photo shoots.
The Museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities best suited for kids ages 6 and older. Those wanting a more structured activity for their family can choose from one of several downloadable resources.
- Signature exhibit videos include captioning and printed transcripts are provided for audio pieces.
- The Museum is wheelchair friendly, and all three levels are accessible using the lobby elevator. A complimentary wheelchair is available by request in the Museum Store on a first-come first-served basis.
- Service animals welcome.
- Please contact us for any additional accommodation you may need. Comments and suggestions on how we can enhance accessibility for visitors with disabilities are encouraged. Please contact us at reservations@californiamuseum.org
No, the Museum is a non-collecting institution and does not purchase or accept donations of artifacts.
No, the Museum cannot provide estimates on the values of historic items. For assistance with valuations, please see the Smithsonian’s appraisals page.
We’re sorry, the Museum cannot provide historic research or assistance with history projects since it does not employ research staff. Please visit the Online Archives of California for a list of institutions maintaining California-themed collections. For help with History Day projects, please see National History Day page.
The Museum offers a paid internship in our education department for currently enrolled college and graduate students under the Kim Traversi Education Fund. Applications are available in late Summer/early Fall. Check the Jobs page for updates. College students 18 years & older are also welcome to apply year round for volunteer positions. Please visit the Volunteer page for details & application.
We’re sorry, the Museum does not provide cash, guest passes, or merchandise for fundraisers.