Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum stands as a cornerstone of cultural life in Sacramento, offering an expansive and richly varied collection that spans centuries, continents, and artistic traditions. As the oldest art museum in the Western United States, the Crocker plays a vital role in shaping the region’s appreciation and understanding of fine art.

Founded in 1885, the museum blends historic architecture with contemporary design, creating a dynamic space where visitors can explore both classic and modern expressions of creativity. Its permanent collection includes an impressive range of California art, chronicling the state's visual culture from the Gold Rush era to today. The Crocker also holds a nationally recognized collection of European master drawings and paintings, one of the country’s most significant holdings of international ceramics, and notable works of Asian, African, and Oceanic art.

Beyond its galleries, the Crocker is a hub for lifelong learning and artistic engagement. The museum’s calendar includes an ever-changing rotation of temporary exhibitions, interactive family programs, film screenings, concerts, and community events that invite dialogue and discovery. These offerings foster connections across generations and backgrounds, reinforcing art’s power to bring people together.

At the heart of the Crocker’s mission is a dedication to cultivating an appreciation for the human experience through art. Whether encountering a centuries-old European drawing or a bold contemporary installation, visitors are invited to reflect, question, and be inspired. The museum’s educational philosophy emphasizes art as both a visual delight and a conduit for deeper thought.

Rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking in its programming, the Crocker Art Museum continues to enrich the cultural and intellectual life of Sacramento and beyond, ensuring that art remains accessible, engaging, and transformative for all who walk through its doors.