Past Exhibits

Blasts from the past…

Earthquakes to Epidemics: Disasters Past and Future

We explore the impact of natural and man-made disasters and epidemics across the Golden State, with a look at recent and historic disasters. Discover how many disasters, epidemics, and pandemics inspired positive changes within our communities.

A History of African American Educators

The culturally rich exhibit featured two 19th century teachers who prevailed against racial discrimination by breaking down discriminatory barriers to equal education. Visitors had a unique opportunity to experience what it may have felt like sitting in an early 20th century classroom and to discover the challenges of segregated schools.

Chinese Pioneers: Power and Politics in Exclusion - Era Photographs

Through the lens of a camera, we see the struggles Chinese immigrants endured during the late 1800s through the mid 1900s and how they overcame adversity. We focus on the Delta town of Locke, built by Chinese Americans for Chinese Americans.

Día de Los Muertos

Get ready to embark on a heartwarming journey at our Día de Los Muertos exhibition, where we invite you to remember and celebrate your loved ones in a vibrant tapestry of culture and history! Running through November 10th, the colorful exhibition is your chance to dive into the rich traditions that honor those who have passed, including the remarkable contributions of early Sacramento leaders who helped shape our beloved city.

America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains

Presenting “America’s Monsters, Superheroes and Villains: Our Culture at Play,” an exhibition of vintage toys and more from SuperMonsterCity!. Featuring more than 400 vintage and original toys, comic books, games, posters, TV commercials, with iconic monsters, superheroes, and villains of American popular culture!

Liquid Gold

A new exhibit through July 28 describes the other Gold Rush, the one beer brought to Sacramento…
“Liquid Gold” celebrates Sacramento’s brewing history, which predates the Gold Rush but caught steam when the world clamored here for riches.

Contributions from 14 local area craft breweries tell the story of a trade that grew to national proportions in the late 19th Century, then resurged with craft brewing in the late 1970s.

Tattooed & Tenacious

Inked women have a long history in California and have helped popularize tattoos. Uncover the largely unknown history of women and tattoos, such as Victorian-era heiress Aimée Crocker, through photographs, personal histories, and artifacts.

The exhibit also features artwork from contemporary women tattoo artists of the Sacramento region.

Boulevard Dreams - Sacramento

Born in California, lowrider and cruising culture is quintessentially American. Sacramento has a rich history of cruising culture with more than 40 lowrider car clubs dating back to the 1970s. Our “Boulevard Dreams” exhibit introduces some of the stories of the clubs, fashion, music, and art, through memorabilia shared by local lowrider club members.

California in Print

The printed media introduced California to the world during a time when this distant land was still a captivating mystery. This collection recounts stories of adventure, hardship, discovery, and triumph, and highlights how perceptions of this new paradise evolved over time.