Crocker Art Museum | Sacramento

The Crocker Art Museum, located at 216 O Street in Sacramento, California, is the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1885, it holds one of the most significant and diverse art collections in the western United States. The museum is renowned for its extensive holdings of Californian art, international ceramics, European master drawings, and art from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. It serves as both a cultural landmark and an educational center for art lovers, scholars, and families.

Historical Background

The museum’s origins trace back to Judge Edwin B. Crocker, a prominent California judge and a member of the influential Crocker family associated with the Central Pacific Railroad. In 1869, while recovering from a stroke, he traveled across Europe with his family and acquired hundreds of paintings and drawings. When he returned, Crocker commissioned architect Seth Babson to construct a gallery adjacent to his mansion specifically to house his growing art collection.

After his death, his widow Margaret Crocker gifted the art collection and the building to the city of Sacramento in 1885, officially founding what became the Crocker Art Museum. This makes it not only California’s first public art museum but also one of the earliest art institutions in the western United States.

Architecture and Expansion

The original Italianate-style mansion and gallery were carefully preserved and restored. In 2010, the museum underwent a transformative expansion with the opening of the Teel Family Pavilion, a 125,000-square-foot addition designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects. This modern wing tripled the museum's size, providing expansive space for rotating exhibitions, education programs, lectures, film screenings, and community events.

The museum today is a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, combining the Crocker family’s 19th-century legacy with modern facilities and galleries that allow for comprehensive art experiences.

Collections

The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 25,000 works, spanning centuries and cultures. Key highlights include:

California Art

The museum houses the most comprehensive collection of California art from the Gold Rush to present-day.

Features 19th-century painters like Thomas Hill, William Hahn, and Charles Christian Nahl, alongside 20th-century and contemporary artists such as Wayne Thiebaud and Gregory Kondos.

European Art

Includes 17th to 19th-century paintings and one of the largest public collections of European master drawings in the U.S.

Works by Guercino, François Boucher, Jacques-Louis David, and others are represented.

International Ceramics

A centerpiece of the museum's collection, with pieces from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

Ranges from ancient pottery to contemporary studio ceramics, including Chinese porcelain, Mexican folk ceramics, and modern ceramics by American artists.

Asian Art

Spans cultures across East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Includes Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese scroll paintings, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects.

African and Oceanic Art

Represents traditional and contemporary art from sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific Islands.

Features masks, sculptures, textiles, and ceremonial artifacts.

Art of the Ancient Americas and Native American Art

Artifacts and artworks from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, South America, and Native North American tribes.

Includes pottery, textiles, tools, and ceremonial objects.

Photography

A growing collection encompassing historic and modern photography from regional, national, and international artists.

Exhibitions and Public Programs

The museum offers a rich calendar of rotating exhibitions throughout the year. These feature traveling shows, retrospectives, contemporary installations, and thematic displays. Recent and upcoming exhibitions (as of 2025) include:

"Marvin Lipofsky Blows Glass": A major exhibition showcasing the innovative works of the late American glass artist.

The Crocker-Kingsley Biennial: A juried exhibition highlighting contemporary artists from California.

The museum also hosts:

Lectures and panel discussions

Hands-on workshops

School tours and educational outreach

Film screenings and concerts

Family-focused events and youth art classes

Visitor Experience

Address: 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours:

Wednesday, Friday–Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Thursday: 10 AM – 9 PM

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Admission:

Adults: $15

Seniors, Students, Military: $10

Youth (6–17): $8

Children under 5 and Members: Free

Facilities:

Crocker Café: Offers food, drinks, and coffee with views of the museum’s courtyard.

Museum Store: Sells books, art supplies, prints, gifts, and artisan-made jewelry.

Accessible parking, wheelchair access, and family restrooms.

Educational and Community Role

The Crocker Art Museum is deeply committed to arts education and community engagement. It offers:

School programs aligned with California curriculum standards

Teacher resources and workshops

Art camps for children

Adult studio art classes

Neighborhood engagement and outreach programs

The museum also serves as a cultural hub for Sacramento, partnering with schools, universities, nonprofits, and artists to support regional creativity and inclusion in the arts.

The Crocker Art Museum is not just an art collection—it is a vibrant institution that bridges Sacramento’s past with its dynamic present, fostering artistic expression, scholarship, and community connection.