FAQs & Accessibility

Does the Museum have parking?

The following options are available for visitors:

• On Street: Metered on-street spaces are available. For rates, hours & more information, please visit City of Sacramento’s Parking Services page.
• Lots & Garages: Surface street lots & hourly garages are located throughout downtown Sacramento, including the Capitol Garage at 10th & L Streets, the State of California garage at 13th and P Streets and the Legado de Ravel lot at 16th & O Streets. For rates & details, please visit the City of Sacramento’s Garage & Surface Street page. 
• 10th Street Garage: The garage located at 1500 10th Street directly across the street from the Museum is open on weekdays and Saturdays. For rates and more information, please visit the Department of General Services’ website.
• Buses: Tour & school buses may park in the white bus loading zone located on 10th Street next to the Museum. Bus parking is available on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed.
• Bike Parking: Racks for a limited number of bikes are available on the corner of 10th & O Streets in front of the Museum, and to the left of the Secretary of State building entrance on 11th Street between O & P Streets. 
• Public Transportation: Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. The Museum is easily accessible using Regional Transit’s Light Rail and located at the Archives Plaza stop. For details, please visit SacRT.com.

Do I need to make reservations to visit the Museum?

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 Tours page for more information.

How long does it take to tour the Museum?

A minimum of 60 minutes are 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.

Can I bring food and drinks inside the Museum?

No, food or beverages are not allowed indoors. There is a courtyard where you may consume refreshments.

Do you discount admission or tour fees for non-profit organizations?

Sorry, additional discounts on admission or tour rates are not offered to non-profit organizations.

Reduced admission is provided for all group tours booked a minimum of 7 days in advance. For more information, please visit Tours page.

In addition, a number of reduced or free general admission programs are also available. Please visit Special Offers & Promotions page for a list of current programs & offers.

Can I take photographs or videos of the Museum?

The Museum’s policies on visitor photographs and videos detailed below.

• Visitor are permitted to 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.

Can I use the Museum as a location for a film or photography shoot?

The Museum may be rented for use as a shoot location on an hourly basis, however on-location shoots are subject to approval of spaces to be shot and all usage of footage in advance. Please note some spaces may not be used for any commercial shoots, and pricing varies by total number of hours on site.

To submit a request, please download an on-location shoot form and submit with proof of commercial liability insurance and an indemnification agreement to museuminfo@californiamuseum.org a minimum of 5 business days in advance.

What activities are available for kids?

The Museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids ages 6 and older. Those wanting a more structured activity for their family can choose from one of several downloadable resources. 

Is the Museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

• All new exhibit videos include captioning. A few older videos are not captioned; transcripts are available in the Museum Store.  
• 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.
• 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. 

Does the Museum buy or accept donations of artifacts?

No, the Museum is a non-collecting institution and does not purchase or accept donations of artifacts. 

Does the Museum provide values on historic items?

No, the Museum cannot provide estimates on the values of historic items.  For assistance with valuations, please see the Smithsonian’s appraisals page. 

Does the Museum provide history research or assistance with history projects?

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.

Does the Museum provide internships?

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.