Attend a Historic Artifact Unveiling at the California Museum!

November 2025 E-News • View as Webpage

Join us for an Artifact Unveiling & Historical Performance Honoring Two Inspiring Women

Saturday, November 8 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Don't miss this special event honoring Mary Brown—widow of famed abolitionist John Brown—and Mary Ellen Pleasant—California's first Black female millionaire.

Artifact unveiling in the "Women Inspire" exhibit: a silver-plated chalice gifted to Mary Brown by a group of formerly enslaved people
Historical performance by Emmy Award–winning artist Dr. Susheel Bibbs, who brings to life the story of abolitionists Mary Ellen Pleasant,
and Mary and John Brown
Reception featuring light refreshments
Access to all Museum exhibits

Tickets are $17 general admission or $10 for Museum members (plus Eventbrite fee).

Purchase Tickets

WATCH: Who was Mary Brown?

Exhibits on View

NOW ON VIEW: Recuerdos Ilustrados:
Día de los Muertos 2025

Exhibit on view through Nov. 16, 2025

A journey through life, love and death, Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025 (Illustrated Memories: Day of the Dead 2025) features contemporary altars and artwork by printmaking artists Stephanie Mercado, Daniel Villa, and Álvaro D. Márquez, whose altars are centered around the topic of immigration.

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Honor Your Loved Ones at the Community Altar

This weekend is Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican cultural holiday of honoring deceased loved ones. The public is invited to participate by creating tributes to friends and family members who have passed and placing them on the exhibit’s accompanying Community Altar.

Optional templates can be downloaded ahead of time here or created on site using materials at the Museum’s craft station. Photocopies of photos are encouraged; any items left on the altar will not be returned.

"Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories"

Exhibit on view through Dec. 14, 2025

There's still time to see "Revolutionary Grain" at the California Museum! In powerful portraits and personal stories, the exhibit presents former Black Panthers who continue to make a difference in their communities as lawyers, social workers, teachers, and political activists.

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Upcoming Events

Museum Store Sunday:

Shop Local / Give Back / Save Big

Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 12 - 5 pm

Shop with a purpose this holiday season! Every gift you buy at the California Museum Store supports local arts, culture, and education.

Visit us on Sunday, November 30, for a head start on your shopping and to take advantage of special, one-day-only offers for Museum Store Sunday!

Visit the California Museum on Nov. 30 for:

10% off select merchandise*
20% off purchases over $100
20% off Museum admission

Bring the whole family to discover California’s rich history, then explore our curated selection of unique gifts for all ages—all at a discounted cost. From keepsakes and jewelry to fun trinkets and educational toys, there’s something for everyone on your list!

*Excludes food, beverage, and clearance items

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EVENT RECAP

Día de los Muertos Fiesta

Our Día de los Muertos Fiesta on Saturday October 11, 2025 was nothing short of magical! Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebration of art, culture, and community.

The Fiesta marked the grand opening of "Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025," featuring California printmakers Álvaro D. Márquez, Stephanie Mercado, and Daniel Villa. Each artist created a vibrant, thought-provoking altar exploring the theme of immigration.

The exhibit is on view through Nov. 16, and you're invited to participate by leaving a tribute at the Community Altar. Learn more on our website.

Museum Updates

Now Booking "Time of Remembrance" Field Trips for 2026

Teachers, bookings are open for our most sought-after field trip, examining the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.

Students on docent-led tours will hear personal stories, including first-hand accounts from those who lived behind barbed wire and reflections from descendants of incarceration camp survivors.

Book Now