July 2026 E-News

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with 10% Off Admission for Groups

July 1-31, 2026


America turns 250 this year, and we’re celebrating all month long! Book for a group of 4 or more anytime July 1-31 and save 10% on admission. There’s no better time to discover the lesser-told stories of California, the 31st state, and what they reveal about the American story.

Book in advance with code AMERICA250 at checkout. For walk-up admission, mention the America’s 250th group special.

*Not valid on field trip tours or with other discounts or promotions. Offer only valid July 1-31, 2026.

Event Recap

California Time Traveler Camp

Last week, the California Museum's week-long day camp brought history to life for curious young learners ages 6-11, covering everything from pre-statehood Native cultures and Gold Rush-era history to WWII Japanese American resilience and modern activism.

Activities included sushi making, a scavenger hunt at a local community garden, basket weaving, a wagon ride to Old Sacramento and daily tours of the California Museum's inspiring exhibits. A standout moment was breaking apart a toilet-shaped piñata, representing the moment California Assembly member March Fong Eu famously smashed a padlocked toilet on the steps of the State Capitol in protest of pay-to-use toilet stalls, while urinals remained free.

If your young adventurer missed out this year, mark your calendar— registration for next year opens February 2027.

Museum Updates

Upcoming Closure

The California Museum will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We'll see you back on July 5th!

Blue Star Museums 

May 16 - September 6, 2026

A collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense, the Blue Star Museums program provides free admission to all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and up to 5 family members with current military ID.

Scholarships now available for Standard Field Trips

Our Standard Field Trip offers grades K–12 the opportunity to explore the Museum on their own terms. With a docent introduction and provided classroom resources, students and chaperones can move through current exhibits freely, making learning flexible and engaging.

A limited number of scholarships are available, covering field trip program costs and up to $500 in transportation. Apply today!

Steve Sasaki: Docent on Duty in "Uprooted"

Sat., July 11: 12 – 2 pm

Fri., July 17: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Steve Sasaki, an expert docent at the Museum, would love to share his knowledge with you! Join him in “Uprooted: An American Story” to hear about his family’s experiences of incarceration during World War II. Steve offers a Q&A as you pass through, or a full guided exhibit tour on topics such as coming to America, life in the incarceration camps and returning home after WWII. Learn more here.

Join Our Team: Education Internship Opening Soon!

Applications for our Education Internship open this month! This part-time, on-site role is a great fit for anyone passionate about California history, K-12 education or exploring a career in museums. Interns gain real-world experience leading school tours, facilitating classroom programming and sharing California's stories with the next generation. Follow us on social media and be the first to know when we are accepting applications!

Plan Your Next Visit

The Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm

and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Admission for Museum members is always free!

...and in between visits, be sure to check out our online exhibits!

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