The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts, Sacramento

The California Museum, located in Sacramento just a block away from the State Capitol, serves as a dynamic repository of the state’s rich history, with a special emphasis on women and the arts. This institution is housed in the State Archives Building, which boasts over 20,000 square feet dedicated to exhibits. Additionally, the building is equipped to host a variety of events, including lectures, performances, and receptions.

Originally inaugurated as the Golden State Museum in June 1998, the museum was the result of a unique public/private partnership. It was rebranded to its current focus in 2004 following the introduction of an influential exhibit by former First Lady Maria Shriver. This exhibit, “California’s Remarkable Women,” celebrated the achievements of notable women from California's history and present, marking a pivotal moment that reshaped the museum’s direction toward honoring the contributions of women in California.

A striking feature of the museum is the six-story public art piece titled “RIGHTS” located in the museum's courtyard. This artwork incorporates words from the California Constitution that reflect the state's foundational values, changing visibility with the light’s angle to reveal words like “redress” and “assemble” during different times of the day. The art piece not only enhances the museum’s architectural allure but also serves as a thought-provoking representation of the themes of rights and representation that resonate throughout the museum’s exhibits.

The California Museum thus not only tells the story of California but does so through a lens that highlights the integral role of women, supported by meaningful artistic expressions that connect deeply with its thematic undertones.