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Discovering the Stories Behind the ArtHow the Crocker Art Museum Invites Visitors to See California’s History and Themselves in Every Gallery
By Very Local Brand Studio
Stepping inside the Crocker Art Museum is about more than viewing paintings and sculptures. It’s an opportunity to discover stories, spark curiosity, and connect with California’s rich artistic history through experiences designed for visitors of all ages.
Home to more than 32,000 works of art, the Sacramento museum’s collection spans centuries, continents, and cultures. With more than 150,000 square feet of gallery space and 8-10 changing exhibitions presented each year, every visit offers something new to explore.
“We want people to feel welcome, that they belong, and that they see themselves reflected in the works of art that we show,” said Agustín Arteaga, the museum’s Mort and Marcy Friedman Director & CEO.
That welcoming atmosphere is central to the museum’s mission. Since opening in 1885, around the same time New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art was being established, the Crocker has evolved into one of California’s premier cultural institutions while remaining deeply connected to the Sacramento community.
Visitors are encouraged to look beyond the surface of each artwork. Museum docents help uncover the hidden narratives behind paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, transforming a gallery visit into an interactive experience.
“There’s always a lot more than you think there is,” museum docent Mary Graziose explained while revealing the symbolism hidden within a painting inspired by mythology. Those moments of discovery often leave guests seeing familiar works in an entirely new way.
The experience extends beyond the art on the walls, the Crocker’s vast suite of public programs and studio art classes invite guests to become active participants in the museum environment.
Find yourself attending a workshop, experiencing a tour, or attending a performance. The Crocker’s latest events can be found here.
Those hands-on experiences are part of a much larger effort. Each year, the museum hosts more than 200 public programs inspired by its exhibitions and permanent collection. From family activities and artist talks to workshops and community events, the museum continually creates new ways for visitors to engage with art, and with each other.
“At the heart of what we do is creating experiences where people can connect with art,” Plasencia said. “If someone slows down, spends a little more time with a work, and walks away thinking about why it stayed with them, even if it’s just a small shift, then it’s been worthwhile.”
For many, that connection begins the moment they walk through the doors. Visitors can discover a centuries-old masterpiece, admire contemporary California artists, or learn the stories hidden within a single painting. Each gallery offers an opportunity to experience art in a personal way.
As Arteaga puts it, the museum isn’t simply a destination; it’s a place where everyone belongs.
With thousands of works of art, immersive exhibitions, and year-round programming, the Crocker Art Museum continues to inspire curiosity, celebrate creativity, and invite every visitor to see the world and themselves from a new perspective.
Learn more about the Crocker Art Museum here.