Museums and Performing Arts

MUSEUMS

By Brandon Darnell

Sacramento embraces culture, and whether it’s the wealth of museums or the annual Wide Open Walls mural festival or Chalk it Up! art event, there’s no shortage of activities to see and places to visit. The newest museum in California’s Capital is the

SMUD Museum of Science

and Curiosity. (You’ll see it referred to as MOSAC when you’re in town). Housed in an old power station on the banks of the Sacramento River just north of the Old Sacramento Waterfront, this interactive museum features science exhibits that appeal to all ages. Topics covered include health, engineering, water, energy and space, and there are more than 100 exhibits to explore on your visit. With a newly renovated and expanded space, the

Sojourner Truth African

Heritage Museum tells the story of African-American history, experiences and culture through art education and outreach. In addition to the exhibits and storytelling, there is an African marketplace on the third Saturday of each month with artwork, homemade dishes, crafts and clothing accompanied by musical performances. Another Sacramento museum that made news over the past couple of years is the Sacramento History Museum. You may already be familiar with the museum, as its viral TikTok channel has more than 1 million followers thanks to its energetic content that shows off some of the museum’s best features in a fun and entertaining way. When you’re in town, make sure to visit and say hello, as well as delve deeper into the region’s history. The museum covers everything from life in times gone by to the Gold Rush and Sacramento’s emergence as an agricultural powerhouse. No trip to Sacramento would be complete without visiting the California State Railroad Museum, which houses 19 steam engines and more than a dozen railroad cars, making it the largest railroad museum west of the Mississippi. Discover the role the railroad played in California history, including the Golden Spike exhibit dedicated to the Transcontinental Railroad, which was completed in 1869. You can also hop on an excursion train for a ride through the countryside. When it comes to fi ne arts, Crocker Art Museum is a must-see. Split into two wings—one a historic Victorian mansion, and the other a contemporary state-of-the-art wing opened in 2010, Crocker Art Museum houses works from antiquity all the way up to contemporary pieces. Special rotating exhibits are always popular, and the museum is perhaps best known for its collection of paintings by California Impressionists. For more information on Sacramento’s museums, make sure to visit Sacramento Area Museums (sacmuseums.org), which is a great resource for everything related to museums in the area, and also puts on events like Free Museum Day.

California State Railroad Museum

On Exhibit

PERFORMING ARTS 3

Photo courtesy of The Sofia

B STREET THEATRE 1

One of Sacramento’s favorite local theater groups performs original plays on in its multi-stage theater, The Sofia, on Capitol Avenue in Midtown Sacramento. Founded by actor Timothy Busfield in 1986 as the Theatre for Children, Inc., the focus moved to a broader audience with the creation of B Street Theatre in 1991 and performs for 70,000 adults in a typical year. 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. (916) 443-5300 ext. 1 bstreettheatre.org

BROADWAY SACRAMENTO 2

See some of the most popular plays from Broadway here in Sacramento at the renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Recent performances have included “Hamilton” and “Wicked”—with plenty more to come. 1510 J St., Sacramento. (916) 446-5880 broadwaysacramento.com

Kriston Woodreaux and Dane Troy in “Pass Over” Photo by Charr Crail

CAPITAL STAGE

This local theater is another popular Sacramento institution located in the heart of Midtown. Cap Stage is known for its innovative and engaging shows, always bold and thought-provoking, often with an edgy vibe. 2215 J St., Sacramento. (916) 995-5464 capstage.org

Photo by Keith Sutter 4

SACRAMENTO BALLET

Founded in 1954, the Sacramento Ballet entertains, educates and inspires people through dance, including shows that have been longtime favorites like “The Nutcracker”. 2420 N St., Sacramento. (916) 552-5800 sacballet.org

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

SACRAMENTO PHILHARMONIC & OPERA 5

Bringing shows that are uniquely of Sacramento, the Philharmonic & Opera performs concerts and operas as well as working to engage with the community to further the passion of classical music. 1110 Second St., Sacramento. (916) 476-5975 sacphilopera.org

SAC THEATRE COMPANY 6

A nationally recognized professional company, Sacramento Theatre Company is one of the oldest and largest arts institutions in the region. STC presents classical, musical and contemporary plays as well as world premieres. 1419 H St., Sacramento. (916) 443-6722 sactheatre.org

August Wilson’s “Fences” Photo by Cindy Lawton