On Display: Museums and Performing Arts

MUSEUMS On Display

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is Sacramento’s newest museum. (Locals refer to it as MOSAC.) 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.

The more than 100 exhibits cover health, engineering, water, energy and space. 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, an African marketplace on the third Saturday of each month sells artwork, homemade dishes, crafts and clothing.

The Sacramento History Muse-

um has a viral TikTok channel with more than 1 million followers thanks to its fun presentation of some of the museum’s best features. The museum dives deep into the region’s roots, celebrating the cultural heritage of the Nisenan, Miwok, Patwin and Maidu people, the Gold Rush and Sacramento’s emergence as an agricultural powerhouse.

The California State Railroad Mu-

seum houses 19 steam engines and more than a dozen railroad cars, making it the largest railroad mu-

Such variety. So many exhibits. LARGER THAN LIFE Vincent van Gogh’s art is at the center of a trending global phenomenon: the immersive exhibit. “Van seum west of the Mississippi. Dis- Gogh: e Immersive Experience” is a 360-degree cover the role the railroad played light and sound spectacular that uses cutting-edge in California history, including the Golden Spike exhibit dedicated technology to animate the Dutch post-Impressionist’s work into images that stretch across walls and dance across oors, and can be viewed while to the Transcontinental Railroad, reclining in a chair or with a virtual reality headset. which was completed in 1869. You e traveling show is scheduled to stay in the Sacramento Waterfront, this inter- can hop on an excursion train for a region through December. active museum features science ride through the countryside. 31 15th St., West Sacramento exhibits that appeal to all ages. vangoghexpo.com/sacramento

The more than 100 exhibits For fi ne arts, Crocker Art Museum is a must-see. Split into two wings—a historic Victorian mansion and a contemporary state- GALLERIES of-the-art facility that opened in Here are just a few of the galleries 2010, the museum exhibits works that call Sacramento home. from antiquity all the way up to Axis Gallery— is artist-run space is housed contemporary times. Special rotat- within the Verge Center for the Arts building ing exhibits are always and exhibits stimulating contemporary work in all popular, and the media. 625 S St., Sacramento. axisgallery.org museum is perhaps best known Viewpoint Photographic Art Center—Traditional for its collection of paintings by California Imblack-and-white and color processes, alternative approaches such as pinhole, Polaroid manipulations and digital photography are all represented here. 2015 J St., Sacramento. (916) 441-2341 pressionists. viewpointgallery.org The California Muse- Kennedy Gallery—A-minority based space, the um celebrates our state’s history “Jewel of Midtown” has 20 resident artists, about and diversity, and is well-known half of whom are women and half are persons of for its California Hall of Fame awards. Ongoing exhibitions incolor and LGBTQ. 1931 L St., Sacramento. (916) 400-4272. kennedygallery.net clude “California Indians: The First Elliott Fouts Gallery—EFG displays representaPeople,” “Health Happens Here” tional and still life paintings at its 5,600-squareand “Gold Mountain: Chinese Cali- foot space in Midtown. e gallery also features fornian Stories.” Funk Ceramics, and maintains a resale collection. 1831 P St., Sacramento. (916) 736-1429. Sacramento Area Museums efgallery.com (sacmuseums.org) is a great resource for everything related On the evening of the second Saturday of each month, area galleries throw open their doors to museums in the area. It also for receptions and viewings. It’s a good time to puts on events such as Free Muse- peruse several galleries in one outing and mingle um Day. with fellow art lovers.

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The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley Melissa Brausch, Brittni Barger Photo by Charr Crail

Photo courtesy of The Sofi a

B STREET THEATRE 1

One of Sacramento’s favorite local theater groups brings original plays to its multistage theater, The Sofi a. Founded by actor Timothy Busfi eld in 1986 as a theater for children, B Street now has a Mainstage and a Family Series. The Sofi a is also home to concerts and other acts. 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. (916) 443-5300 ext. 1. bstreettheatre.org

BROADWAY SACRAMENTO 2

See some of the fi nest plays from Broadway here in Sacramento at the renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Coming this season: “Come from Away,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Frozen” and more. 1301 L St., Sacramento. (916) 557-1999. broadwaysacramento.com

Company of “Come From Away” Photo by Matthew Murphy

CAPITAL STAGE

This popular theater company is located in the heart of Midtown. Known for its thought-provoking shows, Cap Stage presents “The Royale,” “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley” and “The Chinese Lady,” as just part of its 2022/2023 season. 2215 J St., Sacramento. (916) 995-5464. capstage.org

Photo by Marissa Gearhart

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SACRAMENTO BALLET

Since 1954, Sacramento Ballet has brought the “wow” factor through the beauty of bodies moving to music. Among this season’s offerings: Beer & Ballet, “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.” 2420 N St., Sacramento. (916) 552-5810. sacballet.org

Violinist Tai Murray Photo courtesy of Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera SACRAMENTO PHILHARMONIC & OPERA 5

From Beethoven’s dynamic “Eroica” to Ravel’s hypnotic “Bolero,” the Philharmonic & Opera this season plans to perform some of the most celebrated compositions of all time. Expect renowned guest conductors and soloists, and two dazzling operatic programs. 1301 L St., Sacramento. (916) 808-5181. sacphilopera.org

SAC THEATRE COMPANY 6

You’ll fi nd so much material for entertainment and inspiration during STC’s season of Curiosity, Intrigue and Suspense, which starts with “Murder on the Orient Express.” Other programs include a cabaret, a concert and a youth series. 1419 H St., Sacramento. (916) 443-6722. sactheatre.org