SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - America turns 250 this year, and we’re celebrating all month long. Book a group of four or more anytime throughout the month 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 now through July 31. Learn more at CaliforniaMuseum.org/America250. 

Here are the exhibitions and events facilitated by the California Museum, 1020 O St., now through September. 

Centering the voices, knowledge and visions of California’s Indigenous peoples, “Reflecting on the Land” challenges visitors to reckon with the stories that have shaped our understanding of this land, and those that have been left out. The display will run from Aug. 25 to Oct. 4. 

From the landscapes of 250 years ago to hard-won victories like the restoration of the Klamath River, the exhibit traces the living legacy of more than 200 tribes across the state and looks ahead to radical, hopeful visions of what sovereignty and self-determination can look like on this land. 

Thought-provoking, timely and deeply rooted in community, this is an exhibit for anyone ready to engage with California’s past, present and future on its own terms. “Reflecting on the Land” was developed by Exhibit Envoy in partnership with California Humanities, and tours through Exhibit Envoy thanks to generous funding from the 11th Hour Project, By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 and the Weingart Foundation. 

In celebration of surpassing our Big Day of Giving fundraising target, the California Museum is offering free admission for all on Sunday, Aug. 30 during regular business hours, noon to 5 p.m. 

Stop by and explore our new temporary exhibit, “Reflecting on the Land,” on its opening weekend, then explore permanent exhibits such as “Women Inspire,” “California Hall of Fame” and more! Details will be posted by Aug. 1 to CaliforniaMuseum.org/Events.

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in September with a hands-on alebrije painting workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at the California Museum. 

Led by Balam Arts, this bilingual (English/Spanish) program explores the history and folklore behind alebrijes, the fantastical, vividly painted wooden figures rooted in Zapotec tradition. Then pick your very own creature and bring it to life with brushes, sponges and acrylic paint. You’ll also take home a guide to the art and stories that have shaped Mexican culture for generations. Details will be posted by Aug. 25 at CaliforniaMuseum.org/Events. 

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 five family members from Saturday, May 16 (Armed Forces Day) through Sunday, Sept. 7 at the California Museum. Note the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Advance ticket registration is encouraged but not required. Learn more or purchase tickets at CaliforniaMuseum.org/BlueStarMuseums.

The California Museum is now booking seven unique in-person and online field trip experiences to inspire and educate students on California’s rich and diverse history and culture during the 2026-27 school year. 

Bring learning to life with a one-of-a-kind interactive learning experience, aligned with state standards. To learn more about each experience and how to book, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/FieldTrips. 

Join docents Steve Sasaki and Kris Sazaki in “Uprooted: An American Story” at designated times each month. Steve and Kris will be in the exhibit, ready to share their unique family experiences of life in the incarceration camps and returning home after World War II. 

Available for full guided tours or quick Q&A, no reservation is needed to speak with them; just stop by the exhibit and join the conversation. View the current Docent on Duty schedule at CaliforniaMuseum.org/DocentonDuty. 

The California Museum invites all current California state employees to visit for free on the fourth Friday of each month from noon to 3 p.m. Free admission will be provided to the first 100 state employees with a current state employee ID badge who visit the Museum during the noon to 3 p.m. Fourth Friday timeframe. Walk-in only. Offer does not apply to advance ticket purchases. For more, visit CaliforniaMuseum.org/FourthFridays.