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Museum of Sonoma County News - April 26, 2024

Arts and Entertainment

May 7, 2024

From: Museum of Sonoma County

Museum Member SWAP Week

Saturday May 4 - Saturday May 11, 2024

Discover many of the incredible museums and gardens in Sonoma County by spending a week museum-hopping! Current members at ANY of the six participating museums will receive reciprocal FREE entry (up to 4 guests) for the entire week at the California Indian Museum and Cultural CenterChildren’s Museum of Sonoma CountyLuther Burbank Home & GardensMuseum of Sonoma CountyPacific Coast Air MuseumSonoma Botanical Garden; and the Schulz Museum!

Not a member? Join at MSC or any of the participating museums to enjoy the weeklong reciprocal benefit!

Special Evening Fundraising Dinner

Featuring: Peter Coyote in Conversation with Gaye LeBaron

Join us on June 8, 2024 for a very special fundraising dinner event at Wild Oak Saddle Club in Santa Rosa. This year, we are delighted to welcome special guest and Sonoma County resident Peter Coyote. Peter will be in conversation with Gaye LeBaron for a lively interview and a one-of-a-kind experience.

Enjoy?an open bar?and conversation on the patio of Wild Oak Saddle Club with spectacular views of Valley of the Moon, followed by a gourmet meal prepared by the Saddle Club’s Executive Chef, Joe Farinacci. This scenic and intimate setting is the perfect way to celebrate your support for the Museum and Sonoma County’s rich and unique history.

Very limited number of tickets available. Purchase now to receive Early Bird ticket pricing through May 7, 2024!

Reserve your ticket today!

Upcoming Events

Sonoma County Storytellers: Eric Wilder

May 11, 2024 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Join us for a very special evening to kick off Sonoma County Storytellers, a series of live storytelling events inspired by MSC's groundbreaking exhibition, Sonoma County Stories

On May 11th, MSC welcomes Eric Wilder, who is a proud member of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria. As an artist, Eric has a rich background in graphic design and illustration. Eric’s professional journey in the video game industry has seen him excel in various roles, including animator, storyboard artist, character designer, level designer, and concept artist. Beyond his creative endeavors, Eric’s roots are deeply intertwined with his tribal heritage. He received training in traditional knowledge and culture. He has also lent his leadership to his tribe serving in pivotal roles as Tribal Secretary and Tribal Chairman.

The program will have limited tickets available, please purchase as soon as possible to secure a seat. 

MSC Members $5

General Non-Member Ticket $15

Register Here

Free Family Day: Second Saturdays at MSC

Saturday, May 11, 2024 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Every second Saturday of the month enjoy free admission all day long at MSC! 

This month's schedule includes:

12-2 pm: Beginner Sculpture Making.

2-3 pm: Gallery Talk: A Question of Balance. Join us for a special tour featuring exhibiting artists from A Question of Balance. Each artist will discuss their work on view and answer questions from visitors. This week featured artists include Moto Ohtake, Vickie Jo Sowell, Priyanka Rana.

Support

MSC's Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you an organization or business interested in partnering with the Museum of Sonoma County? Do you know a business or organization who is invested in enriching our diverse community? Check out your Museum's Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities today!

MSC's Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities are designed to help your organization maximize its reach, exposure, and recognition in our community. From art and history exhibition launches, to exciting community programs, to our widespread digital presence, sponsoring MSC helps your organization access a large audience of engaged, curious, and diverse individuals from across the region.

Click HERE to learn how your business can partner with MSC!

Apply for Our Volunteer Docent Program!

Are you interested in a fun and exciting volunteer opportunity with the Museum of Sonoma County? Are you social, confident, and comfortable working with children, adults, and other groups? Apply to become a docent at MSC today!

Docents lead tours of the museum, speaking about the current exhibitions and the historic building. A background in education is a preferred but not required. All necessary training will be provided.

Apply Today!

Member Benefits

Enjoy the many benefits of annual membership:

  • Free admission to MSC and free or discounted tickets to receptions, public programs, and events
  • 10% discount at the Museum Shop
  • Subscription to Museum publications, including the award-winning Smithsonian Magazine (Advocate levels and above)
  • Reciprocal membership to museums and historical sites across North America (Time TravelersNARMSmithsonian Affiliates)
  • Special Member Only discounts to Hotel E* in downtown Santa Rosa

(to receive your discount, use the online code provided in your most recent membership letter or contact us at [email protected] for the code).

*Nestled between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains, Hotel E displays a stunning amalgamation of old-world charm and modernity. Our boutique hotel finds its ideal location in the iconic Beaux-arts building on Old Courthouse Square. Enjoy easy access to the delights of downtown from restaurants, brewpubs, bars, and entertainment.

As a member of the Museum of Sonoma County, you can help bring outstanding exhibitions and programs to our community. Each gift directly supports our mission to engage and inspire our diverse community with art and history exhibitions, collections, and public programs that are inclusive, educational, and relevant.

Thank you for your support!

Join or Renew Today

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

A Question of Balance

January 27- May 26, 2024

A juried exhibition of Pacific Rim Sculptors, A Question of Balance showcases artists who have produced exciting and unique works exploring the varied and multiple meanings and interpretations of “balance." Balance can refer to gravity, mathematics, accounting, opposing ideas or components, and more. Balance is commonly defined as: a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight or amount, or something used to produce equilibrium.

To learn more about Pacific Rim Sculptors, visit pacificrimsculptors.org

Sonoma County Stories

September 9, 2023 - Ongoing

Sonoma County Stories is a permanent Sonoma County history exhibition that invites visitors to engage with the past in a brand-new way: through the power of storytelling. The exhibition captures Sonoma County’s rich history, defined by a confluence of cultures and people, and a powerful connection to the land. Featuring stories representing the many diverse histories and cultures of the county, this ambitious and innovative permanent exhibition has at its core the Oral Histories of Gaye LeBaron.

On Tap: Sonoma County Hops & The Beer Revolution

April 20 – September 1, 2024

In Sonoma County, hops were the king of crops for more than half a century. By 1976, the hops were long gone, yet, in the town of Sonoma, the first microbrewery in the nation was born. Today, we take microbreweries and world-class beer for granted. Every year, thousands of people descend on Sonoma County for the release of internationally renowned beers. But how did it come to be? Why Sonoma County? Join us for this exciting exhibition and raise a glass to the rich history of hops in Sonoma County. Cheers!

Community Events

Tilden Daken: The Art of Adventure

April 19 - June 23, 2024

For the first time since the House of Happy Walls Museum renovation in 2018, Jack London Park Partners will host a special art exhibition featuring artist, Tilden Daken. Daken, known as the “Painter of the Valley of the Moon” was a friend and fellow adventurer of Jack London. The exhibition, originated by the Museum of Sonoma County (MSC), traveled to Jack London Historic Park (JLSHP) from Santa Rosa, and will be on display through June 23, 2024.

Learn More

Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Grounded in tradition, blooming with joy.

Experience a tradition that's been brightening our community for over a century. The Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival brings people together to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Sonoma County. Join us this year for the annual Rose Parade, Trek Thru Time. 

Held in Downtown Santa Rosa, on Saturday May 18th, 2024. The Parade begins at 10am with a festival immediately to follow.

Learn More

Sonoma County Matsuri! A Festival of Japanese Arts & Culture

Sunday, May 19, 2024

It's official! Sonoma Matsuri is back this year! Make sure you set aside Sunday, May 19, from 11am to 5pm for a full day of great entertainment, wonderful vendors, and excellent food at Juilliard Park in downtown Santa Rosa. See you there!

Learn More

Hours of Operation

Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00-5:00pm 

Admission

Members Free!

General $10

Seniors (62+), Students, Disabled $7

Children 12 & Under Free

EBT Cardholders Free

Parking during your Museum visit: 

  • The Museum has four parking spaces in the small lot between our buildings, including one handicapped spot. Museums visitors are invited to park in our lot if space is available.
  • There is additional metered parking on Seventh Street or in the Seventh Street municipal garage just east of B Street.

Note that the mall parking garage across the street from the Museum is now designated for Macy’s customers. Please feel free to park there if you combine your Museum visit with a shopping visit.

Plan Your Visit