Museum Rental

Do something exceptionally unique – mix fun and education into your event! Located near the Sacramento River, the Sacramento History Museum is a showcase for Sacramento’s rich cultural heritage as well as regional history of the Gold Rush of 1849.

There's no better way to make a birthday special than by hosting a museum birthday party. Children of all ages (yes, adults… that means you too!) are welcome to join us for a fun, educational, once in a lifetime celebration!

RESERVATIONS:

First come, first served basis. Sixty (60) days advance notice required with a 20% deposit due at time of reservation. Please call (916) 808-7059 to reserve your date now!

AVAILABILITY:

Museum: 7 days per week, 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Conference Room: 7 days per week, 8:00am to 4:00pm (Two 4 hour blocks are available per day)
Weekdays and weekends: Dependent upon staff availability

DESCRIPTION:

Located in the heart of historic Old Sacramento, the Sacramento History Museum (SHM) is the perfect venue for your event. Easily accessible from the SHM are the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento River tours, fine dining, shopping and entertainment. The SHM is within walking distance of several hotels and lodging.

MUSEUM GALLERIES:

The Foyer: The foyer, with its glass doors and slate floor, is an excellent location for setting up registration.
The Eleanor McClatchy Gallery: This gallery, with its pressed brick and terra cotta façade from the original 1901 Sacramento Bee newspaper building houses the Museum Store that can remain open during your event and the 1850’s working print shop.
The Mezzanine: The acoustics of the mezzanine level are superb for live musicians to dazzle your guests. The conference room and main restrooms are also located on this level.
The Galleries: Guests are free to wander through the multi level galleries.
- In the Agriculture Gallery, explore themes like "Preparing the Land," "Getting in the Crops," and "Putting up the Food." Hear a windmill clacking overhead while you explore visual displays like the McCormick reaper, hay mowers, almond hullers and other tools and farm technology of a bygone era. A remarkable 1920’s kitchen complete with Hoosier cabinet, wood burning stove, oak icebox and canning implements is a truly nostalgic trip into the past. Be sure to examine the photo displays of early agricultural technology amid colorful pyramids of canned goods and fruit crates.
- Consider the over $1,000,000 worth of gold in our Lure of Gold Gallery. Explore the whole gold process which includes mining, processing, and finishing California’s mineral legacy.
- The Community Gallery hosts marvels such as May Woolsey’s trunk – a "time capsule" from the late 1800’s providing a snapshot of history. Another highlight is one of Governor Leland Stanford’s excursion coaches. Be sure to check out the Dunlap Dining Room and other glimpses of Sacramento’s early history.

RENTAL COST / DEPOSIT / RESERVATIONS AND FEES:

Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Reservations must be made 60 days in advance. A 20% deposit is due at the time the reservation is made; the balance is due 30 days in advance of the event.

Rental Prices:

$1000 for entire Museum (maximum of 299 people) for six consecutive hours. Due to Museum standards, food is only allowed for parties of 100 persons or less.
$250 for Conference Room (maximum of 20 people) for four consecutive hours.
$500 for Conference Room (maximum of 20 people) for eight consecutive hours.
Security costs extra, if needed.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

For Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to event: Deposit is non-refundable.
For Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the event: Deposit minus a 20% processing fee will be returned within three weeks of cancellation.

CAPACITY:

Area	Standing	Seated
Lower Level	100	50
Conference Room	N/A	20
Upper Level	100	N/A

(Food is only allowed on the lower level in designated areas, for parties of 100 or less.)

INCLUDED AMENITIES:

Kitchen Facility: Food prep only (no oven) Coffee system available: Renter must bring own coffee & supplies. A small microwave is available for use.

Catering: Renter secures own caterer.

Linens & Silver: Renter must supply.

Dance Floor: Not available

Outdoor Night Lighting: Not available

Music: Indoor amplifier only. CD/Cassette player is available. Small indoor live ensemble is allowed.

Decorations: Allowed. No tape is permitted on displays or artifacts.

Cleanup: Renter is responsible for carrying out own trash

Smoking: Permitted outside 20 ft away from entrance.

Restrooms: Main restrooms are located on the Mezzanine level. ADA accessible restroom is located on lower level.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES:

Business Amenities: Podium, projector, phone use, copy machine & fax available for an additional $25.00 fee.

Public Address System: Available for an additional $25.00 fee.

Tables & Chairs: Limited quantity is available for an additional $25 fee.

Contact: Mike Sickels at (916) 808-7059 or msickels@cityofsacramento.org to make your reservation or for more information.