FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions by visitors and patrons of the Museum. If your question remains unanswered, please contact us at 916.808.7000 or cam@crockerartmuseum.org.
Professional photographers or those with professional equipment such as tripods, flash, and lights must receive approval prior to photography in or around the Crocker Art Museum, and must be accompanied by a member of the Museum staff.
Printed or electronic images for either publication (including electronic publication) or commercial use must be approved by the Museum prior to photography.
Visiting
What can I bring into the galleries?
To help us keep the art safe, we ask that you keep food, drinks, gum, umbrellas, backpacks (including backpack baby carriers) and ink pens out of the galleries. A self-serve, coin-operated coat and parcel check is located on the first floor, south of the elevators. Strollers, chest-carried baby packs, and pencils are permitted.
Can I take photos of the artworks?
With some exceptions, personal photography which includes artwork in the Museum’s permanent collection is allowed; however, flash, tripods, or video equipment is not permitted. Due to the sensitive nature of the art, photography of works on paper is not permitted. Photography of special exhibits or loaned works of art are not allowed due to copyright restrictions. It is best to ask a security officer or visitors services representative at the Admission Desk about which works may be photographed.Professional photographers or those with professional equipment such as tripods, flash, and lights must receive approval prior to photography in or around the Crocker Art Museum, and must be accompanied by a member of the Museum staff.
Printed or electronic images for either publication (including electronic publication) or commercial use must be approved by the Museum prior to photography.
Where can I get refreshments?
The Crocker Cafe on the first floor offers a wide variety of food and drink options.About the Museum
Who are the Crockers?
The history and vision of the Crocker Art Museum is rooted in the lives of its founders, Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker and Margaret Rhodes Crocker.
Why is the Museum sometimes called the Crocker Art Gallery?
The Museum was known as the E. B. Crocker Art Gallery until 1978, when it was renamed the Crocker Art Museum. In late Victorian times, the word "gallery" described a series of large, public rooms in which art was displayed. In contemporary usage "gallery" generally refers to a place that sells art, or that has a small, or particularly focused collection. Currently, the word "museum" is more suited to a large, public institution where art of various periods can be experienced. So today, "museum" better expresses the mission for which the Crocker was founded.
How does the Museum schedule exhibitions?
Exhibitions organized or hosted by the Museum are typically scheduled three years in advance. Selection is based on a variety of criteria. Curators routinely review slides or CDs of of work by contemporary artists. To share your work, please send materials by mail and include a self-addressed and stamped envelope, if you wish for your materials returned. Send materials and SASE to Andrew Blicharz, Curatorial Assistant, Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
How is the Museum governed?
The Crocker Art Museum is a public-private partnership established in May 1885 by a Deed of Gift from Margaret Crocker to the City of Sacramento. The Deed gave joint and equal control and management of the property known as the "E. B. Crocker Art Gallery" to the Mayor of the City of Sacramento and California Museum Association (today the Crocker Art Museum Association) as co-trustees.
How is the Museum funded?
The Crocker is funded through a combination of public support (40-50%), earned income (30-35%), income from investments and endowment (3-7%), income from programs (5-10%), and a general fund allocation from the City of Sacramento (20-25%). Public support is provided through gifts from individuals, corporate and foundation grants, Museum support groups, memberships, fundraising events, and grants from governmental organizations. Earned income is derived from admissions, parking lots, Museum Store sales, and facility use and food service revenue. Investment income is derived from a draw on earnings of the Endowment and interest on cash reserves.
What is the Crocker Art Museum Association?
The Crocker Art Museum Association (CAMA) is a private, nonprofit public benefit corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. CAMA shares governance of the Crocker Art Museum with the City of Sacramento.
About the Collection
How many pieces are in the collection?
There are over 15,000 objects in the collection. Objects and collections are rotated frequently through the Museum's active exhibition program.
Can I use an image from your collection?
Rights and Reproduction requests for scholarly, educational or similar use, are accepted in writing by U.S. mail. Please do not send requests via fax or email. Your written request may be sent to: Rights & Reproduction, Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. More information can be found under Terms of Use. If your interest is personal, please contact the Museum Store for authorized fine art reproductions.Resources/Information
Where can I have a work of art cleaned or conserved?
The Museum does not provide conservation services. If you are interested in having a work of art appraised or conserved, we suggest that you consult a reputable art dealer, appraiser, auction house or conservator. Find more information at the American Institute for Conservation or download the list below. .
Where can I get an appraisal of an artwork that I own?
Crocker Art Museum staff is unable to authenticate or perform appraisals on works of art or artifacts for the general public. However, the Art Service Group of the Crocker organizes Evaluation Days, which offer informal appraisals (verbal approximations of value) for a variety of art and antiques. You can also reference the following national professional associations and organizations that provide a referral service of appraisers. For even more resources, download the list below.- American Society of Appraisers
800.272.8258 - Appraisers Association of America
212.889.5404 - Appraisal Foundation, International Society of Appraisers
312.224.2567 - Art Dealers Association of America
212.940.8590
Can I get more information about an artist listed on AskArt.com?
AskArt.com includes many of the biographies from the Museum's publication, Artists in California, 1786-1940, on their site. The Gerald Hansen Library, located in the Education Center on the First Floor of the Museum, is a non-circulating library that serves as a research resource for the Museum's many collections. During select hours, visitors are welcome to browse the shelves to find information related to our permanent installations and temporary exhibitions. Volunteer librarians are available to help you. For more information, please call 916.808.8856.Library Hours:
Thursdays, 1 - 5 PM
Saturdays, by appointment
