Sharpsteen Museum - Calistoga, California

The Sharpsteen Museum, located at Address: 1311 Washington St, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States, is a local history museum that is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history of California. The museum is housed in a beautiful building that was once a prune drying plant, and it has been transformed into a fascinating attraction that tells the story of the area's early settlers, the native Wappo tribe, and the growth of the wine industry.

One of the unique features of the Sharpsteen Museum is its collection of life-sized dioramas. These intricate displays bring to life the stories of the early settlers, from their struggles to survive in the wilderness to their success in building a thriving community. Visitors can also see a variety of artifacts from the Wappo tribe, including tools, weapons, and ceremonial items, as well as exhibits on the history of Calistoga's hot springs and the development of the railroad.

The Sharpsteen Museum is not only a history museum but also an art museum, showcasing a variety of works by local artists. The museum's exhibits change regularly, so there's always something new to see. In addition, the museum offers a range of educational programs for both children and adults, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours.

The museum is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet. There are also toilets and a restaurant on-site, making it a great place to spend the day. The museum is also a popular destination for families, with exhibits and activities that are fun and educational for kids of all ages.

According to Google My Business, the Sharpsteen Museum has received an impressive average opinion: 4.7/5 from 117 reviews, indicating that visitors consistently enjoy their experience at the museum.

Reviews of Sharpsteen Museum

Megan Perkins

5/5

We arrived close to closing, but this is a great little museum! Especially for the visually oriented learner. Some hands on sections, but lots of 3 dimensional exhibits!

Town Traveller

5/5

Free museum! You will learn alot about the history of Calistoga. There is also one of Sam Brannan's cottages that you can explore. He is the founder of the town.

Sandra James

4/5

Very interesting lots to see and lots to read as you go through the rooms.

Anna Clabaugh

5/5

Got an impromptu tour from Lorne which made our visit quite enjoyable. He gave us an informative yet humourous overview of the Sharpsteen's and the town. The museum has some interesting artifacts and stories displayed. Its fairly small so it makes for a fun little side trip.

Vince Prep

5/5

Incredible collection of original Disney work and great history of the area. The volunteer docents are truly helpful and the price of the museum makes it all that much more special. (It is free.) Check it out if you are in town. we visit the area every year but didn't know about it before this time. We will be back for sure to learn more about the fascinating history of this historic location.

Terri Bonow

4/5

This Calistoga Museum has great local history to learn about. Sharpteen was a renowned illustrator for Walt Disney. The exhibitions are fascinating and highlight the development and famous characters in Calistoga history.

Lisa Sassone

5/5

What a cool place for kids and adults! We loved that it has ties to the original Disney gang. Mr. Sharpsteen sure was a talented and fascinating man. My personal museum favorite was the walk through area of house rooms from the 1800's. It is rare to get that close to great quality antiques. My children loved the exhibit where you can watch the train go around the town for $0.25. We're very glad we stopped in and also took time to shop in their reasonably priced gift shop and chat with the friendly and informative staff. Highly recommended!

Michael Miller

5/5

One of the better local museums you will ever visit. Very professionally laid out. Super friendly docent. The museum is free, although you are encouraged to give a suggested donation of $3. I really enjoyed my visit and I highly recommend this museum to learn about the history of the area.