Just announced!
Historical "Destination Napa"
Lecture by Don Winter
Tuesday, August 19, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Sharpsteen Museum
Don Winter, Resort & Lodging Historian of the Napa County Historical Society, will give a lecture focusing on the early days of the valley's hot springs resorts & hotels – and so much more - featured in our current special exhibit, "Destination Napa: Philosophies of Wellness." In addition to curating this exceptionally rich exhibit for the Napa County Historical Society which explores Napa Valley’s wellness industry through its hot springs resorts and mineral water, Winter was also instrumental in putting it together. Winter is well known as a global hotel & restaurant consultant with more than 50 years’ experience -- and the man definitely knows how to tell a great story.
This will be a fascinating, informative and entertaining event you won't want to miss. It’s free to museum members and the general public. The “Destination Napa” exhibit wraps up in September – don’t miss it!
HELD OVER!!!
This Special Exhibit runs through August 2025
Special Exhibit:
Destination Napa:
Philosophies of Wellness
Thanks to our generous friends at the Napa County Historical Society, we’re grateful to present their comprehensive and timely exhibit exploring the history of wellness practices in Napa Valley, with Calistoga’s natural hot springs playing a significant role. In addition to their extensive research materials, signage and photographs, an array of historic objects will bring this exhibit to life for viewers.
On display through August, 2025
Click here for full story
Instant
Wine
Cellar
Click here for flyer
Saturday, August 23, 4-7 pm
Boys' & Girls' Club, 1401 N. Oak St., Calistoga
$10 members; $25 non-members
It’s time for the 37th edition of the Museum’s great fund-raiser, the Instant Wine Cellar. In addition to the popular raffle of an “Instant Wine Cellar” of five cases of premium wines from Napa Valley producers, this event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, raffle baskets of merchandise and experiences contributed by local businesses, and silent and live auctions. Wine professionals from our pouring partners will be on hand with selections from Canard Vineyard, Chateau Montelena, Dyer Wine, Laura Michael Wines, Poggi Wines, Tumult Wines and Ziata Wines.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at CalMart, we’ll be featuring an additional “Golden Ticket” raffle. A maximum of 100 tickets, priced at $50 each will be sold. The winner receives $1,500 in CalMart gift cards. For Golden Ticket raffle tickets, please call Pat Larsen (707-341-3313). For both the 5-case Instant Wine Cellar raffle and the Golden Ticket raffle, you need not be present at the August 23 event to win. You just need to buy tickets. Instant Wine Cellar Raffle Tickets are available for $10 each, or 5 tickets for $40.
Raffle and event tickets are available for sale at the Museum during regular hours or click here for order form.
We appreciate your support. Please click here to make a donation.
We're excited to be one of the educational nonprofits chosen for this year's fundraising campaign, Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. In addition to the money raised, this opportunity will introduce the Sharpsteen Museum of Calistoga History to new visitors & members, and help us build valuable community partnerships. Last year's campaign raised $1.1 million for 67 nonprofits throughout the valley. Stay tuned for how you can help!
Planning a visit with the young ones?
Let them go on a scavenger hunt!
Click here to download and print (2 pages), or pick one up at the museum on your next visit.
The Sharpsteen Museum was voted 2023 Readers' Choice, North Bay Bohemian's
"Best Museum for Napa County"!!!
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PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF CALISTOGA
AND UPPER NAPA VALLEY
The Sharpsteen Museum is a must-see destination created by Walt Disney animator and producer, Ben Sharpsteen. This award-winning museum features dioramas, artifacts, antiques and exhibits designed by Ben and his team of highly creative artists dedicated to making history fun and educational for adults and children alike.
PLEASE NOTE: Museum hours depicted in this video are incorrect.
MEET SAM BRANNAN
In 1859 Sam Brannan began purchasing his eventual 2000 acres in Hot Springs Township. He founded the town of Calistoga and built the original Calistoga Hot Springs Resort.
SAM BRANNAN COTTAGE
Relive the days of yesteryear as you walk into an one of the original Sam Brannan Cottages restored to its 1860s splendor complete with vintage furnishings.
1860 CALISTOGA DIORAMA
Highlights include an extensive, highly detailed 30-foot diorama which offers a glimpse of 1860s Calistoga and its Hot Springs Resort developed by Sam Brannan.
BEN SHARPSTEEN'S VISION
Explore Ben's creative artistry, talent, and vision as put forth throughout the museum. See one of 11 actual ‘Oscars’ awarded to Ben during his 30-years with Disney.
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWS
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WHAT OUR VISITORS ARE SAYING...
Google Reviews, June 2017
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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 attached cottage 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. 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!
—Angelina A.