At the Sharpsteen Museum, our mission is to preserve the history of Calistoga and the Upper Napa Valley from its early days to post-World War II. Our exhibits tell the story of the people and changes brought by the period of U.S. emigration and development.  Opened in 1978, the museum is a labor of love created by artist, Oscar-winning Disney animator, producer Ben Sharpsteen, and his wife Bernice. 

Unique and extraordinarily extensive dioramas depict Calistoga during its time as an elegant 1860s Hot Springs resort developed by Sam Brannan. Brannan was California’s first millionaire, well-known as a pioneer, promoter, publisher, and entrepreneur. In addition to its permanent collections, the Sharpsteen Museum of Calistoga History features seasonal special exhibits, which reflect varied aspects of Napa Valley history, culture, and community. 

Explore the artistry and vision Ben Sharpsteen and his many talented designers put into this incredible museum. Paintings on every wall and around every corner make you feel like you could walk right into scenes of yesterday. See an actual light table used by Ben to create Disney animation, page by page. You’ll even see an Oscar, one of 11 won by Ben during his 30 years with Disney.  You can find memorabilia from Ben’s career in the museum's founders’ room. The room is also home to antique auto hubcaps, emblems, and displays of their family history. Ben had an extensive collection of antique cars, many of which he sold to raise money to build the museum in the late 1970s.

With a population of over 5,200, Calistoga is a beautiful, quaint town on the northern end of the Napa Valley. First home to the Wappo people, Calistoga was known as the Hot Springs of the West due to its natural volcanic hot springs. Sam Brannan was also one of the first millionaires in the area. He had led the expedition on the ship Brooklyn that landed in Yerba Buena (later known as San Francisco) in 1848. He purchased 2,000 acres in Calistoga to build a spa reminiscent of Saratoga Springs in New York. He wanted the rich and famous from San Francisco to come to his spa, which they ultimately did. The spa opened in 1862, and the wealthy San Francisco elite would flock to the spa in the summer months to enjoy the natural hot springs.

In 1868, the Napa Valley Railroad Company completed its track. This made ferry passengers' journey from San Francisco to the Upper Napa Valley much easier. This track ultimately made Calistoga a hub for transportation in the Upper Valley and a gateway to Lake and Sonoma Counties.