More than just a charming little town famous for its wine and vineyards, Napa Valley is also home to arts and cultural establishments that work hard to preserve and showcase the city’s arts and heritage.
Below is a Napa Valley travel guide to the best museums and cultural centers of the city. Make sure to check them out the next time you travel to Napa Valley.
Napa Valley Historical Society
The Napa Valley Historical Society’s headquarters are located at the Goodman Library Building at 1219 First Street in downtown Napa. The Goodman Library is the oldest library in California that is still being used for its original purpose.
Napa Valley Historical Society is a non-profit, research, archival and education organization whose aim is to discover, present and preserve the history and the people of Napa County, and its place in California history. Visit the society’s Research Library every Tuesday-Thursday, 12-4pm and check out their comprehensive collection of books, photographs, original unpublished manuscripts, maps, architectural plans and documents pertaining to the city of Napa. The collection also includes yearbooks and city directories.
Napa Valley Museum
Napa Valley Museum aims to advance the cultural and environmental heritage of the city. The first phase of the museum’s permanent collection exhibit is entitled The Land and People of Napa Valley. The collection is comprised of items about Napa County, geography, geology, Wappo Native Americans, Mexican Rancho Days, Pioneers and Settlers, Chinese, Ranching, Farming, Viticulture, Wine, Mining, Transportation and Hot Spring Resorts. The museum also features changing exhibitions representing a wide variety of subjects including fine arts, history and natural sciences. Visit the Napa Valley Museum every day except Tuesdays, 10am-5pm.
Ca’ Toga Galleria D’Arte
Ca’ Toga is the name of the villa that the Italian-born artist Carlo Marchiori built north of Calistoga. Carlo Marchiori is a world-famous muralist who specializes in period art interpretations. He also creates ceramic plates, ceramic tile panels, paintings, sculptures, furniture and Roman style-base relief stone plaques. Visit his gallery at 1206 Cedar Street. You can also visit his studio/residence, Villa Ca’ Toga, at Myrtledale Road, Calistoga.
