Established in 1904 as a Carnegie Library belonging to the City of Chico, the original Romanesque building was remodeled in 1931 in Mediterranean Revival style and then leased to the Chico Museum Association in 1981, when a new library was built in conjunction with the County. Offering both permanent and changing displays, it seeks to tell Chico's story in pictures and objects, providing a classroom for area school children as well as adults interested in the narrative of Chico history.
Open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m to 4 p.m., it is adjacent to the Chico State campus at the corner of Second and Salem Sts. An elevator is available for handicap access.
Our current Exhibit is called "Chico Through Time," which covers several themes spanning Chico's History. In our Carnegie Gallery, Chico's original 19th century Chinese Temple, along with its two altars and other artifacts from the period, are partially restored and undergoing additional repairs under the careful management of the museum's stellar conservation team.
In our Patrick Gallery, there is a comprehensive Chico timeline named, "Chico Through Time". There is an exhibit on Chico City Schools, spotlighting schools from the beginning of Chico to current day. It focuses on schools currently in the Chico Unified School District, including seven Charter Schools. The McIntyre Gallery features an exhibit on the Chico area's involvement in the World War One, focusing on the wartime experiences of Chico residents both overseas and on the home front.
Other exhibits include Richardson Springs, Hooker Oak, Early Chico Churches (an installation conducted in partnership with Chico State's Religious Studies Intern Program) as well as historic collections on loan from both Chico Fire and Police Departments. We hope that you can join us to see the exhibits!