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Museum Complex

Benicia Historical Museum

The Museum Complex consists of four original 1850’s Benicia Arsenal Buildings. All of the buildings are built of native Californian sandstone quarried near the Museum site. The rustic, austere style set a precedent that was utilized in most of the Benicia Arsenal buildings built in the 19th Century. The Arsenal is one of only three locations where native stone was used for US military installations. The other two are Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and Ft. Tejon, California near the north end of the Grapevine. Each of the Museum buildings have a  keystone decoration of a cannon ball surmounted by a flame.  This is the symbol of the US Army Ordnance Depot.

Museum Memberships

Join today and get access to great benefits! Choose between the levels of membership that works best for you or purchase a gift membership for someone you love!

Volunteers

Join today and get access to great benefits! Choose between the levels of membership that works best for you or purchase a gift membership for someone you love!

Museum Gallery

Museum Gallery (Upstairs)

Floor two of the Stone Hall houses our main Museum gallery (Building #9). Built in 1854, this was originally a storehouse for the Arsenal. This area features exhibits ranging from the Native Californians of Solano County, to the founding of California, to the Gold Rush, to current-day arts in Benicia.

Stone Hall

Stone Hall

The lower level of Building #9 is known as Captain Charles P. Stone Hall. Here we host many events; including First Friday At The Museum, Art Camel Gallery, History Talks, Concerts, and more. The hall can also be rented for weddings and private events. See our Rentals page for details.

Spenger Garden

Spenger Garden

Spenger Memorial Garden, is located behind Stone Hall and was dedicated in 2008 to the memory of Catherine and Paul Spenger. The garden is a charming space for a picnic after a Museum tour and is available to rent for private events. See our Rentals page for details.

Industrial Exhibit

Industrial Exhibit

The Silas Casey Building (Building #7) was erected for the Arsenal in 1853. It now houses our Industrial Exhibit, Archive offices, and Education Department.

 

Museum Office

Museum Offices

Currently, our Museum Offices (Building #8). Erected in 1855, this was originally the Engine House, and later served as a guardhouse, an Army Officer’s office, a chapel, a cartridge bag shop, and an artist’s studio.

Powder Magazine

The Powder Magazine

The Powder Magazine (Building #10) is a unique adventure. Built in 1857 from native Benicia sandstone by predominantly Irish stonemasons, this is one of the few remaining examples of the stonemasons’ art in California, from the vaulted ceilings to the carved capitals on the pillars. The Museum has restored this building and installed a display of Benicia Arsenal artifacts. At the present time, the Powder Magazine is open to visitors by appointment only.

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