The best arts & culture spots in Novato

“Opulently decorated house, HQ & museum for avant-garde entertainment troupe, with private tours.”

“SFO Museum Gallery Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is showing Harvey Milk: Messenger of Hope, a quietly powerful exhibition tracing Milk’s path from Long Island kid to San Francisco activist through intimate archival photographs from the Harvey Milk Archives at SFPL. Step in, take a breath, leave a little braver.”

From the Foster City newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Whether you know your Wookiees from your wampas or just want a nostalgia hit, Rancho Obi-Wan is a nonprofit museum in Petaluma housing the Guinness-certified world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection. Book a tour, meet passionate docents, then revel in deep-cut artifacts you didn't even know existed.”

From the Petaluma newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Whether you grew up blowing into cartridges or fine-tuning your aim, make The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE) your this-week nostalgia fix. Play thousands of games on original hardware, explore one-of-a-kind gaming history, then stick around for workshops and community nights.”

From the Alameda newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Petaluma Historical Library & Museum keeps local stories alive with thoughtfully curated exhibits and community events, and right now it’s the last chance to catch “The Fabric of Democracy: Quilts and the Power of the People,” running through August 2. A quick brain break that feels productive.”

From the Napa newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Nonprofit gallery showing works including paintings & sculptures created by world-class artists.”

“A local institution staging highly acclaimed plays & nurturing talents like David Mamet since 1967.”

“Free-admission museum and library showcasing 85,000+ objects related to typography and graphic design.”

“A place for kids to explore arts & technology by making music videos, animating short films & more.”

“Free galleries with rotating exhibits on art, history, science & culture, plus an aviation museum.”

“Modern art museum with a large gallery space that exhibits local artists.”

“Landmark 850-ft-tall building shaped like a narrow pyramid & housing offices & retail space.”

“Big complex featuring interactive exhibits on outer space, a planetarium, a gift shop & more.”

“Built in 1869, this Italianate mansion houses a museum with period furnishings & decor.”

“Local playhouse presenting Broadway-style musicals, comedic works and concerts.”

“Small museum featuring exhibits on Miwok and other Native American tribes and traditions.”

“Over 18,000 Asian artworks & artifacts in the updated former main library opposite City Hall.”

“Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles.”

“Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.”

“Volunteer-run exhibition on the evolution of the bicycle with a special focus on mountain bikes.”

“This historic Queen Anne Victorian home is open to the public as a museum with docent-led tours.”

“Artifacts & interactive displays in a modern building focusing on state art, history & science.”

“Museum displaying political propaganda from more than 12 countries, including posters & memorabilia.”

“Museum housing an extensive aircraft collection & various aviation exhibits in a historic hangar.”

“Presidio museum exploring the life of Walt Disney featuring hands-on exhibits & original artwork.”

“Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.”