The San Bernardino County Museum

International Museum Day at the County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum will celebrate International Museum Day on Sunday, May 1, with free admission and a variety of special activities.

“International Museum Day has been celebrated world-wide since 1977,” said Jolene Redvale, museum curator of education. “The event offers museums an opportunity to remind their visitors that museums are institutions in the service of society and are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding. And International Museum Day is also a day of fun and learning.”

Museum curators from anthropology, biological sciences, history, geology, and paleontology will be on hand from noon to 5 p.m. for “Identify This,” identifying objects the public brings in from home. Visitors may bring in up to three items they would like to learn more about. All objects must be carried in by hand (no carts or dollies allowed) and all items must stay in the possession of their owners. “Identify This” is structured to answer questions and offer information about objects related to cultural and natural history. Items will not be appraised or evaluated, and professional appraisers will not be recommended.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the education division and the Museum Youth Club will host a Family Fun Day, “Masks: See the World through Their Eyes.” Visitors will create their own unique animal masks and see masks from around the world to provide inspiration. A $1 fee per mask will cover the cost of materials for this activity.

Free admission to the museum, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is sponsored by a generous contribution from Lois Lauer Century 21 Realty.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free, and everyone will be admitted free on Sunday, May 1. Parking is free, and the facility is handicapped-accessible. The museum’s Garden Café will be open for snacks between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the Exploration Station live animal gallery will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.