The Benicia Historical Museum, better known by old timers as the Camel Barn Museum, is full of excitement these days.

The museum’s new executive director Jen Roger and it’s hard working board of directors have new events planned for 2022, the first of which are coming up this month.

First Fridays At The Museum 

First Fridays at The Museum is a new monthly event that takes place after dark on the first Friday of the month at the museum and includes live music curated from some of the best Bay Area bands, musicians, and soloists covering a wide range of genres. There are Food trucks, a no-host bar, and the Museum is completely open during the event. What a great way to spend a Friday evening, whether it’s a family night out or a date night, First Fridays At The Museum is sure to please. The first First Friday is February 4th and features Dirty Cello, an amazing band that plays a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

Friday February 4

5 – 8pm

$10.00 Cover charge payable through Eventbrite or at the door.

As the weather warms up the event will transition into a garden style evening event outside. This is an opportunity to enjoy and engage with the Benicia Historical Museum in an entirely new way.

Art Camel 

Art Camel is one of the new Museum experiences for 2022. Bringing Art and History together under one roof; Art Camel showcases works by local artists. January 28th, 5 – 8pm, Art Camel will begin with a free opening reception and a focus on the art of Benicia contemporary artist, Bill Gian.

Bill Gian’s work spans mediums, though he is most well recognized for his monumental installations constructed of steel, concrete, and an array of other industrial materials, some of which have been featured by the likes of HGTV, Landscape Architecture Magazine, People, El Universal, and Art Cover. Through his work, he transforms industrial structures into spaces of wonder and play. He has won a number of coveted awards such as the Landscape Architecture Award for Excellence for public art, the Colorado Lottery Sunburst award, and the award for innovation from the American Concrete Institute. His work is informed by the themes and myths from Hellenistic culture.

The Benicia Historical Museum will feature other local artists as this gallery-style experience moves forward. Art Camel is included with regularly priced museum admission Tuesday-Sunday, 1-4pm.

Reservations requested for Free Opening Reception

January 28th

5 – 8pm

Tickets available through Eventbrite https://bhm_events.eventbrite.com

The purpose for these new events and all the events at the Museum, is to engage the public and reawaken interest in the Museum.

Benicia Historical Museum is part of the backbone that helps make up our local identity and fosters community cultural experiences. The staff and board of Benicia Historical Museum is crafting unique and exclusive events that will, without a doubt, create a new following and further the sense of community.