The City Hall building will be closed to the general public on Fridays from June 6, 2025 through August 29, 2025. San Rafael Community Centers, Libraries, Al Boro Parking Services, and all Public Safety services will remain open and maintain normal Friday hours.

   
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Arts & Culture

< Library & Recreation Falkirk Cultural Center Downtown Arts District Public Art

About

San Rafael has been selected as one of California’s premier state-designated arts and culture districts. San Rafael joins 13 other districts in a new program highlighting the state’s unique artistic and cultural communities within California, home to the country’s leading creative economy.

The newly designated Downtown San Rafael Arts District is located along the spine of Fourth Street in San Rafael. The arts district provides a unique place to create and appreciate arts and culture – San Rafael arts partners provide programming for people to come together, make connections, and get involved in the larger community.

With a mix of architectural gems, a historic Art Deco theater, a Shakespeare company, an art center and a Spanish mission, you'll find plenty of ways to get cultured, even without a dress code.

Falkirk Building
Falkirk Cultural Center

This 1888 Queen Anne estate hosts local art, youth arts education, performances, literary programs, and seasonal family events.

Artwork
Public Art

The San Rafael Public Art Initiative supports accessible public art, fostering community, culture, and economic growth.

Woman standing on stage
AlterTheater Ensemble

AlterTheater stages pop-up shows in San Rafael storefronts, launching new plays nationwide with actors performing just inches away.

Artworks Downtown Shopfront
Art Works Downtown

Visit the center to see artists at work, explore exhibitions in four galleries, and discover the charm of its 130-year-old building.

Rafael Film Center
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center

Home of the California Film Center, this historic art deco movie theater offers independent, foreign, classic and documentary films.

Falkirk Building
Falkirk Cultural Center

This 1888 Queen Anne estate hosts local art, youth arts education, performances, literary programs, and seasonal family events.

Marin History Museum Logo
Marin History Museum

Founded in 1935, the museum showcases Marin County’s history through exhibits, tours, artifacts, and a research library.

Marin Shakespeare Company
Marin Shakespeare Company

Enjoy summer Shakespeare at Dominican’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, plus year-round classes, events, and social justice programs.

Mission-San-Raphael-Archangel
Mission San Rafael Arcangel

San Rafael’s namesake mission, built in 1817 and rebuilt in 1949, offers a museum, gift shop, and self-guided tours.

Youth in Arts
Youth in Arts

Youth in Arts provides diverse arts education in schools, showcases student work in its gallery, and offers free hands-on artmaking.

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