Napa Valley Museum: Things to Do Beyond the Wineries

The Napa Valley Museum offers a curated cultural experience in Wine Country, providing more to Napa Valley than just wineries. Currently, there are two locations. One location is in Yountville (The NVMY), and a new location: the Museum of Art & Culture (The MAC) in St. Helena. The NVMY and The MAC feature rotating exhibitions that highlight art, design, and culinary history, making it an easy and fun addition to any Napa itinerary. Whether you’re interested in mid-century Disney artistry, American fine art, or the legacy of Julia Child, this museum provides a meaningful stop between tastings.

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Napa Valley Museum

It is true, Napa Valley is best known for its wineries, but some of the more interesting stops here don’t involve a tasting room at all. The two museums offer a thoughtful, design-forward cultural experience with two locations: Yountville, The NVMY, and St Helena, The MAC. A stop at either of the Napa Valley Museum locations is an easy addition to a weekend in Wine Country when you want something a little different.

The two museums provide a quieter, more reflective way to experience Napa Valley beyond the vineyards. The NVMY in Yountville has both permanent collections and rotating exhibits. The MAC in St Helena, the newer flagship location, provides a space to present more rotating exhibitions. Whether you’re drawn to culinary history, mid-century design, or American art, there is always something enjoyable to explore at either museum location.

Yountville: The NVMY (Napa Valley Museum Yountville)

The NVMY will be hosting Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic. It is an exhibition highlighting the influential artist whose work shaped the look of numerous Disney animated films and theme park experiences from March 22 through October 25, 2026.

Mary Blair’s vibrant color palettes and bold mid-century style helped define projects like It’s a Small World, along with visual development for beloved Disney classics. The exhibition includes artwork and historical photographs that showcase her role in shaping the visual language of mid-century animation and design.

For anyone who appreciates art, design history, or the cultural influence of Disney’s golden era. The NVMY is a must-stop during your trip in Wine Country.

St Helena: The MAC (Museum of Art & Culture)

The MAC in St Helena occupies the former Dean & DeLuca building, a space long associated with curated food and elevated taste. It feels fitting that the building now houses art, history, and culture, and still maintains a strong culinary presence.

One of the most unique aspects of this location is that it shares the building with Under-Study. Under-Study is a butcher, bottle shop, café, and patisserie all in one. A large glass wall separates the museum galleries from the café space, allowing visitors to glimpse the current exhibition of The MAC while enjoying coffee and a pastry. It’s an unexpected and seamless blend of food and culture.

After visiting The MAC, stop in at Under-Study for a pastry.

The current exhibition at THE MAC is Julia Child: A Recipe for Life

Currently on view at The MAC, Julia Child: A Recipe for Life celebrates the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential culinary figures. The exhibit explores her career, her impact on American home cooking, and the personality that made her such an enduring icon. This exhibit runs from April 18, 2025 to March 8, 2026.

If you miss Julia Child: A Recipe for Life in St. Helena, the traveling exhibition will continue at other locations throughout the US.

• In Minnesota, through the end of May 2026
• In Charlotte, North Carolina, opening October 21, 2026 and running through January 17, 2027

And there is a small exhibit of Julia Child’s original home kitchen at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., as a permanent part of the museum’s collection.

For a more in-depth review of the Julia Child traveling museum exhibit, read my full blog post, linked here.

Coming Soon to The MAC: The Wyeths — Three Generations

The MAC will be presenting The Wyeths: Three Generations, featuring works from the Bank of America Collection. It’s a significant exhibition for those who love American art. This exhibit will run from April 11, 2026 to September 13, 2026. The Wyeth’s are a family dynasty that helped shape American art.

The NVMY and The MAC are Cultural Stops Between Tastings

What makes The MAC particularly appealing is how easily it integrates into a Napa itinerary. You can begin with coffee and a sweet or savory pastry at Under-Study. Next, walk through the current exhibition. Then, continue to lunch or wine tasting nearby.

Or, you can use either of the museum locations as a reset between vineyard visits. A stop at The NVMY or The MAC is something thoughtful, visual, and quietly inspiring.

If you’re planning a trip and looking for something to balance your wine tasting schedule, The NVM and The MAC are worth adding to your list.

Visiting the Napa Valley Museum?

Check out the Napa Valley Museum website for current and upcoming exhibits as well as current hours.

Tell me below if you have been to either The NVMY or The MAC, or if you have plans to visit…

For another memorable meal, consider Clementine, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the heart of Yountville.

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