Peanuts Lives On In Santa Rosa

Entry to the Schultz Museum
Photo by Charles Pannell

The Peanuts gang lives on at Santa Rosa's new Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Opened in 2002, this unique museum is dedicated to preserving the art and legacy of Charles M Schulz, and to sharing his story with visitors.

Who was the artist behind the popular Peanuts comic strip? What were his sources of inspiration? How was he able to keep producing intriguing, funny, exquisitely drawn strips for half a century? Why do people love this comic strip and its characters so much? How did Charles M. Schulz revolutionize the art of the comic strip? These are just some of the questions that are explored in the museum.

Highlights of the 27,384 square foot museum include a 7,000-pound sculpture that illustrates the evolution of Snoopy, two galleries with permanent and changing exhibitions of original strips and Schulz memorabilia, a re-creation of Schulz's studio, outdoor gardens and exhibits including a Snoopy labyrinth, and a research library and archives. It's a place the whole family can enjoy.

Access is excellent at the museum, with wide doorways, level thresholds, accessible bathrooms and barrier-free access throughout the newly constructed building. There's elevator access to the upper floor and plenty of room to maneuver in the spacious galleries.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum is located in Santa Rosa, California, at the corner of West Steele Lane and Hardies Lane, near Schulz's former studio. It's open on weekdays (except Tuesdays) from 12 to 5:30 PM, and on weekends from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and youth. For more information visit www.SchulzMuseum.org or call (707)579-4452.

Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County, and it's located just 60 miles northwest of San Francisco. Refer to the Winter 2003 issue of Emerging Horizons for more information about access in Sonoma County. Bonnie Lewkowicz's excellent article, "Beyond The Wineries of Sonoma County", contains detailed information about accessible tourist sights and lodging options from Guerneville to Santa Rosa.