Plan Your Visit

School Groups

Experience & Learn

The John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall

The John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall is a multimedia journey through the life and works of Salinas’ native son. Vivid environments bring the places and the experiences of John Steinbeck’s world alive for all ages and backgrounds. The exhibition hall includes film representations of his works, interviews with key people from his life, artifacts and of course lots to read.

The Rabobank Agricultural Museum

The Rabobank Agricultural Museum is a field-to-fork experience through the Salinas Valley’s agricultural industry. With a strong focus on the individuals, immigrant groups and families who shaped Salinas Valley agriculture, this exhibition features audio clips, photographs, film footage, personal memorabilia, unique tools and artifacts used throughout the decades.

Art & Cultural Exhibit Galleries

Explore art and culture exhibitions year round in our various galleries. Check out what’s on our walls now.

The National Steinbeck Center is a great way to enhance your students’ educational experience.

Your students will travel through John Steinbeck’s works and life in the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, learn the history and workings of the Salinas Valley agricultural industry in the Rabobank Agricultural Museum, and experience different interpretations of Steinbeck themes, characters and settings in our changing galleries.

School/Youth Group Fees

All Monterey County school and youth groups are admitted to the National Steinbeck Center at a reduced rate of $2.50 per student. All other schools and youth groups are admitted at a special price of $5.00 per student.

Please note for all middle school and youth groups, the National Steinbeck Center requires that there be a minimum of 1 teacher or chaperone per 5 students. For high school groups we require a minimum of 1 teacher or chaperone for every 7 students. All teachers and chaperones are admitted free.

Read about all of our policies and everything that the Center has to offer by downloading our Field Trip Planning Guide.

To make a reservation please fill out our School Group Application and send it to our Guest Services Manager, Patrick J. Dunn, at patrick@steinbeck.org or call 831.775.4726. Patrick’s office hours are between 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday.

The National Steinbeck Center offers many great classroom resources for teachers. Visit our Museum Store online to purchase items to enhance your students’ experience.