Arts, Culture and Museums
Memorial Museum – Located at Pelco, 3500 Pelco Way, Clovis, CA,
The California Memorial Museum displays hundreds of items donated from the FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority Police Depa rtments to Pelco President, David McDonald, following the attacks of September 11 th. This unique collection includes an American Flag flown by the FDNY at Ground Zero, debris recovered at the World Trade Center site, an FDNY firefighter uniform worn during recovery operations, as well as hundreds of photos and other memorabilia. The museum, open to the public Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., also includes a 15-minute video summarizing the California Memorial dedication event.
The William Saroyan Theater is the cultural center of Fresno. Luxurious seating for 2,300 people and near-perfect acoustics highlight the theater, home to the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra and the Fresno Ballet and site of many cultural events throughout the year. Other venues for the performing arts are the Good Company Players Second Space Theatre, presenting comedy and drama; Roger Rocka's Dinner Theatre; historic Tower Theatre, presenting touring performers; Theatre Three, presenting eight varied performances annually in a 107-seat facility; and Warnors Theatre.
The Fresno City and County Historical Society operates the Kearney Mansion and Fort Miller Blockhouse, two historical museums, extensive archives on the history of Fresno, and tours of the city's historic buildings. Meux Home, a restored historical structure in downtown Fresno, features a number of exhibits relating to the region's history, displayed on a rotating basis. Architecture buffs might wish to contemplate the futuristic design of the City Hall, located near the historic district containing Meux Home and St. John's Cathedral.
The Discovery Center is a hands-on science museum and outdoor education center; it features Native American exhibits, a cactus garden, worm farms, ponds, and a greenhouse.
The Fresno Art Museum is the only modern art museum between San Francisco and Los Angeles and has three main galleries, an exhibition concourse, and a unique "Child-space"; it offers art classes for adults and children. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Science, and History contains collections of European still lifes, tromp l'oeil oil paintings, and exhibits focusing on the cultural heritage of Central California, including exhibits dedicated to author and Fresno native William Saroyan.
American Historical Society of Germans from Russia – 3233 N. West, Fresno CA 93705. 559-229-8287 or www.ahsfr.org. A museum of German-Russian and early Fresno artifacts. Admission is free. Open weekdays from 12 Noon – 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon.
Arte Americas – 1630 Van Ness Ave., Fresno CA 93721. 559-266-2623 or www.arteamericas.org. The cener features latino art, music, dance and literature. Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Children’s Museum of the Sierra – 49269 Golden Oak Dr., Oakhurst, CA 93644. 559-658-5656 or www.childrensmuseumofthesierra.org. This museum features hands-on exhibits in the areas of science, natural history, community and the arts. $3 per person. Open Tuesday – Saturday; Sunday (winter only).
Clovis Big Dry Creek Historical Museum – 401 Pollasky Ave., Clovis, CA 93612. 559-597-8033. The building that houses this museum is equally famous as the site of a historic and daring 1924 bank robbery. The museum itself features the history of Clovis from its logging town roots to present. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments also available.
Discovery Center Museum of Science & Natural History – 1937 N. Winery, Fresno CA 93727. 559-251-5533 or www.thediscoverycenter.net. The Discovery Center features hands-on interactive exhibits to encourage excitement and curiosity in children about science and the world around us. Open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm. On Saturday.
Fresno Art Museum – 2233 N. First Street Fresno, CA 93703. 559- 441-4221 or www.fresnoartmuseum.org. Since its inception as a regional arts center in 1948, the Fresno Art Museum has grown into an important museum of contemporary and modern art. The Museum evolved from a group of local artists who formed the Fresno Art League in the late 1940's for the purpose of critiquing and exhibiting their artwork. In 1958 the Fresno Art League joined forces with others interested in building a place to exhibit and study art, and the original building was constructed on Fresno city property at Radio Park. The Fresno Art Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits to the public tangible objects valuable to art and history. Exhibitions include a wide range of contemporary as well as modern works by local, national and international artists. With additional emphasis on Mexican art from pre-Columbian times to the present, and with the planned bequest of significant collections of pre-Columbian ceramics and French post-impressionist graphics, the Museum is working to serve as both an educational facility and a repository for important collections from the Central Valley.
Fresno Metropolitan Museum – 1515 Van Ness Ave., Fresno CA 93721. 559-441-1444 or www.fresnomet.org. The Met’s home, the historic Fresno Bee building in downtown Fresno, is undergoing renovations through the fall of 2006. In the meantime, the Met continues to present innovative programming that sparks curiosity and stimulates thinking in various offsite locations throughout the community. Permanent exhibit – Reeves ASK Science Center – is located at 933 Van Ness Ave.
Hmong Cultural Heritage Center & Museum – 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno CA 93710. 559-241-6534, 284-6949 or email: pyhchcm@sbcglobal.net. This is the first ever Hmong historical museum and center in the nation, and is dedicated to gathering, preserving, educating, and sharing works of history, culture, art and literature, as well as serving as a venue for a wide array of cultural events and activities celebrating the Hmong-American experiences. Admission is free, however, you will need to call for an appointment.
Kearney Mansion Museum – 7160 W. Kearney Blvd., Fresno CA 93706. 559-441-0862 or www.historicfresno.org. The restored home of M. Theo Kearney, the “Raisin King of California,” tells the story of Central California agriculture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tours are given every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Admission ranges from $3.00 - $5.00 depending on age.
Kingsburg Historical Park – 1381 Lincoln St., Kingsburg, CA 93631. 559-897-5795 or www.kingsburgchamberofcommerce.com/historical_park.html. This museum included several historic structures from the area that have been restored and relocated from a village setting. Tour the Olson house for a taste of the turn-of-the-century Kingsburg family living, and see a medical building, general store, schoolhouse, fire service station, old windmill and covered wagons. The Olson Brothers Welding Building showcased the engineering ingenuity of the Swedish farmers that founded this area. Open Monday – Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Appointments are also available.
Legion of Valor Museum – 2425 Fresno Street , Fresno CA 93721 . 559-498-0510. Located in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, this is the only museum in the country dedicated to recipients of the nation’s highest decorations of valor: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross. Admission is free. Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mennonite Quilt Center - World Handcrafts – 1012 G Street, Reedley, CA 93654. 559-638-3560. Experience quilting and handmade rug making in action, purchase homemade items and gifts, and view unique quilts and other items that are auctioned to raise funds for charities around the world. This is a one-of-a-kind experience. Open Monday – Driday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meux Home Museum – 1007 R Street, Fresno CA 93721. 559-233-8007 or www.meux.mus.ca.us. This Victorian house was built in 1888-89 by Dr. T.R. Meux, a Confederate surgeon. It is restored with furnishings and equipment that portray early Fresno family life. It opens the first Friday in February and closed the last Sunday in December. Guided tours available Friday – Sunday from 12 Noon – 3:30 p.m.
Millerton Courthouse – The museum is a restoration of the 1866 courthouse and was the first county seat of Fresno. For tour information, please call the CA State Parks at 559-822-2332.
R.C. Baker Memorial Museum – 297 W. Elm Street, Coalinga, CA 93210. 559-935-1914 or www.coalingachamber.com. This unique museum in Coalinga has a wide variety of displays including fossils, American Indian artifacts, Western ranch hand equipment, oil equipment, and a 1924 Amercan La France fire engine. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Coalinga area and has traced the history of Coaling bach hundreds of millions of years. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Reedley Historical Museum – 1752 10 th Street, Reedley, CA 93654. 559-638-1913. Housed in the building that served as Reedley’s first City Hall, the museum exhibits focus on the social, cultural, educational and business achievements of people in the Reedley area.
Reedley Opera House – 1720 10 th Street, Reedley, CA 93654. 559-638-1900. Visit the meticulously restored Reedley Opera House, built in 1903 as the forerunner of today’s multipurpose community center. Restored in 1986, the Opera House is now a cultural arts center dedicated to a wide range of community events and activities including live theater, wine tasting, concerts, art exhibitions and other stage shows and gatherings. The Opera House has been featured in Sunset Magazine and is listed on the National Register of Historic Place.
Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies – 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno CA 93720. 559-433-3190 or www.riverparkway.org. This restored 1890’s ranch house features exhibits for children and adults, focusing on nature, history and the culture of the San Joaquin River. Plus, art exhibits from local artists and ongoing community programs for all ages. The River Store features unique items reflecting nature and the river and handcrafted works. The River Center is now connected to the Lewis S. Eaton Trail. Hours are Friday – Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Gate hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Daily. Admission is free.
Sanger Depot Museum – 1770 Seventh Street, Sanger CA 93657 . 559-875-4720 or www.webcitypress.com/sanger. This Southern Pacific railroad station is now a museum housing the Brehler collection of Indian baskets, the Sanger Flume and Lumber Exhibit, and replicas of a Victorian home and turn-of-the-century Sanger. Open Friday 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.