Conference on Middle East Studies

Area Attractions

The attractions below are from the Fresno County Tourism website.

Downing Planetarium - Fresno State Campus

Take a cosmic tour through the Downing Planetarium, this 74-seat theatre on the campus of California State University, Fresno features a 30-foot dome. Shows are held Friday and Saturday. Stargazing on Friday nights. Call (559) 278-4121 to confirm show times and hours of operation. 5320 N. Maple, Fresno.

Fig Garden Village

Located at Palm and Shaw Avenues, this unique outdoor shopping experience features the finest fashion, gift and specialty stores. Some of the Valley’s best restaurants, featuring indoor and outdoor dining, can also be found at the Village. For a wholesome experience, visit Fresno’s Whole Foods Market.

Fresno Art Museum

Founded in 1948, The Fresno Art Museum is a cultural vanguard and central California’s only modern art museum. The Museum’s permanent collections include Mexican art, French Post-Impressionist, and Robert Cremean sculptures. Up to thirty changing exhibitions are on display each year. Artists-in residence are eager to welcome visitors and share their work. The Fresno Art Museum is home to a new Sculpture Park, an education center, gift gallery and the Bonner Auditorium that offers family programs, performances, children’s entertainment, lectures and much more. 2233 N. First St., Fresno, (559) 441-4221.

Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art, History and Science

The Met's historic downtown home, the old Fresno Bee Building, is slated for renovations starting in August 2005 that will last about a year.  During that time, the Met is hosting a series of special events and exhibitions throughout the Fresno area.  The Met's popular Reeves ASK Science Center will be open in a new location during renovation, at 933 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno.  Details about Met programming during their renovation is available at www.fresnomet.org. The museum possesses a sizable collection of European still-life and trompe l’oeil paintings and is building a permanent collection evoking the cultural heritage of Central California. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits, lectures, workshops and other activities. 1555 Van Ness Ave., Fresno, (559) 441-1444.

African American Cultural and Historical Museum - Fresno

The history, art and culture of African-Americans in the greater Central Valley are featured in the African American Cultural and Historical Museum. Rotating and permanent displays concerning African American history and culture and well as interpretive displays describing the lives and times of San Joaquin Valley African American leaders. The Museum hosts local and national touring exhibits as well as a variety of educational and cultural events throughout the year. 1857 Fulton St., Fresno, (559) 268-7102.

American Historical Society of Germans from Russia - Fresno

This Museum traces the history of Fresno’s Russian immigrants of German decent. Antique furniture, tools, clothing and baskets from Russia as well as and early Fresno artifacts are displayed. Genealogical information is also available. 3233 N. West Ave., Fresno, (559) 229-8287.

Arte Americas - Fresno

Arte Americas is a celebration of arts in Mexico, Latin America, the Southwest and California. When a guest steps into nuestra casa de la cultura, the center shares knowledge of different art forms and culture, as well as being a home where Latino arts can be exhibited, performed, danced, recited, taught and preserved for the future. 1630 Van Ness, Fresno, (559) 266-2623.

Kearney Mansion Museum - Fresno

The Kearney Mansion Museum, the restored home of M. Theo Kearney, the “Raisin King of California,” tells the story of Central California agriculture. The Mansion just celebrated its centennial anniversary and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A wonderful gift shop offers Fresno County historical literature as well as Kearney momentos. Park entrance fee is waived at the gate for Mansion visitors, call or visit website for current hours of operation. 7160 W. Kearney Blvd., Fresno, (559) 441-0862.

Meux Home Museum - Fresno

This historic Victorian house was built in 1888 by Dr. T.R. Meux, a Civil War surgeon who became a renowned Fresno area physician. The home has been lovingly restored with furnishings and equipment that portray early Fresno family life. Guided tours are available with a gift shop on the premises. 1007 R St., Fresno, (559) 233-8007.

Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies at Riverview Ranch - Fresno

This riestored 1890s ranch house features exhibits for children and adults featuring history and culture of the San Joaquin River, and local artists’ work. Interactive nature exhibits for children and adults. 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. 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, (559) 433-3190.

Yosemite National Park

Cascades of melting water, natural alpine gardens and groves of Giant Sequois make Yosemite a wonder to enjoy any season of the year. Yosemite is a work of nature formed by massive glaciers thousands of years. The Tunnel View turnout at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel on HWY 41 is one of the most photographed vistas on earth. It provides a classic view of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Falls. For more information call 209-372-0200 or visit their website.

Kings River Country Tour

The Kings River Country tour provides historical and educational stops against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills just below Sequoia/ Kings Canyon National Parks. Sights that may be included in this tour are the Sierra Endangered Cat Haven, Squaw Valley Herb Garden, Sequoia View Vineyards, the historic Reedley Opera House, the Mennonite Quilting Center and specialty shopping in Reedley. Individual and group accommodations can be provided at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort. For information call (800) 821-2801.  

For more attractions, visit the Fresno County Tourism website.

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