Fresno Art Museum (FAM) | Fresno

The Fresno Art Museum (FAM), located in Fresno, California, is a cultural hub for modern and contemporary art, offering a diverse and dynamic selection of exhibitions. It is renowned for its focus on both the works of women artists and the cultural diversity within the San Joaquin Valley, making it an important center for regional and national art.

History and Mission:

Founded in 1948, the Fresno Art Museum has developed a strong reputation over the years as one of the leading art institutions in Central California. The museum’s mission is to educate, engage, and inspire the public through art exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. It seeks to present art that reflects a wide range of cultural and social perspectives, with a particular emphasis on supporting emerging artists and fostering community involvement.

Collection:

The museum is home to a variety of collections that span across multiple periods and mediums. These include:

Contemporary Art: The museum showcases numerous works by contemporary artists, especially those who explore themes of identity, social justice, and innovation in art.

African American Art: The museum features notable exhibitions such as The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper. This collection includes over 60 works that span from the late 19th century to the 21st century and is one of the most significant collections of African American art in the United States.

Pre-Columbian Art: The museum also boasts works that explore ancient traditions, such as its Art of the Ancient Americas exhibit, which showcases art from the Peruvian Andes, the Yucatán Peninsula, and West Mexico.

Exhibitions:

Fresno Art Museum consistently hosts compelling exhibitions that cover a wide variety of artistic themes and mediums. Some of the notable ongoing and upcoming exhibitions include:

The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper (through June 29, 2025): This exhibition presents a historical selection of artworks highlighting African American artists from the late 1800s to 2002, including works by artists such as Romare Bearden and Charles White.

Art of the Ancient Americas (ongoing): This exhibition features over 2,500 years of artistic traditions from ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes. Artifacts such as ceramics, textiles, and sculptures provide insight into the rich cultural heritage of these regions.

Once Upon a Book – Featuring the Illustrations of Grace Lin (ongoing): A celebration of the illustrations by children’s author Grace Lin, known for her vibrant, intricate artwork featured in her popular children’s books.

The Concentration Camp Series by Marguerite Stix (ongoing): A poignant collection of works created in 1940, reflecting the artist’s own experiences during World War II and the trauma of being interned in a concentration camp.

Museum Hours and Admission:

The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission rates are as follows:

Adults (18+): $10

Youth (5–17): $7

Children (under 4): Free

Members: Free

U.S. Military Veterans and Active Duty: Free with ID

The museum also offers free admission on the first and third Sunday of each month, made possible through Measure P funding.

Location:

The museum is located at 2233 N First Street, Fresno, CA 93703. It is easily accessible by car, bus, and even by bike.

By Car: From Highway 41, take the McKinley Street exit, head east, turn left on First Street, and continue to Yale. The museum will be on your right. From Highway 99, take the Clinton Street exit and head east to First Street, then turn south, and the museum will be on the right.

By Public Transit: The museum is accessible by the Fresno Area Xpress (FAX) routes 34 (First Street) or 39 (FYI/Clinton), and it’s only one block south of the bus stops at First and Clinton.

By Bicycle: The museum has bike racks available, and for added security, cyclists can bring their bicycles inside the museum or into the gated sculpture garden.

Visitor Amenities:

The museum features a small cafe and a gift shop that offers a variety of art-related items, including books, jewelry, and local art.

The museum also has educational programs, including classes, tours, and special events for all ages.

In sum, the Fresno Art Museum is an invaluable asset to the Central California arts community, offering engaging exhibitions that explore a wide range of artistic forms and cultural topics. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum provides a welcoming space to appreciate contemporary and historical art.