Three years of jackhammers, bulldozers and excavators came to a close, on November 13, 2008 with the grand reopening of the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art and Science. One of the anchors of Fresno's Cultural Arts District, the museum is dedicated to bringing the world of art and science to life for residents of the San Joaquin Valley.

The museums historic structure at 1555 Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno was the focus of an extensive renovation and reshaping of the entire Museum complex. The building began life in 1922 as the headquarters for the Fresno Bee. It became a museum in 1984 after the newspaper moved to new offices in downtown. After many years of serving Valley residents, the museum building closed for renovations in 2005. The project included restoration of the original 1922 building, as removal of two additions constructed in 1936 and 1951, as well as the Museum’s longtime administrative office building. In addition, the Museum’s picturesque courtyard was the subject of a complete makeover, with the result a green space approaching the size of a football field.

The renovation affords the Museum the opportunity to open the building’s fourth and fifth floors for the first time ever. The fourth floor now serves as a multipurpose space supporting special programs, educational activities and will serve as gallery space on occasion. The fifth floor houses the Met’s administrative offices, marking the first time in the Museum’s history that its offices will be housed in the same location as its exhibition space.

Current Exhibits:

Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight
November 13, 2008 – March 1, 2009
Twenty-five exquisitely preserved fossils are on view and brought to life through life-size sculptures by renowned sculptor Stephen Czerkas.

Crossroads II: The Meeting of Art and Science
November 13, 2008 – August 2009
Crossroads II features new hands-on exhibits exploring themes of nature, conservation and light – from an art and science perspective.

Selections from the Permanent Collection
November 13, 2008 - February 1, 2009
While the Met's reopening focuses on the largest object in its collection, the 1922 Fresno Bee Building, some of the Met's other prized pieces will also make an appearance.

Holidays at the Met
November 27, 2008 – January 5, 2009
A gift to the community, this admission-free outdoor display of lights, wreaths, decorated trees and snow will whisk your family to a wonderland brimming with holiday spirit.

Upcoming Exhibits:

Anna Richards Brewster: American Impressionist
March 28 – June 14, 2009
The works of one of the best-known American woman artists at the turn of the last century will be on view for a special Fresno engagement.

The Dutch Italianates: 17th Century Masterpieces from Dulwich
April 11 – June 21, 2009
The Dulwich Picture Gallery, England's oldest public art gallery, is lending for the first time 40 influential paintings by the famed masters of the Dutch Italianate style.

I Want Candy: The Sweet Stuff in American Art
June 26 – August 30, 2009
I Want Candy exhibition consists of 54 works of many media types, providing a social commentary on candy and its effect on our culture and our lives.

www.fresnomet.org