3 Best Places To See in Modesto, CA

“McHenry Museum showcases Modesto and Stanislaus County's captivating history through various exhibits. The Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and the proceeds from its store contribute to the publication of new or reprinted local histories. The Museum has over 200,000+ books and related content. The museum features several distinct spaces, including a main exhibit room, a changing exhibit room, and an Auditorium. The museum's main floor can accommodate up to 200 guests, while the hall can host between 64 and 90 guests, depending on the chosen chair and table configuration. The museum uses the new space, which requires completely reorganizing the lower level and main floor spaces. Those who want to host events or gatherings can rent space at the McHenry Museum. The museum displays are thoughtfully curated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.”

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“Great Valley Museum has a discovery room committed to hands-on activities and materials. The Museum is financed through memberships, grants, admissions, and donations. The GVM opens minds, touches hearts, and inspires, appreciates, discovers, and preserves their natural heritage and atmosphere. Science literacy and the unique Central Valley are developed by engaging educators, students, and the community through onsite and outreach programs. Their Science on a Sphere, created by NOAA, has over 400 datasets thrown onto a 1.5-meter sphere, including real-time worldwide events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and other phenomena. Their nature shop carries educational and fun toys, books, and gifts for nature and science enthusiasts. Free admission is available for GVM and members, as well as YCCD staff and students.”

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“Gallo Center for the Arts celebrates the variety of their community by providing an array of affordable cultural events designed to appeal to all. The arts center's mission is to enrich the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where national, regional, educational, and international cultural activities illuminate and entertain. The Gallo Center for the Arts will achieve this mission through programming that affords a venue for the area's leading performing arts organizations, brings excellent performances worldwide to the city, and offers motivating arts education programs for youth. The center comprises two performance venues. The Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, with a seating capacity of 1248, and the Foster Family Theater, with a seating capacity of 440. The concert hall features box seats and a balcony. The center's focus is on arts, entertainment, multicultural programming, arts education, and social activities for the San Joaquin Valley. They have conducted over 7000 events.”

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