Stockton, California

The Haggin Museum, an art and history museum, has been referred to by Sunset magazine as “one of the undersung gems of California.” Its art collection features works by such noted 19th-century painters as Albert Bierstadt, Rosa Bonheur, and William-Adolphe Bouguereau, J.C. Leyendecker, as well as many other American and European artists. The Haggin Museum features exhibits on local and regional history, hosts traveling history and art exhibits, and invites the public to special events including late night Thursday events every 1st and 3rd Thursday with wine and food and hands-on activities for children ages 5-12 every 2nd Saturday of the month.

As seen on Huell Howser’s "Road Trip" to Stockton in 2007, the Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple features over 90 colorful and larger than life jewel encrusted statues that celebrate the life and story of the Cambodian Buddha. You have to see it to believe it....the temple boasts a 50 foot long recumbent Buddha. Also home to the annual Cambodian New Year Celebration in April.

The Mexican Heritage Center is an exhibition gallery where visitors and the community can enjoy the Mexican culture through dance, art, and music. In the heart of downtown Stockton, the Mexican Heritage Center proudly showcases local artists' work and hosts many events such as Día de los Muertos and Las Posadas that invite the community to learn about Mexican traditions. The Center even offers traditional Mexican art such as jewelry, pottery, and figurines that visitors can purchase. Check out their website for a calendar of events and exhibitions!

The Bob Hope (Fox California) Theatre in Downtown Stockton, built in 1930, was one of only two "movie palaces" in the Central Valley. Today its 2,042 seats are host to year-round live theatre, musicals, concerts, family events, classic cinema and comedy. The Bob Hope Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and features a marble mosaic floor that encompasses a 1,200 square foot space in the center of the lobby. This marble was imported from Italy and the mosaic was designed by a Canadian artist. The Theatre also features a 1928 Robert Morton theater organ, which caem from the Seattle Fox Theatre which closed over 40 years ago. This organ was restored and donated to the theatre by The Friends of the Fox, a volunteer organization that has been instrumental in preserving the theatre. Check out their website for the calendar of the latest events coming to the Bob Hope Theatre!

Founded in 1950, Stockton Civic Theatre entertains local audiences with world-class performances of Broadway's favorite musicals and plays. The SCT mission is to provide Broadway quality live entertainment and arts education programs to the residents of California's great Central Valley. SCT produces 5 shows a year, with each show running four weekends. SCT also features a summer youth program called SCT, Jr. For current season and performance schedule, see the Stockton Civic Theatre's official website.

Founded in 1926, the Stockton Symphony is one of the pre-eminent performing arts organizations in San Joaquin County, and the third oldest orchestra in California. Every year, the Stockton Symphony presents a 5-concert Classics and 4-concert Pops series to the community at various venues. The Stockton Symphony electrifies audiences of all ages with sold-out performances of symphonic concerts throughout the San Joaquin Valley. They work to build a passionate curiosity about contemporary music while preserving the symphonic heritage of the past. Visit the Stockton Symphony's official website for a schedule of their current season.

Located on the Stockton campus of California State University Stanislaus, University Park has a Discovery Trail which is comprised of a lovely one-mile walk with several stops highlighting art, architecture, nature, and history. One of the stops is the University Park World Peace Rose Garden which features over 245 roses and a Peace Plaza with plaques with inspirational messages of peace from local school children. Admission is free and University Park is open sunrise to sunset.