Current Exhibits
Pleasanton at 125
October 29 - January 5
Our celebration of a century and a quarter of incorporated Pleasanton returns!
The History Gallery
In the History Gallery you can explore the changes that impacted the town and its surrounding neighbors. Through artifacts, images and treasures, discover the unique journey that has made the Tri-Valley a snapshot of the early days of California, and Pleasanton "The City of Planned Progress." The objective of this exhibit is to present the history of Pleasanton in a chronological order from Native Ohlone to the present day.
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Kid's Corner
Kids are welcome to drop in and explore the Kid's Corner! The Kid's Corner is an exhibit area designed for preschool through early elementary ages with dress up, craft activities, books, old time games, and more. Activities change periodically throughout the year, so drop by and see what's new!
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2020 Upcoming Exhibits
Imagination Expressed 2020
January 8 - March 15
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Our annual collaborative exhibit with the Pleasanton Art League that showcases the artistic talents of local artists from the Tri Valley.
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The Pleasanton Ones
March 17 - May 3
This exhibition showcases the work of local photographer Tao Guan as he explores the Pleasanton community through his camera lens.
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A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West
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After the opening of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, the public clamored for images of the newly accessible American West. The Harper Brother’s publishing firm in New York sought to capitalize on this, and chose Jules Tavernier and Paul Frenzeny to provide images of the frontier. The intrepid men were skilled at depicting newsworthy places or events that favored the plight of the common man. Coupled with their artistic and journalistic talent and keen powers of observation, they were a powerful team; Tavernier created each engraving’s watercolor painting before handing it off to Frenzeny, who added newsworthy details and drew the scene in pencil on wood blocks.
The prints in this exhibit trace the artists’ journey to San Francisco, where both men initially settled in 1874 and became an important part of the city’s art life. From there, Tavernier traveled down the coast to visit the Monterey Peninsula and before long opened the town’s first professional art studio. He returned to San Francisco four years later, but his insatiable appetite for adventure eventually led him to Hawaii. After spending time in Monterey to refine his skills as a watercolorist, Paul Frenzeny resumed his career as a special correspondent in New York, and became an illustrator of choice for Western Adventure stories and for such famous novels as Anna Karenina and the Jungle Book. He also worked as a rider in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in London, where he spent the rest of his life.
A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West is curated by Dr. Claudine Chalmers and traveled by Exhibit Envoy.
The prints in this exhibit trace the artists’ journey to San Francisco, where both men initially settled in 1874 and became an important part of the city’s art life. From there, Tavernier traveled down the coast to visit the Monterey Peninsula and before long opened the town’s first professional art studio. He returned to San Francisco four years later, but his insatiable appetite for adventure eventually led him to Hawaii. After spending time in Monterey to refine his skills as a watercolorist, Paul Frenzeny resumed his career as a special correspondent in New York, and became an illustrator of choice for Western Adventure stories and for such famous novels as Anna Karenina and the Jungle Book. He also worked as a rider in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in London, where he spent the rest of his life.
A Great Frontier Odyssey: Sketching the American West is curated by Dr. Claudine Chalmers and traveled by Exhibit Envoy.
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Water/Ways
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The Smithsonian’s Water/Ways exhibition dives into water – an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically. Water powers the environment’s engine, impacting climate and helping to shape and sculpt the landscape. Humans and animals rely on water for health, hydration, food supplies and hygiene.
But, water’s impact on humans is much more than just biological and environmental. Water is an important element in American culture. We are attracted to water as a source of peace and contemplation. Water carves out a place in our memories of where we live and we play. We cherish our connections to nature, particularly the sights, the sounds, and the sense of place we feel at the water’s edge.
Water also plays a practical role in American society. The availability of water had a significant impact on settlement and migration patterns. Access to water and control of water resources are a central part of political and economic planning. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of renewing and refreshing water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.
Water/Ways reveals the central nature of water in our lives by exploring a number of important questions:
But, water’s impact on humans is much more than just biological and environmental. Water is an important element in American culture. We are attracted to water as a source of peace and contemplation. Water carves out a place in our memories of where we live and we play. We cherish our connections to nature, particularly the sights, the sounds, and the sense of place we feel at the water’s edge.
Water also plays a practical role in American society. The availability of water had a significant impact on settlement and migration patterns. Access to water and control of water resources are a central part of political and economic planning. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of renewing and refreshing water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.
Water/Ways reveals the central nature of water in our lives by exploring a number of important questions:
- How do Americans use water? How is water represented in our society? In what ways do we use water as a symbol?
- How does water unite communities? How does conflict over water emerge and how do communities resolve it?
- How does water affect the way we live, work, worship, create and play?
- How do we care for water and sustain it for the future?
School Bells in Pleasanton
A History of Pleasanton Schools
August 18 - October 11
A look back on the development and growth of schools in Pleasanton throughout the years.
Phobias
October 12 - October 31
Explore the world of phobias in this annual exhibit.