SAN BENITO — More than a year after its completion, the doors are open at the new San Benito Cultural Heritage Center.
Since last month, the center has showcased a series of exhibits featuring themes tied to the area’s rich legacy.
“In a few short months, the city has established a strong working relationship with the Mexican Consulate and other entities to ensure an international flavor in the offerings that will be featured at the museum as it begins to flourish and grow,” city spokeswoman Martha McClain stated.
Now, city commissioners have approved admission fees for the center, open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The city is charging adults $4, senior citizens aged 55 and above $3 and students $2.
Meanwhile, the city is offering free admission to veterans and children under 10.
“The varied admission rates were created in order to attract diverse audiences and are based from a regional scale of rates from more established museums within proximity that offer similar services with short-term and long-term exhibits,” Luis Contreras, the city’s cultural arts director, told city commissioners earlier this month.
Now, the center is featuring La Frontera a Traves del Ojo de las Mujeres, or the Border Through the Eyes of Women.
Starting Dec. 20, the spotlight turns to barrioPOP, an exhibit by accordionist Cande Aguilar.
This week, the city launched Community Nights, a program offering free admission held on the second Thursday of each month, featuring new exhibits and programs such as Gallery Talks, spotlighting artists.
Nearby, the San Benito History Museum, the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum and the Freddy Fender Museum continue to operate at the city’s Community Center.
Meanwhile, the three museums are planning to showcase their exhibits at the Cultural Heritage Center.
“Efforts are underway to establish an agreement that will allow the three nonprofit entities to establish exhibits with the new city-owned Cultural Heritage Center,” McClain stated.
