Wow, Wow, Wow!
What a surprise we had when we visited the William Saroyan House Museum in Fresno!
Our 4-year-old summed it up perfectly –
When we first pulled up to the unassuming house in the middle of a tract neighborhood, he said “This is weird! Where’s the museum?”
And when we got back in the car after our visit he screamed “THAT WAS SO COOL!!”
It is truly ‘so cool’!
William Saroyan’s former home has been turned into a technological wonder that educates children and adults about this amazing man.
The experience begins at this wall, where replicas of Saroyan’s rock collection have been created with 3D printing.
It was so neat to pick up what looks just like a rock, but feels like a hollow piece of plastic, and we learned about why Saroyan loved collecting rocks.
Next, you move to the Visual Biography Room which uses more amazing technology to display many pictures of Saroyan’s life, his artwork and films in an interactive way.
We were able to view some films and slideshows using headphones,
and then enjoy Saroyan’s artwork and learn about his life through photos on these backlit walls that illuminate and darken as you move.
The tour guide answered all of our questions and shared fascinating information with us throughout our experience, and she was wonderful at engaging with the children as well.
The Saroyan House Museum also includes a Research Room with many of his books – most of which are very hard to find – and they encourage readers to stop and enjoy his writing.
The finale of the tour is the Hologram Room, where even more amazing technology brings William Saroyan to life in a brief presentation.
It is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!
We left the William Saroyan House Museum in complete awe, and you will too.
Our kids immediately started asking to go again!
What an awesome way to learn!
You can tour the museum for free on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays by making a reservation online at least 24 hours in advance.
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