In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) will be offering free admission to the opening of a new special exhibition titled, Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. This free access was made possible by the SBCM Foundation and partner sponsors.  

Organized and curated in partnership with the Inland Empire Latino Art Association, the exhibit features work by 29 local Inland Empire artists. It will be on view at the museum through Oct. 20, 2024. 

Museum Director David Myers said, “We are excited to host this exhibit of exceptional local artists during Hispanic Heritage Month, and we are excited to once again collaborate with the Inland Empire Latino Art Association. The museum is a space for community interaction with history, and what profound stories these artists share through their works!” 

Each year, Americans officially observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100- 402. 

The San Bernardino County Museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child ages 6 to 12). Children five and under and museum members are admitted free. Parking is free and the museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. 

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.