VISALIA, CA — Visalia Heritage is purchasing the city’s historic Depot building with plans to turn the landmark into a new Cultural Center Museum.
The organization has launched a $6 million fundraising campaign to pay for the project and has already secured $500,000 in donations. While the group works to finalize the purchase, board members expect the museum to open to the public in 2027 at the earliest.
A New Vision for the Depot
Walter Deissler, president of the Visalia Heritage board, said the museum will be designed as an immersive experience rather than a standard collection of artifacts. He described the future center as a place where visitors can interact with history instead of just looking at objects.
According to project plans, the museum features will include:
- A digital story quilt and a library
- A designated children’s area
- An exhibit dedicated to the history of Visalia’s Chinatown
- An outdoor courtyard with a stage for performances
- Spaces available for retail shops or art gallery leases
To keep the building active, Visalia Heritage plans to lease a section called the "612 room" to a private bar and restaurant. This area is intended to serve as a gathering place for the community.
Funding and History
The $6 million campaign will fund the restoration of the building and the creation of the museum’s exhibits. In addition to public donations, board member Mary Beatie confirmed the organization is applying for grants to renovate historic railroad buildings.
Visalia Heritage was founded in 1978 to protect historic buildings and older residences in the city. Since it started, the group’s work has included restoring a local chapel, creating a mini museum, and hosting community walking tours.
Information about the project and how to donate is available on the group’s website at visaliaheritage.org.
