Page 20 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2024-2025 appreciation of the arts and sciences through its exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs; and to preserve, expand, and display its permanent art and science collections. IMAS is a Smithsonian Affiliate, fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and is the premier art and science museum of South Texas containing over 50,000 square feet of exhibit spaces. The fine art galleries host a number of permanent and revolving international and regional art and science exhibits. The museum houses the McAllen Public Utility (MPU) Science Lab and Ann Moore Art Studio, which host a variety of hands-on activities that change monthly. A must-see exhibit at IMAS is Science on a Sphere, an interactive theater space with daily presentations on space and weather. The Discovery Pavilion offers an interactive learning space for younger visitors and a display of minerals from the permanent collection. IMAS is located at the corner of Bicentennial and Nolana, at 1900 W. Nolana Ave. in McAllen. Regular hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Current admission is $5 for general, and $3 for children ages 4-12, students ages 13-18, and seniors age 65+. Please visit the website at www.theimasonline.org, the Facebook page, or call (956) 681-2800 for more information. McAllen Heritage Center Explore McAllen history at the McAllen Heritage Center! Located in the historic former U.S. Post Office in downtown McAllen, you will enjoy the city’s history chronologically displayed in photos and other artifacts, and special exhibits about schools, musicians, businesses, and other historical items. Local talented artists are honored in the “Artist’s Corner” where artwork is displayed on a rotating basis. The museum offers various historical videos that visitors can enjoy in the presentation room, a children’s Book Nook, and various special exhibits hosted throughout the year. The museum store, “La Tiendita”, which is also online, carries many historical books including the Valley Land Fund books and books by local authors along with an array of tee shirts and fun McAllen souvenirs. Also offered are items crafted by local glassworks artisan, Yoli Cantu. Take a photo at our outdoor mural entitled, “Greetings from McAllen“ by local artist Lupe Hernandez. There is much to see and enjoy at the museum and you are welcome to come visit! Call to inquire about group tours or field trips. There is no admission fee, however door donations are accepted. Limited free parking is available in the rear parking lot. The McAllen Heritage Center is located at 301 S. Main St. in McAllen. Hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (956) 687-1904, email info@mcallenheritagecenter. com, or visit www.mcallenheritagecenter.com or the Facebook page for current exhibits and other information. Payne Arena The Payne Arena is a multi-purpose complex that features a 6,800-seat arena that will configure up to 5,500 seats for basketball, ice hockey, football, and soccer and a center stage concert capacity of 7,000 seats. The arena features 25 suites and 500 club seats. The property also includes 2,200 parking spaces, a lounge with access from outside of the arena, as well as a bar and pro shop. Throughout the years, Payne Arena has featured shows, concerts, sporting events and other entertaining events. The Arena is located at 2600 N. 10th St. (Hwy. 336) in Hidalgo. Tickets can be purchased from the box office, Ticketmaster, or other outlets. Visit www.hidalgoarena.com or call (956) 6461050 for a schedule of events or more information. Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum The Magic Valley’s early 20th Century transition into an agricultural powerhouse is retold at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum, which also embraces nature conservation as a wing of the World Birding Center. The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse began pumping water to create an agricultural empire north of the Rio Grande in 1909 when the Louisiana-Rio Grande Canal Company installed steam-driven pumps, fueled by mesquite wood to pump the water to irrigate farms. The Pumphouse, which is on the
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