Old Fresno Water Tower

The Old Fresno Water Tower is a brick structure with a distinctive beehive form that rises 109 feet, built with progressively smaller layers stacked upon each other. Its two-foot thick inner wall protects the interior, which now holds exhibition spaces for artwork and serves visitors exploring the building's architectural features.

Designed in 1891 by Chicago architect George Washington Maher in the American Romanesque style, the tower supplied water to the city until 1963. Following decades of operation as a utility, it transitioned into its current role as a cultural venue.

The building now houses a gallery displaying works by local artists, serving as a gathering place for the city's creative community. This transformation has turned it into a center where residents and visitors encounter contemporary art within a historic setting.

The site functions as both a visitor center and art space, with rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Operations rely on volunteer and part-time staff, so it is wise to check local information about visiting hours and current displays before making a trip.

A three-foot-wide passage runs between the outer and inner walls throughout the entire height of the tower. This hidden corridor once served maintenance purposes and now creates an intriguing architectural feature that visitors can explore while moving through the building.

Location: Fresno

GPS coordinates: 36.73921,-119.78722

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10