Since its inception as a regional arts center in 1948, the Fresno Art Museum has grown into an important museum of contemporary and modern art. The Museum evolved from a group of local artists who formed the Fresno Art League in the late 1940’s for the purpose of critiquing and exhibiting their artwork. In 1958 the Fresno Art League joined forces with others interested in building a place to exhibit and study art, and the original building was constructed on Fresno city property at Radio Park. Originally called the Fresno Art Center and Museum, it changed to the Fresno Art Museum in the late 1980’s.