Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, located at 225 E. Stenger, is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the rich and cultural heritage of South Texas. This heritage includes visual arts, music, theater, dance and literary works. The center is named after Narciso Martinez, who is considered to be the father of Texas Mexican conjunto music. In 1982 Don Narciso was inducted into the Conjunto Hall of Fame in San Antonio, Texas. In 1983 he received the National Heritage Award from the National Endowment of the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Don Narciso captured the essence of the philosophy of being a proud man of Mexican ancestry and working class origins; a man of the people who over the years gave himself and his music so others could enjoy his contributions; a man who was willing to share his rich musical and Texas-Mexican border experience.
San Benito has a variety of recreational facilities available to for visitors including public parks, public and private golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools. For the avid outdoorsman, there are plenty world-class fishing, hunting and boating opportunities throughout the area.
There is so much to see and do in San Benito. The San Benito Visitor Center, operated by volunteers of the Cultural Heritage Coalition, provides information on San Benito and cultural events in other surrounding communities.
The center leads a coalition of San Benito based organizations advancing the development and promotion of the city’s historical and cultural amenities, particularly its musical heritage. The city has leased the Community Building to the Cultural Heritage Project to develop the Freddy Fender Museum, Texas Conjunto Musical Hall of Fame and Museum and the Historical Society of San Benito.
The strategic plan is intended to:
San Benito Public Library
The San Benito Public Library, located at 101 W. Rose, maintains a large collection of books, reference materials and periodicals, as well as Spanish materials in adult and children levels. The library also stocks a collection of books on tape, CD, VHS, biographies and educational videos.
San Benito Historical Society
The San Benito Historical Society strives to chronicle, protect and preserve the history and cultural heritage of the San Benito and surrounding communities. It advances the promotion of the city’s history and historical landmarks to residents, tourist and other visitors in order to promote and protect the use of historic districts and landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of the public.
The Freddy Fender Museum
Plans are under-way to create a museum commemorating the Grammy Award-winning singer, Freddy Fender. San Benito honored Fender by placing the likeness of the musician on its newest water tower.
