The Fresno house where famed writer William Saroyan spent the last two decades of his life will open as a museum on Aug. 31, the 110th anniversary of his birth, with a private reception.

A grand opening celebration for the William Saroyan House-Museum will be held at Fresno State’s Satellite Student Union at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with an exhibition devoted to Saroyan’s life. A formal program will begin at 7 p.m. with a movie about the Saroyan House-Museum project, speakers and musical performances, followed by a reception. Entrance is free, but preregistration is required.

“The Armenian Studies Program has had a long history teaching courses on Saroyan and organizing numerous conferences dedicated to him. It is the right time for the opening of the house-museum,” said Barlow Der Mugrdechian, coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program.

Beginning in September, the William Saroyan House-Museum will be open for tours by appointment online.

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