Muckenthaler House facts for kids
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Address | 1201 W. Malvern Avenue |
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Location | Fullerton, California |
Owner | City of Fullerton (operated by the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation) |
Type | Cultural center |
Construction | |
Built | 1925 |
Website | |
Muckenthaler House
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Area | 8.5 acres (3.4 ha) |
Architect | Benchley, Frank; Herbert, E.J. |
Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival, & Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
NRHP reference No. | 80000829 |
Added to NRHP | May 31, 1980 |
The Muckenthaler House, now known as the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, is a beautiful old home built in 1925. It's located in Fullerton, California. This large building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, which means it looks like old Spanish buildings. Today, it's a special place where people can enjoy art, music, and learning programs.
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What is the Muckenthaler Cultural Center?
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center works to protect the history of the Muckenthaler estate. It also offers cool art shows, live performances, and fun educational programs for everyone. It's a place where you can learn and be creative!
History of the Muckenthaler House
The Muckenthaler home was built in 1925 for Walter and Adella Muckenthaler. It cost $35,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then! The house has 18 rooms and sits on 8.5 acres of land in Fullerton.
In 1965, Harold Muckenthaler, Walter and Adella's son, gave the house to the city. He wanted his childhood home to become a cultural center for the community. In 1999, the Muckenthaler House was officially recognized as a historic place.
Important Dates for the Muckenthaler
- In 1965, the Muckenthaler family gave their home and land to the City of Fullerton. They wanted it to become a cultural center.
- In 1966, a group called The Cultural Groups Foundation of Northern Orange County was started. This group helps the city run the center.
- In 1967, The Center Circle Guild was formed. They help with programs, run the gift shop, and support events like the Florence Arnold Young Artists Festival.
- In 1980, the National Register of Historic Places officially listed the Muckenthaler home as a historic site.
- From 1981 to 1984, the entire property was carefully fixed up and made new again.
- In 1984, the first plan for the future of the Muckenthaler was created.
- From 1990 to 1993, a new outdoor amphitheater was built for performances.
- In 1994, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation took over managing the center and its grounds.
Architecture and Gardens
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center is known for its beautiful design and lovely outdoor spaces.
The Residence
- The fancy iron railing on the staircase in the entry came all the way from Italy.
- The colorful tiles around the fireplaces and on the sunroom floor were made by a famous company called Ernest Batchelder Tile Company.
- The library and sunroom have old furniture, including some pieces that belonged to the Muckenthaler family.
- Inside the mansion, there's an art gallery that shows art from all over the world. The art shows change every three months.
The Gardens
The property has nine acres of land with many different gardens to explore.
- There are lots of trees and palm trees on the property.
- You can find large, flat lawns perfect for events.
- There's a pretty rose garden.
- An outdoor amphitheater has built-in seats for shows.
- A stone gazebo sits where an old citrus grove reservoir used to be.
- The Italian Garden is surrounded by palm trees and has an iron gazebo.
- The Center Circle Patio is decorated with pretty lights.
- A Sculpture Garden displays art pieces all around the property.
- The Sunset Garden on the west side has plants that don't need much water, like wildflowers and grasses.