Riverside's Local Gem and California Treasure...
Throughout the state of California and across the country, a buzz is building about the importance of pioneer architect, Julia Morgan, and the buildings she designed and the contributions she made to cultural heritage.
In the midst of our beautiful city, we have a Morgan-designed landmark treasure. We take pride in preserving our building and we enhance its distinctive architecture by showcasing fine art within its walls. You know us as the Riverside Art Museum.
Architect Julia Morgan designed 700+ building in her architectural career, including the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon. And if the California Cultural and Historical Endowment is successful in its launching of its Landmarks California Julia Morgan 2012 collaboration effort, all historic Morgan architecture will be cherished, restored, preserved, and interpreted as community treasures. They understand that historic and timeless architecture contributes to the development of vibrant communities, supports cultural use and restoration, and promotes cultural tourism.
And we agree! Our beautiful historic building warrents local, regional, and national attention. Built in 1929 as a YWCA, the building became home to artists and art lovers and blossomed to embrace its community through the arts almost 50 years ago. A work of art in itself, the building is a place to quietly roam and experience the world of art. Don't be surprised if Julia's design work inspires you to find your inner artist as well. We have art classes all year long for kids and adults of all levels.
Soon throusands of travelers worldwide will visit our museum as they look for historic Julia Morgan architectural landmark destinations during their travels to California. As as resident of Riverside, you can be very proud to share our historic gem with your family, friends, and visitors. It is no secret that we have a vibrant, beautiful, and walk-able downtown, perfect for a day of exploring.
We look forward to meeting you.
Julia Morgan, Architect
The historic structure which houses the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) was built by the renowned architect Julia Morgan. Morgan was born in San Francisco on January 20, 1872 and attended the University of California, Berkeley beginning in 1890. In 1894 she became the first woman to graduate from the university with a degree in civil engineering.
While studying at Berkeley, professor and celebrated architect Bernard Maybeck (1862-1957) recognized Morgan's great intellect and potential. Maybeck hired Morgan to work in his studio and became her lifetime mentor, advisor, and close friend. It was Maybeck who suggested that she attend the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and eventually Morgan became the first woman admitted to the school. In 1902, in her thirtieth year, Morgan returned to Oakland with her certification of completion and immediately began to work.
