MOR Open House Draws a Crowd

The last phase of construction for the Museum of Redlands is underway! The final contract has been signed and delivered to Tilden-Coil Constructors to finish the construction inside the building at 1 North Center Street in Redlands.

Over the past eight years museum volunteers have raised over $24 million. More than 90 percent of the funds have come from individual contributors. The exterior of the building and landscaping are largely complete.

On March 24, 2024, museum devotees were invited to tour the building before the final phase of construction begins. Despite the rain and cold, over 200 enthusiastic supporters turned out to take a look at the steel infrastructure inside and get a sneak peek of the exhibits being planned for the opening.

Visitors heard Nathan Gonzales, Archivist of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, speak about the creation of the first exhibits for the museum. They were then able to take a self-guided tour of the planned areas.

Twenty-five years after founders Nelda Stuck and Liz Beguelin proposed the idea, construction of the building should be completed by December 2024. Then the work of moving the collection into the building and constructing the exhibits will be accomplished by the Heritage Room of the A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Following the tradition established by Redlands’ Patron Saints, Albert and Alfred Smiley, this building, built largely with private funds, will be gifted to the City of Redlands and become part of the A.K. Smiley Public Library complex that includes the Library and the Lincoln Shrine.

Those interested in making a contribution to the museum project, will find new naming opportunities that have opened up inside the Museum. Engraved Pavers for the Pavilion courtyard area are also available for purchase. In addition, a generous donor has put up a matching donation of $500,000 to incentivize supporters to help make sure annual operating dollars and an endowment for the future are secured. Visit themor.org/give for more information.

Photos by Jemellee Ambrose

• Above: Looking through the steel infrastructure that will be come the Museum Store toward the main entrance to the MOR.

• Below: Open House visitors listen to Nathan Gonzales introduce the vision and concepts for the opening exhibits planned for MOR.

• MOR Board Member, Linda Serros discusses the Pavilion Pave Project with visitors and helps others find their paver locations.

• Open House visitors were offered refreshments and the chance to preview the MOR Pavilion Events Center.