Muckenthaler House
Encyclopedia
The Muckenthaler House, now the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, is located in Fullerton, California
Fullerton, California
Fullerton is a city located in northern Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 135,161.It was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and named for George H. Fullerton, who secured the land on behalf of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway...
. It is a large Spanish Colonial Revival residence that was built in 1921.
Mission
The mission of the Muckenthaler is to provide our community with experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination, and to conserve the heritage of the Muckenthaler Estate. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center provides extraordinary exhibitions, performances and stimulating educational programs to Orange County’s diverse communities and beyond. We are a celebration of the human spirit through the arts.History
Commissioned at an original cost of $35,000, the Muckenthaler home was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924 atop a hill in Fullerton. The 18-room mansion on 8.5 acres was donated to the city in 1965 by Harold Muckenthaler, who wished to see his childhood home used as a cultural center for the public to enjoy. In 1999, the Muckenthaler received designation by the National Register of Historic Places. In its 45th year, “The Muck” now showcases more than 100 performances, gallery exhibits and classes every year, and serves more than 25,000 people. The center hosts more than 75 weddings and corporate events each year. In 2008, the center won the “Best Historic Site” and “Best Cultural Center” awards from OC Parenting magazine. In 2009, the center won the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce “Quality of Life” award for best non-profit organization in the city. In 2010, the center won the “Best Arts Organization Award” from the county wide arts council, Arts OC.History Timeline
- In 1965 the Muckenthalers donated the home and grounds to the City of Fullerton with the condition that it be developed into a cultural center.
- In 1966 The Cultural Groups Foundation of Northern Orange County was founded as a nonprofit organization to work with the City in operating the center.
- In 1967 The Center Circle Guild was founded to provide additional support and volunteers for the programs of the center. They also ran the gift shop, sponsored the annual Florence Arnold Young Artists Festival, the Holiday Home Tour, and support exhibition related and education programs.
- In 1980 The National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
recognized the Muckenthaler home as a historic site. - A complete renovation of the site took place from 19811984.
- 1984 saw the creation of the first Master Plan outlining the future of the Muck.
- 1990-1993 held the construction of a new outdoor amphitheatre.
- In 1990 the Foundation changed names to the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation.
- In 1994 the Muckenthaler changed hands with the foundation managing the center and the grounds. The Jane Deming Endowment was established to promote, preserve and assist the Foundation in its mission.
Architecture
The wrought iron staircase railing in the home’s entry was imported from Italy. The tiles that surround the fireplaces and cover the solarium floor were designed by the Ernest BatchelderErnest A. Batchelder
Ernest A. Batchelder was an artist and educator who made Southern California his home in the early 20th century. He is famous as a maker of art tiles and as a leader in the American Arts and Crafts Movement....
Tile Company. The library and conservatory decor features period furniture including several heirloom pieces from the Muckenthaler family.
- Mansion with Italian Renaissance-style architecture.
- Picturesque front entry with stone work and balcony over nine acre property: wooded knoll, many trees & palms, large flat event lawns, gently sloping lawns, rose garden.
- Outdoor amphitheater with built in seating.
- Stone Gazebo at original citrus grove reservoir Italian Garden surrounded by palms, with iron gazebo Center Circle Patio is accented with decorative lights Gallery in the mansion with art from around the world with shows changing quarterly.
- Wrought Iron staircase in foyer
- Baby Grand Piano in main gallery