The building was designed by Julia Morgan, the same architect responsible for the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
The site served as the local Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) until the museum acquired the building in the 1960s.
The museum features a unique indoor pool area, a vestige of its time as a YWCA, which has been repurposed for art installations.
The exterior architecture is characterized by a Mediterranean Revival style, reflecting the design trends of the late 1920s.
The museum's collection emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Chicano art and the broader artistic output of Inland Southern California.
The Riverside Art Museum is housed in a building originally designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan in 1929, serving as a historic anchor in downtown Riverside. The museum features a rotating selection of exhibitions showcasing regional California artists, contemporary craft, and visual arts. It offers an active educational curriculum, including studio classes, workshops for youth and adults, and community-focused lectures. The facility occupies a site that formerly functioned as a YWCA, preserving significant architectural heritage within its gallery spaces. It maintains a partnership with the nearby Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, effectively expanding its available exhibition footprint. The museum acts as a cultural hub, hosting regular community events and public art installations.
The dramatic staircase and preserved architecture in the museum's lobby provide the most distinct visual backdrop.
Check the museum's calendar before visiting, as certain gallery spaces are occasionally closed for the installation of new exhibits.
Combine your trip with a visit to the adjacent Cheech Marin Center to see a more comprehensive collection of Chicano art.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the historic building spans multiple levels and gallery rooms.
Avoid arriving during major downtown festivals or during the Mission Inn Festival of Lights, as street parking becomes extremely limited and traffic congestion is high.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume within the gallery spaces and refrain from touching the artwork or exhibit displays.
