Mission Inn

Mission Inn. The Mission Inn is a historic landmark hotel located in Riverside, California, renowned for its distinctive blend of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles. Founded by civic booster Frank Augustus Miller, it evolved from a simple adobe boarding house into a sprawling complex that has hosted presidents, inventors, and Hollywood stars. The property, often called a "national treasure," operates as a luxury hotel and museum, managed by the non-profit Mission Inn Foundation & Museum, and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

History

The site's origins trace to 1876 when Miller's parents established the Glenwood Cottage, a small adobe boarding house. Miller, inspired by California's historic missions and a vision to create a cultural destination, began aggressive expansion in 1903, engaging architect Arthur B. Benton. The hotel became a centerpiece for Riverside's growth during the Southern California citrus boom. Subsequent wings were added over decades, including the notable Spanish Wing and Rotunda Wing, funded by Miller's partnerships with local citrus barons. The property faced decline after Miller's death in 1935 and narrowly avoided demolition in the 1970s, leading to a major restoration spearheaded by community leaders and the Riverside City Council.

Architecture

The complex is a celebrated example of Mission Revival architecture, incorporating elements from Spanish Colonial, Moorish, and Byzantine styles, creating a unique "California Mission" aesthetic. Key features include the massive Campanario bell tower, ornate arcades, and the serene Spanish Patio. The interior boasts the spectacular Rotunda with its stained-glass dome, the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel containing rare altarpieces and santos statues, and the St. Cecilia Chapel designed for weddings. Architects like G. Stanley Wilson contributed later additions, integrating artifacts Miller collected from global travels, such as Chinese temple bells and European monastery doors.

Notable guests and events

The hotel has a storied history as a retreat for the famous and powerful. Tenants have included presidents William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan, who even honeymooned there. Inventor Thomas Edison and entrepreneur Henry Ford were frequent visitors, as were Hollywood figures like Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, and Ingrid Bergman. Notable events include the 1985 state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone hosted by President Reagan and the annual Festival of Lights celebration, inaugurated in 1992, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each holiday season.

Museum and collections

Operated by the Mission Inn Foundation & Museum, the property functions as a living museum. The foundation curates extensive collections amassed by Frank Miller, featuring over 16,000 artifacts. Highlights include a significant assemblage of Asian and Pacific Rim art, Native American baskets and pottery, and an impressive array of European and American paintings. The collection also contains historic liturgical objects, antique firearms, and mission bells from around the world. Guided tours, such as the "Tour of Treasures," provide public access to these collections and the hotel's historic spaces.

Cultural significance and preservation

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mission Inn is a cornerstone of Riverside's identity and a major driver for California tourism. Its preservation is a testament to successful historic preservation advocacy, led by the Mission Inn Foundation & Museum and supported by the City of Riverside. The hotel's cultural role is celebrated through events like the Festival of Lights and its frequent featuring in films, television, and media, solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of California's heritage and architectural ambition. Category:Hotels in California Category:National Historic Landmarks in California Category:Mission Revival architecture in California