Looking up at the Junipero Serra Museum
The museum contains a number of different attractions and exhibits for you to view when you visit. In addition to those listed below, there are also rotating exhibits and annual events. You can check the website to see what events are running when you plan your visit.
Concord Stagecoach
The Concord stagecoach is one of the most impressive parts of the museum. It was restored in 1961 and now stands as the centerpiece in the main exhibit room. The stagecoach is valued at over $10,000, making it the most valuable antique at the museum.
The Presidio
As a mission site and a military base, the Presidio is full of history. Visitors can take a peek into this history by interacting with various displays that offer insight into historic events. There are audio recordings from contemporary historians, a three-dimensional rendering of what the mission would have looked like when it was first constructed, and an interactive timeline to explore.
The Presidio also contains some of the artifacts that were recovered from previous archaeology projects at the site. These artifacts provide greater insight into how people lived during and even before the construction of the original mission.
Iconic Regional Landmark
The Junipero Serra Museum sits on one of the most significant historical sites on the West Coast, the site of the first permanent European settlement in what is today the State of California.
Landing Gallery
On the upper floor of the museum, you’ll find the landing gallery. This room contains information about the development of San Diego along the river. It includes a visual history of the San Diego River watershed and what the surrounding area looked like during each time period.
San Diego History Center Art Collection
The Junipero Serra Museum houses a huge fine art collection curated by the San Diego History Center. This art collection is notable because it focuses entirely on pieces related to the history of San Diego and its early settlements. The collection aims to bring recognition and acknowledgement to artists that lived in the area throughout history.
Main Steeple of the Junipero Serra Museum
Tower Vista Gallery
If you’re looking for a great photo op, look no further than the tower vista gallery. This tower is the highest point of the museum. When guests reach the top, they can look out over a picturesque scenery that stretches in all directions.