REDLANDS, Calif. — After more than two decades of planning, Redlands has officially accepted ownership of the Museum of Redlands, a $30 million, 24,000-square-foot cultural facility gifted by the Redlands Historical Museum Association (RHMA).
Why it matters: The Museum of Redlands (MOR), located at 700 Brookside Avenue, represents the culmination of years of community fundraising and partnership to create a home for Redlands history.
Details: The state-of-the-art facility includes flexible exhibit galleries, an outdoor event pavilion, a landscaped courtyard, a museum store, archival storage and spaces for traveling exhibits, educational programs and interactive displays.
“This agreement secures the long-term public ownership of a premier museum facility, ensures transparency and accountability and preserves the public-private partnership that made this project possible,” said Assistant City Manager Chris Boatman.
Under the terms of the agreement, RHMA gifted the completed building to the city at no cost. In return, the city will maintain and operate the property as a historical museum and resource for at least 25 years. The A.K. Smiley Public Library Board of Trustees will provide oversight while the city takes responsibility for staffing, utilities and upkeep.
The RHMA has already repaid half of a $1 million city loan and retains certain rights to manage the museum store and event pavilion.
“It has really been quite a journey over the last 10 years, and I must say that I’m extremely proud that I am part of the RHMA team,” said Tim Rochford. “I’m also proud and excited, along with other members of that same team, that we are about to give the city of Redlands possibly the most expensive value wise gift on record.”
Background: The vision for a Redlands museum began in 2000 with a city-appointed committee to study the feasibility of a historical museum in the city. After years of searching for a viable location—including Old City Hall, Safety Hall and the Brookside Post Office—the RHMA purchased the former Redlands Daily Facts building in 2014.
Construction of the museum began in 2021 and was completed in February 2025.
A celebration of Redlands: During the June 17 meeting, Council members praised the RHMA’s perseverance and generosity.
“I just wanted to say thank you RHMA for this amazing gift and for your persistence. I know this has been a long time coming and I for one am very excited about its opening. Congratulations and thank you,” said Council Member Denis Davis.
Council Member Eddie Tejeda added, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to finally highlight those contributors that make our city and have made our city since its inception the wonderful place to live that it is.”
The vote ended on a celebratory note, with applause and a group photo of council members and Museum of Redlands volunteers, who shook hands and smiled widely to mark the next step in the museum's journey.
