Riverside Metropolitan Museum: A California Hidden Gem
Riverside, California is a hidden gem in Southern California. Although it is the 12th largest city in the state, it often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Los Angeles and San Diego. However, what Riverside lacks in size, it makes up for in culture and history. One of the best places to experience this is at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.
The Riverside Metropolitan Museum is the largest museum in Riverside. It was founded in 1924 and is housed in a beautiful Spanish-style building that was built in 1909. The museum has an extensive permanent collection that includes art, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of Riverside and its place in Californian history. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also has changing exhibitions that are sure to interest and educate visitors of all ages.
What to See at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum
One of the must-see exhibits at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum is The Story of Riverside, which tells the history of the city from its founding in the 1850s to today. This exhibit includes interactive displays and multimedia presentations that bring Riverside’s past to life. Another can’t-miss exhibit is The Friendly Invasion: The United States Military presence in Riverside County during World War II. This exhibit chronicles how over 500,000 servicemen were stationed in Riverside County during the war and explores how their presence changed the course of history.
In addition to these two excellent exhibits, be sure to check out whatever temporary exhibitions are on display during your visit. Past temporary exhibitions have included everything from fine art to dinosaur bones! There’s always something new and exciting to see at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum.
Whether you’re a resident of Riverside or just visiting, be sure to add the Riverside Metropolitan Museum to your list of places to see. With its beautiful Spanish-style building, extensive permanent collection, and changing temporary exhibitions, there’s something for everyone at this hidden gem of a museum.