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Inland Empire

Pioneer Architect’s Legacy Lives on in Downtown Riverside

Pioneer Architect's Legacy Lives on in Downtown Riverside

Julia Morgan’s architectural footprint can be found throughout California, from the grand Hearst Castle to modest community buildings. Here in Riverside, we’re fortunate to house one of her masterworks – a striking Mediterranean Revival building that has evolved from its 1929 origins as a YWCA to become our cherished Riverside Art Museum.

Morgan, who passed away in 1957, would have celebrated her birthday on January 20th. Her story reads like a catalog of firsts: the first woman licensed as an architect in California, the first female graduate of the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts architecture program in Paris, and decades later, the first woman awarded the American Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal – albeit posthumously in 2014.

While San Simeon’s Hearst Castle often steals the spotlight, Morgan’s true passion shone through in her community-focused projects. The Riverside Art Museum building represents her dedication to creating spaces that serve the public good. The structure showcases her signature ability to merge beauty with practicality, evident in its graceful proportions and thoughtful layout.

As highlighted in a previous Gazette article, Morgan’s design legacy continues to be recognized, with a recent podcast celebrating her impact and exploring the stories behind her groundbreaking career. This recognition adds another layer to her remarkable contributions to both architecture and the elevation of women in design.

Over her remarkable career spanning nearly five decades, Morgan designed more than 700 buildings. Each project, including our museum, demonstrated her meticulous attention to both structural integrity and aesthetic detail. Though the building’s purpose has shifted from its YWCA roots, its architectural significance continues to grow with time.

The building stands today as more than just another historic structure – it represents a pivotal moment in American architectural history when talent began to overcome gender barriers. As visitors explore the exhibitions housed within its walls, they’re also experiencing a piece of architectural history that helped reshape professional possibilities for women in design.

Those interested in learning more about Morgan’s work can explore the extensive collection of her papers and drawings housed at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Exhibitions currently at Riverside Art Museum