About the Muck

Foundation

Mission
The mission of The Muckenthaler is to provide the public with experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination, while conserving the heritage and architecture of the Muckenthaler Estate.

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center offers extraordinary exhibitions, performances and engaging educational programs to Orange County’s diverse communities and beyond.

Vision
We are a celebration of the human spirit through the arts.

History

The Building
Located atop a sprawling hill in Fullerton, California, the Muckenthaler home is a testament to the design of architect Frank Benchley.   The Italian Renaissance-style estate is reminiscent of buildings constructed for San Diego’s extraordinary 1915 Exposition in Balboa Park. Commissioned at an original cost of $35,000, the Muckenthaler home was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924. The 18-room mansion was later donated to the city in 1965 by Harold Muckenthaler, who wished to see his childhood home used as a cultural center for the public to enjoy. In 1999 the Muckenthaler mansion received designation by the National Register of Historic Places.

Decorative Highlights
A fluid wrought iron staircase railing imported from Italy, greets patrons upon first arrival. Tiles that surround the fireplaces and cover the solarium floor were created and designed by the Ernest Batchelder Tile Company. The estate’s library and conservatory decor also features several heirloom pieces from the Muckenthaler family.

Timeline

• In 1965 the Muckenthalers donated the home and grounds to the City of Fullerton with the condition that it be developed into a Cultural Center.
• In 1966 The Cultural Groups Foundation of Northern Orange County was founded as a non-profit organization to work with the City in operating the center.
• In 1967 The Center Circle Guild was founded to provide additional support and volunteers for the programs of the center. They also ran the gift shop, sponsored the annual Florence Arnold Young Artists Festival, the Holiday Home Tour, and support exhibition related and education programs.
• In 1981 The National Register of Historic Places recognized the Muckenthaler home as a historic site.
• 1984 saw the creation of the first Master Plan outlining the future of the Muck.
• In 1990 the Foundation changed names to the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation. In 1994 the Muckenthaler changed hands with the foundation managing the center and the grounds. The Jane Deming Endowment was established to promote, preserve and assist the Foundation in its mission.
• In 2003, The Muckenthaler Cultural Center entered into a partnership with Colette’s Catering to provide wedding services on grounds increasing revenue through rental fees.
• In 2006, the Muck formed a partnership with Willie Tabata and “Mudd,” a clay arts business in Fullerton. A clay arts gallery was also set up in the basement. The program and Willie are now fully integrated into the Muckenthaler programs.