Mission
Our mission is to provide our community experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination, and to conserve the heritage of the Muckenthaler Estate.

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

History

The Building

Commissioned at an original cost of $35,000, the Muckenthaler home was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924 on eight acres located atop a hill in Fullerton. Designed by architect Frank Benchley, the Italian Renaissance-style structure is reminiscent of buildings constructed for San Diego’s 1915 Exposition in Balboa Park.  The 18-room mansion was 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

The wrought iron staircase railing in the home’s entry was imported from Italy. The tiles that surround the fireplaces and cover the solarium floor were designed by the Ernest Batchelder Tile Company. The library and conservatory decor features period furniture including 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. 
• A complete renovation of the site took place from 1981-1984.
• 1984 saw the creation of the first Master Plan outlining the future of the Muck.
• 1990-1993 held the construction of a new outdoor amphitheatre.
• 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.  The new clay arts program was brought on board and has become a centerpiece of the arts education programs.  A clay arts gallery was also set up in the basement.  The program and Willie are now fully integrated into the Muckenthaler programs.